Dear Returning Upper School Students,

Welcome back! We hope that everyone has had a relaxed and safe summer full of growth and discovery. Whether you were working hard at a (hopefully distanced) job or catching up on Disney Plus, we hope you found renewal and comfort. In a few weeks, we will be gearing up for the new school year. We, as your new Student Council, are here to support you as we go through it together. We are excited to be back on campus with all of you and we are ready to make this upcoming year one to remember.

As students, we know how hard the last two years have been. Whether it’s been learning from home, only seeing our friends from a distance, or losing out on opportunities we expected to have, it hasn’t been easy for any of us. That’s why we are so excited to welcome all of you back to campus this fall and we can’t wait to see you all in person.

As you transition into a school year that may feel unfamiliar, we hope that you continue to explore your interests and passions the same way you did in your previous years at Park. If you’ve enjoyed watching movies, join Film Club. If you’ve developed a deeper interest in current events, consider joining Politics Club. If you’ve enjoyed working with younger students, join the Partners Program. Take classes that interest you; continue to grow as an individual and a student. Let’s enjoy the last bit of summer we have left and anticipate the intellectual challenges we’ll face this year.

When you come back to school, things will feel a little different. That being said, the things that make Park most special — the community, the people, and the commitment to learning — are stronger than ever. We encourage you to pursue new experiences this year, whether it be in a class, a club, or something else altogether. Know that we are dedicated to supporting you in any way during this transition!

Your workload will be greater, and you will have new responsibilities, as well as more exciting things to look forward to. We hope to make this year more productive through change that you want to see. You, as a part of the student body, are an integral member of life at Park; we want to hear your voice and ideas, and communicate ours to you. We hope you explore the opportunity to run as a senator, or drop in to our weekly Senate meetings. Also, this is a reminder for you to start your summer reading books if you haven’t already done so.

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

John Apostolo ‘23, President (johna23@parkschool.net) (New to Park in ninth grade)

Isabella Otterbein ‘22, Vice President (isabellao22@parkschool.net) (New to Park in ninth grade)

Gabe Sachs ‘24, Treasurer (gabes24@parkschool.net) (New to Park in Pre-Kindergarten)

Cate Cochran ‘23, Secretary (catec23@parkschool.net) (New to Park in ninth grade)

Dear Class of 2024 and New Upper School Students,

Congratulations on your entrance to the Park Upper School! As your Student Council, we write to welcome you to the community and share some of the experiences that helped us adapt to the new environment. We hope that your transition to our community will be smooth, and we will do all we can to support you throughout the process.

Whether you’re coming from downstairs, across the country, or across the globe, we are excited to have you be part of our community. Park is a place in which everyone has the chance to get to know themselves through new experiences (both in and out of the classroom). We hope you consider joining one of the many clubs we offer, some of which include Mock Trial, Debate Club, Park Arts, Robotics, and of course, Student Senate. If you don’t see something that interests you, start a new club!

Many of these activities take place outside of class time. In addition to exploring new things and clubs, we also suggest that you use your free time to set up meetings, get ahead on your homework, join our chorus (Park Singers), or just relax.

We hope that you find Park’s Upper School both challenging and welcoming. Make sure you get to know your teachers and advisor, as relationships with faculty are an excellent way to ensure your success, whether it be through advocacy, helping you understand a difficult concept from class, or whatever else you may need. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to ask questions or for help.

This year in particular, we continue to persevere through problems out of our control. Regardless, we are dedicated to ensuring the strength of our community. We encourage you to reach out to us, your peers, and your teachers throughout these strange times. If you find your motivation levels low, reach out to our learning specialist. If you are struggling in a class, set up office hours with your teacher: our best advice for you is to advocate for yourself.

No matter what you’re interested in or how you spend your free blocks, we know you’re going to do great at Park. Know that we’re here to support you and excited to meet you at orientation! :)

Have a great year!

John Apostolo ’23, President (johna23@parkschool.net) (New to Park in ninth grade)

Isabella Otterbein ’22, Vice President (isabellao22@parkschool.net) (New to Park in ninth grade)

Gabe Sachs ’24, Treasurer (gabes24@parkschool.net) (New to Park in Pre-Kindergarten)

Cate Cochran ’23, Secretary (catec23@parkschool.net) (New to Park in ninth grade)

August 6, 2021

Dear Member of the Class of 2025 and Family:

Welcome to the Upper School! With Middle School behind you, the great adventure of high school is near at hand. We are thrilled that you will be joining us and excited about what you will bring: fresh energy, innovative ideas, and curiosity.

