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A Note from Mr. Ryan
A Note from Mr. Ryan
Dear Upper School Families,
This week is the first without our seniors, who are busy off campus, engaging in their Senior Service Projects. Our 9th through 11th-grade students are beginning to sense on the horizon an increased sense of freedom and responsibility that accompanies moving forward in our program. A small example of this is the traditional “lounge take-over” that occurs after the seniors' last exam, where the rising grades move into the lounge space once occupied by the grad level above them. Small traditions like these are important as they symbolize not simply a change of space, but also a shift in a sense of ownership and responsibility.
This morning, we held a combined class meeting for our underclass folks, where we discussed what it means to take ownership and responsibility. We didn’t just focus on behavioral and academic expectations - in fact, our focus was on what it means to be a responsible leader of our learning community. Responsibility, one of our core Upper School values, grounds student actions in the context of community and asks each individual student to ask themselves, “Is what I’m doing or saying good for the community (its people, its culture, and its spaces) or is it detrimental?" Taking responsibility for ourselves and for the good of the community provides a foundation that allows students to be and become their best selves.
Lastly, and as we approach the end of the school year, we want to remind our students to lean into support as they look to finish the year off strong. Whether it be scheduling time to connect with their teachers or finding a moment to check in with a trusted adult, it is important that our students know what resources are available to them. For some of our students, the stress of these final weeks can be a lot, and they don’t need to manage it alone. In that spirit, and in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we have shared a number of resources below that could be helpful to you and your child in this busy season and beyond.
Yours in partnership,
Kris
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
SENIOR CLASS OF 2026
We want to reshare the Senior Events document with you. Please keep this link handy as it contains information for all the events leading up to and including Commencement. Click here to access the document.
As part of our communication around senior events, we are pleased to announce this year’s Commencement speaker Raffi Gregorian ‘81. Mr. Gregorian was this year’s recipient of the 2026 Margaret Bailey Speer Alumni Award – the first male recipient in the history of this award. A former diplomat and Navy veteran, he serves on the board of directors of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, an organization that supports those who step forward in times of crisis to risk their lives to save others. We look forward to hearing what Mr. Gregorian has to share with our seniors.
SHIPLEY ARTS NIGHT - NEXT WEEK
Thursday, May 28
4:30 - 6:00 pm
Doc Morinell Theater & Chris Wagner Arts Wing
Please join us for Shipley Arts Night - a celebration of the excellent work from our Upper School students in the Theatre, Music, and Fine Arts Departments, hosted by our Arts Committee. Join us for live music, light bites, refreshments, and a special toast to honor our seniors before Graduation. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Please RSVP by filling out the form, linked here, by Friday, May 22. Please only submit one RSVP per family to avoid duplicate responses.
GRADES 9 - 11 LAST DAY of CLASSES
Tuesday, June 2
Grades 9 -11 last day of classes is Tuesday, June 2. Final exams for those courses that give a seated exam are on Wednesday, June 3 (Science) and Thursday, June 4 (Math), and Friday, June 5 (make-up exams). The final exam schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, June 3 - 8:30 – 10:30 Science Exams
Chemistry I (Std & Honors)
Biology (Std & Honors)
Honors Physics
Honors Chemistry II
Thursday, June 4 - 8:30 – 10:30 Math Exams
Algebra I
Geometry (Std & Honors)
Algebra II (Std & Honors)
Precalculus (Std & Honors)
Students will return their NuKases and school-issued laptops directly after math exams. Students taking make-up and double science exams may return their laptops on Friday. Laptops will be updated and available for pick-up in July for returning students; information is forthcoming from the IT department. Lost NuKases will result in a $20 charge to the student’s account. Returning students will be reissued a NuKase in the fall.
Friday, June 5 - 8:30 - 10:30 Make-ups and Double Science Exams in the Gordon Center
FINAL GRADES
Tuesday, June 16
Final grades will be available for families to view in ShipleyNet on Tuesday, June 16. Families will access these through their student’s Performance tab. College Counseling will automatically send final transcripts to colleges where students are enrolling.
COLLEGE COUNSELING EVENTS
The College Counseling Office has created a College Counseling Events document to compile all events, on campus, off campus, and virtual, in one place. Please visit the link as there are many upcoming college-related events.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH 2026 RESOURCES
The following resources are gathered from local organizations/providers and do not necessarily represent the views of The Shipley School.
NAMI
Family-to-Family Education Program
Once a week for 8 consecutive weeks and for no charge, families of persons diagnosed with a serious mental illness have the opportunity to learn about the major mental illnesses from trained family members. We are planning to offer a hybrid Family-to-Family course beginning on Monday, June 1. The course will meet once a week for 8 weeks on Mondays from 6-8:30 PM on Zoom or in person in Bryn Mawr. You can learn more from NAMI’s website or fill out the interest form here.
Giving Voice to the “Other” Sibling
Register today for NAMI’s panel presentation, Giving Voice to the "Other" Sibling, on Sunday, May 31, from 2-4 p.m. on Zoom. Join us for this virtual presentation that gently unveils the experiences of siblings of individuals living with mental illness. Their stories, often softly spoken in the background, reveal not only quiet resilience but also profound wisdom and a unique perspective within the family tapestry. Register here.
The Be Center
“The Art of Validation”
The Be Center is offering a free webinar for parents and caregivers on Wednesday, May 20, from 6-7 p.m. Struggling to validate your child without compromising your values? Worried about reinforcing unhelpful behaviors or losing your ability to set limits? In this interactive, hands-on workshop, parents will learn how to balance validation and boundaries to reduce conflict, strengthen connection, and communicate more effectively. Using principles from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), you’ll gain practical tools and practice them through role plays, real-life examples, and guided coaching — so you can respond with more clarity, confidence, and self-respect in challenging moments. Click here to register.
Mental Health America
More Good Days, Together: A virtual wellness experience
In honor of Mental Health Month, join Mental Health America (MHA) on May 20th for an immersive virtual experience designed to support your mind and body. Wellness is not achieved through a single change or action; it’s built on intentional, consistent practices that can lead to more good days. Register here.
Prevention Ed
Mind the GAPS: Gambling & Gaming, Alcohol & Drugs, Pornography, and Social Media
Today’s student risks are designed to capture attention and drive behavior. This free GAPS webinar explores the evolving landscape students are navigating, focusing on how gambling, substances, pornography, and social media impact the brain. Click here to register.
TWO WEEKS AT-A-GLANCE
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Recent Instagram Posts - Follow Along to See What's Happening at Shipley!
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