���������

Inside Scoop:ADVICE FOR UPPER SCHOOL

ALL THE THINGS YOU’LL EVER NEED TO KNOW FOR LIFE ON W. MELROSE

June/July 2014 Edition

WHAT TO EXPECT BROUGHT TO YOU BY:SGA 2014–2015

CAMPUS VIP’S: WHO TO KNOW

The Transition

As an incoming freshman, it would be untrue to say I was not nervous. Although I had been at Bryn Mawr for the majority of my life, high school was a different story: longer classes, more rigorous academics, and heavier time-commitments with sports. With the excitement of new freedom came an underlying fear of greater responsibility and challenges that would be more than I could handle. I was wrong. Within the first week of school, I had met with my advisory at least four times. There were friends, advice-givers, and helping hands everywhere I looked, with everyone trying to make sure I had the smoothest, most pleasant transition possible. Not a day went by without an upperclassman, teacher, or advisor checking in on me, asking me questions about how to improve my transition, and offering advice. I did have more homework than I had in middle school, but it was, and is, doable. We have two days to complete it, unscheduled periods, and understanding teachers willing to offer their help. I suffered from a serious concussion a few months into the school year, and received nothing but support, guidance and the necessary extensions. This community is fair, kind, and generous in offering to help make the transition from middle school to high school as smooth and enjoyable as possible! --Molly Tucker ‘16 11th Grade Vice President

Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is the biggest change between Middle and Upper School? The schedule is one of the biggest changes. In the Upper School, classes usually meet every other day for 70 minutes. Some students are initially apprehensive about having such long classes, but they adjust fairly quickly! Upper School students often say they like the fact that their classes meet on alternate days for many reasons: they don’t have to bring all their textbooks to school every day; they have homework due each day for only half their subjects; 70-minute classes make it easier to discuss a concept thoroughly before the bell rings. They also say that their teachers try to vary the class activities. Often one class includes a bit of lecture and note-taking, some small group lab or activity, along with, perhaps, watching a video clip or practicing a new skill. Another big change is the increased amount of freedom. Upper School students are not assigned to proctored study halls. How you use your unscheduled time is up to you.

2. What am I allowed to do during my unscheduled periods?

How you spend your unscheduled periods is up to you, but, of course, it makes sense to use that time constructively by working on your homework, fulfilling your PE requirement for the cycle, doing research in the library, meeting with teachers, or getting together with your classmates to work on group projects. There are rooms designated as “quiet zones” for you to work – take advantage of them! You may even, if you wish, choose to use your free time to work out in the weight room. In case of emergency, though, we should be able to find you whenever you’re not in class. That means you should be in a public place, e.g., the library, weight room, commons room, gym lobby, cafeteria, Resource Center, etc. You may not leave campus during your unscheduled periods – not even to go for a run or walk, or to visit a friend on another campus. 3. How many tests and quizzes can I have in one day?

Students may have two major graded works (e.g., test, paper, project, etc.) due per day. There is no regulation about the number of quizzes a student may have per day. To help prevent work overload, Upper School teachers are asked to post the due dates for major graded assignments on a “test calendar.” Occasionally, however, there may be a scheduling mix-up that results in a student being assigned more than two tests in a day. If this happens to you, be sure to mention it to your teacher, advisor, or Chief Advisor so that re-scheduling can take place. One thing that can’t be overstated: You should get in the habit of studying for upcoming tests several days ahead. That will reduce the amount of study time necessary on the evening prior to the test. Learning not to procrastinate is also important. Your years in Upper School will be an

important time for you to develop the top-notch study skills you’ll need to master the material in each of your courses. These study skills will help you do well at Bryn Mawr – and in college! 4. How can I meet with my teachers if I need help?