Before ninth-grade orientation arrives, we want to share some of the resources and people who will help you find your way. For ninth graders new to Park, there is your “buddy,” the veteran Park student you met this spring, who will get in touch with you before the start of school to answer any questions you have and then partner with you during Orientation.

Your advisor — whose name is listed on your class schedule — is an important source of support and guidance this year (and every other year). You will be part of an advisee group composed of five to ten students, some of whom will also be ninth graders. You and your advisor will have at least one scheduled meeting together each week, usually with the group, with other meetings occurring informally or as needed. Your advisor will oversee your academic and social-emotional progress, provide support and guidance when needed, and act as the primary contact for your parents with the school.

Parents and guardians, we recognize the importance of this last function for you, particularly as your child makes the leap to high school, and therefore hope you’ll be able to attend Back-to-School Night (Thursday, September 9), which will begin with a special, but likely virtual, meet-and-greet for advisors and ninth grade parents and guardians. This is a great opportunity for you to meet your child’s advisor, find out how the first few days of the transition to Park are going, and establish protocols for staying in touch. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and get a sense of what each class will be studying this year.

We also hope you’ll join us at the Ninth Grade Parent/Guardian and Student Meeting (Tuesday, September 21). We’ll send more information as the evenings get closer; in the meantime, please save the dates. We look forward to seeing you there.

Students, as you read in the letter from our Counselors, Krista Dhruv and Porscha Henson are available to speak with you at any time and our Learning Resource Teacher, Karyn Fisher, who advises students on organization, study skills, test accommodations, and learning plans, is available to you, too. And, of course, you have your teachers, me, and Elliott Huntsman (the new interim Dean of Students) to talk with at any time when you wonder about Upper School, your classes, and the opportunities you are finding here.

Turning to Orientation, when you join us on Monday August 30 and Tuesday August 31, you’ll have the chance to bond as a group, find (and operate!) your locker, navigate the building, master the schedule, attend an Activities Fair, get to know your class advisors, Melissa Osquist and Sidney Bridges, and a number of older students; and spend one-on-one time with your faculty advisor. The schedule for Orientation is being finalized by our student leaders and will be sent soon!

Your Upper School schedule is located on Veracross. Reviewing it with your advisor during Orientation will help launch you for the first day of school. If you study it now, you will notice occasional periods when you seemingly have no obligations. While you will have free time during the day, these blocks also provide important opportunities to meet with teachers for extra help, do research in the library, work on group projects, or catch up on homework. They may also indicate blocks when, for example, Parksingers (the Upper School chorus) rehearses, class meetings are scheduled, or when co-curricular activities convene. You will learn much more about the latter (also known as “X-Blocks”) at the Activities Fair during Orientation, and be encouraged to talk with your advisor and older students about balancing the use of these times between throwing yourself into interests new and old, doing work and meeting with teachers, and relaxing with friends.

You’ll also notice that your schedule does not show any Physical Education classes. Park requires students to earn six PE credits before graduating, either by playing on an interscholastic team (1 1⁄2 credits per season) or by taking PE classes (1 credit per class). PE offerings may include activities like yoga, Frisbee, and weight-training and fitness. Sign-up for PE will take place during the first week of school for those students who did not sign up this spring. If you’re thinking about playing on a team this fall, the time is near; please go to Park’s website to find out about the preseason practice schedule.

Although preseason participation is not required, it is strongly recommended, and expected for any player trying out for Varsity. It is a great way to get to know peers and older students outside of the classroom, and to begin getting in shape and adjusted to high school.

As you start your back-to-school shopping, please note that there is no list of prescribed school supplies for Upper School. Your teachers will let you know during the first few days of class of any special requirements. At a minimum, though, you should be sure to bring paper, a quad ruled notebook, writing implements (both pen and pencil), and a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator on the first day. Please see the technology page on this website (linked here) for more information on technology/computer specifications.

If you have questions about any of the details in this letter, don’t hesitate to contact the Upper School’s Administrative Assistants Lauren Blum (lblum@parkschool.net) or Kate Davidson (cdavidson@parkschool.net). You may also email usoffice@parkschool.net.

If you have questions or concerns about your schedule, please refer to the letter from the Registrar's office below.

We hope you have a wonderful end to your summer, and we look forward to an adventure with all of you this year.

Best,

Traci Wright Elliott Huntsman

Upper School Principal Interim Dean of Students

Dear Incoming 9^th Graders and their Parents:

Each year, the Math Department places incoming 9^th Graders into one of three or four levels of math. All classes study an integrated curriculum consisting of algebra, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry. These classes move at a variety of paces, differing also in depth and level of abstraction. The most advanced class covers many of the same topics, but also covers Euclidean Geometry and some additional topics. All groups study habits of mind for problem solving such as tinkering, simplifying the problem, and representing problems visually and symbolically.

Here is a description of each class:

• Math 9-1 will move at the fastest pace, touching on algebra, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry, as well as Euclidean geometry and additional topics.

• Math 9-2 will work from the integrated algebra/coordinate geometry/trigonometry curriculum. This class will move at a brisk pace, assuming comfort with algebra and a high level of abstraction.

• Math 9-3 classes will work from the integrated algebra/coordinate geometry/trigonometry curriculum, with more time spent on fundamentals.
  

• Math 9-4 classes will also work from the integrated algebra/coordinate geometry/trigonometry curriculum, with some extra support.

At the end of the 9^th Grade year, we will have a detailed and individualized understanding of students’ mathematical abilities and progress, which will inform both their placement into their 10^th Grade courses and the specific curricula of those courses. Students will have conversations with their teachers in the spring of 9^th Grade about what 10^th Grade course is most appropriate for them to take, and if any summer work is necessary. Our goal is to ensure that each student is always in a level that is engaging and challenging for them.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Tony Asdourian, US Math Co-Chair, at tasdourian@parkschool.net or (410) 339-7070 x4529.

We are excited to begin working with this year’s group of students.

Sincerely,

The Park Upper School Mathematics Department

PS: Here is a problem you might like to think about before school begins.

You have twenty-five racehorses. Each horse takes a different amount of time to run a course. You can run five horses against each other at a time. You have no timer, but need to identify the three fastest horses. How many races will it take for you to know the answer?

August 6, 2021

Dear Hashim, Elsa, Chase, Adele, Joshua, Deven, Daniel, Tehillah, Joy, and Families:

Once again, congratulations on your acceptance to Park School, and welcome to the community. You comprise a very special group of students who are entering Park after 9^th Grade. There’s much to learn about how the Upper School works, and we know that the next few months will involve a certain amount of orienting and adapting. But please know how excited we are about what you’ll bring: fresh energy, innovative ideas, and new ways of seeing.

Still, though, it might be nice to know where your locker is! Fortunately, there are a number of people and resources in place to help you find your way. We have matched you with a “buddy,” a veteran Park student who will get in touch with you before the start of school to answer any questions you have, and then partner with you during New Student Orientation, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31. The eight of you will have a chance at Orientation to bond as a group, navigate the building and the schedule, learn about co-curricular activities, have lunch with members of your class, discuss the school’s philosophy, and meet your faculty advisors. The schedule for Orientation is being finalized by our student leaders and will be sent soon!

Your advisor — whose name is listed on your class schedule — is an important source of support and guidance this year (and every other year). Once the school year starts, you’ll be part of an advisee group composed of five to ten students. You and your advisor will have at least one scheduled meeting together each week, usually with the group, with other meetings occurring informally or as needed. Your advisor will oversee your academic and socio-emotional progress, help you access resources and activities, provide support and guidance when needed, and act as the primary contact for your parents with the school.

Parents and guardians, we recognize the importance of this last function for you, particularly as your child makes the leap to Park, and therefore hope you’ll be able to attend Back-to-School Night (Thursday, September 9), which will begin with time set aside for parents/guardians of new students to meet with their child’s advisor. This is a great opportunity for you to find out how the first few days of the transition to Park are going and to establish protocols for staying in touch. We look forward to seeing you there.

Students: when you look at your schedule on Veracross, you’ll notice occasional periods when you seemingly have no obligations. While there is some free time during the day, these blocks also provide important opportunities to meet with teachers for extra help, do research in the library, work on group projects, or get a head-start on homework. They may also indicate blocks when, for example, Parksingers (the Upper School chorus) rehearses, class meetings are scheduled, or when different co-curricular activities convene. You will learn much more about all this during Orientation. Talk with your advisor and older students about balancing the use of these times between throwing yourself into interests new and old, doing work and meeting with teachers, and relaxing with friends.

You’ll also notice that your schedule does not show any Physical Education classes. Park requires students to earn six PE credits before graduating, either by playing on an interscholastic team (1 ½ credits per season) or by taking PE classes (1 credit per class) after the end of the school day. You can get in touch with one of our Upper School Administrative Assistants to find out whether you have PE credits left to earn, and to learn about opportunities for doing so. For those of you who did not sign up this spring, sign-up for PE will take place during the first week of school. If you’re thinking about playing on a team this fall, the time is near; please go to Park’s website to find out about the preseason practice schedule by clicking here. Although preseason participation is not required, it is strongly recommended, and expected for any player trying out for Varsity. It is a great way to ease yourself back into the school year.

As you start your back-to-school shopping, please note that there is no list of prescribed school supplies for Upper School. Your teachers will let you know during the first few days of class of any special requirements; at a minimum, though, you should be sure to bring paper, a quad ruled notebook, writing implements (both pen and pencil), and a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator on the first day. Please see the technology page on this website (linked here) for more information on technology/computer specifications.

If you have questions about any of the details in this letter, don’t hesitate to contact the Upper School’s Administrative Assistants Lauren Blum (lblum@parkschool.net) or Kate Davidson (cdavidson@parkschool.net). You may also email usoffice@parkschool.net.

If you have questions or concerns about your schedule, please refer to the letter from the Registrar's office below.

We hope you have a wonderful end to your summer, and we look forward to an adventure with all of you this year.

Best,

Traci Wright Elliott Huntsman

Upper School Principal Interim Dean of Students

You are now able to log into Veracross to see your tentative schedule for the full year. Your fall classes will display on the landing page, and you can click on the "Future" classes tab to see your spring schedule.

If you have forgotten your password or are otherwise unable to log into Veracross, please contact portals@parkschool.net

I am very excited to report that...

• All Juniors and Seniors who listed a class that they wanted to take more than any other are enrolled in that class (unless it was cancelled, in which case you're enrolled in your top choice from either semester). This is a first!

• About 80% of course requests were satisfied with first choices (and most of those are Juniors and Seniors).

However, if you are interested in making a change to your schedules, you may!

1. Please be sure to check the Change Log in the Program of Studies. We have many new faculty with exciting new offerings (Renewable Energy! Music Technology! Astronomy!), and in turn, some classes have been canceled.

2. First, please check here to see if the class is full and that you have space for it in your schedule. If there is room in the class, zap me a note (dbright@parkschool.net) to let me know that you'd like to move into it.

3. If the class is full, please both add yourself to the waitlist here and send me an email right away about what you'd like to do. I'll be in touch!

Viewing your schedule/Recommendations

1. You can download a color-coded pdf of your schedule. It's often nice to have that paper reference, though it is static, and will not reflect any schedule changes, such as a weather delay or special events in the Upper School.

2. Your up-to-date calendar may be viewed in Veracross. Please see "the easiest way" in the linked document.

3. We strongly recommend that students have Veracross feed their class schedules to Google Calendars, which are linked to the Google Classrooms used by faculty. Please see "a convenient way" in the linked document.

Understanding student choice, scheduling, and an abundance of electives

We build our schedule around student requests by placing classes in blocks where the most students can take them. Classes are filled randomly with students who have requested that class.

Please understand, though, that our system does not make it any more likely that a student will get a very popular class. If 45 students request to be in a class of 16 (we have four such cases), 28 students will not get that class under any system. That's a 40% disappointment rate! However, students stand a much better chance of having smaller classes of interest open to them, where under another system, only your required classes are considered.

Our system is about being fair and equitable to all students and does not guarantee that any individual will get their first or second choices. Most students do.

Regular Spanish electives, Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics

Students recommended for "Statistics or Discrete" or for the regular Spanish electives have been placed in the classes that work best with their other requests. while keeping section sizes balanced.

Maximum class sizes

Please understand that different classes have different maximum sizes. Sometimes we have to keep one section smaller so that the other section has a critical mass (like Math 10-2 for 24 students, for example; if one goes to 18, the other will have only 6 students). Sometimes classroom safety is the dominant factor (as when working with power tools or chemicals, for example). And again this year, sometimes the constraint is how many students we can allow in a given classroom given our 3-foot minimum distance.

Rooms

Rooms will be assigned in August and will then appear on your schedule.

Human Sexuality seminars for Juniors

These, too, will be completed in August and will appear on your schedule.

Google Classrooms

Will continue to be set-up through August. Please be sure to respond to the invitation to join your Google Classrooms.

I look forward to working with you this year!

Dorrie Bright-Whitson

Upper School Registrar

410-339-4104

dbright@parkschool.net

Reference materials

• Program of Studies - contains course descriptions (as well as much information about Park)

• Master Schedule - showing which classes are in which blocks and if the class is full

• Guide to Registration - a summary of curricular requirements by department

• Sign up to be on a waitlist - note that ALL classes are listed; if the class is not full, please email me to get into it.

• Veracross calendars