Upper School teachers are glad to meet with students for extra help to prepare for a test or to go over a paper. It’s your responsibility, however, to ask for the help; your teacher probably won’t seek you out. This is also true even when you’ve missed school because of illness. It will be your responsibility to find out what work you’ve missed as soon as you are able. If you feel that you need a little extra help, be sure to speak with your teacher after class. You can set up a time for the two of you to meet, either during an unscheduled period or during a 5th period. Another good way to get extra help is to set up an appointment in the Resource Center. You may do this by filling out a meeting request form in the Resource Center or by contacting Ms. Schaffner through email. Specially trained student mentors are available to meet with you during free periods or after school. Help is available for specific courses, as well as for study skills. 5. Will I have classes with students from other grades and Gilman and Roland Park?

In 9th and 10th grades, you will have classes with students in your own grade. There are, of course, a few exceptions to this. Some language classes, for example, have one or two students who are older than most of the members of the class, and if you take one of the unique languages (Russian or Chinese at RPCS; Greek at Gilman), you will see students from those classes either on our campus or at Roland Park or Gilman. For the most part, coordinated classes begin in 11th grade with History and English. In senior year, course selection is diverse, as all departments offer coordinated classes. 6. What do I do if I think there’s a mistake in my schedule?

With the help of your teachers, advisor(s), and the Academic Dean, Mr. George, you are guided toward a reasonable, yet challenging, program. Many things contribute to finalizing your schedule, including your interests, recommendations from teachers, your academic record from the previous year, and course availability. In order to request any kind of change to your schedule, you must first write a note (email is fine) explaining your problem to Mr. George (his office is off the commons room). For the first semester, you must do this by mid-September. Don’t try to rearrange your schedule by talking to the teacher!

7. How do I receive messages from my teachers or classmates during the day?

There are two ways that you will receive messages. First, you will be assigned a mailbox located in the commons room. You should get in the habit of checking your mailbox several times a day. Second, you will be assigned a Bryn Mawr email account. Check it regularly and every day. That’s the place where you’ll get information and updates from teachers, coaches, and/or friends. 8. How do I join clubs?

Student clubs and organizations are a huge part of Upper School life. A club fair will be held on September 12 to advertise the clubs available for the year. Clubs range from serious topics to fun and wacky ones. At the club fair, you will be able to see a booth from every club and sign up for those that interest you. You will also receive a booklet listing details about each student club and organization, including the group’s purpose, meeting times, and membership requirements. While there is no limit to the number of clubs you may join, it is important to remain committed. 9. How do I run for class office and what positions are available? The class officers (president, vice president, and secretary/treasurer) for the 9th grade are elected in the fall, after the retreat. Elected officers serve as part of the Student Government Association, work with the Chief Advisor to run class meetings, and help organize events for the class. Other elected positions include two class representatives for the Athletic Association (AA), Arts Council (AC), CAFÉ (Community Alliance for Everyone) and Community Service Learning (CSL). 10. When and how do I join a sports team or sign-up for an after-school activity? Is it possible to participate in Camerata (singing group) and play a sport? Because 9th and 10th graders take physical education, they are only required to participate in one after-school sport or activity during the year; juniors and seniors are required to take two. While these numbers are required, many students participate in sports and activities every season. Participating in athletics and activities allow students to become fully involved in the life of the school. To participate on a sports team, girls must attend a tryout. Though this can be a little scary (for everyone!), it’s a great way to get to know some of your classmates, as well as students from the other grades. Fall try-outs begin August 18 and include Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soccer, Tennis and Volleyball; winter try-outs begin November 5 and include Basketball, Ice Hockey, Squash, Swimming and Track; and spring try-outs begin February 17, 2015 and include Badminton, Golf, Lacrosse, Softball and Track. Most teams practice every day from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m., though a few (Ice Hockey, Swimming) are held in the morning. If you

have any questions about try-outs, you can email the Athletic Director, Wendy Kridel, at kridelw@brynmawrschool.org. The activities program is geared toward providing each student with an opportunity to explore her interests and talents and/or maintain good physical condition. Students may select from an array of school offerings. Activities include intramural sports and cardiovascular classes, as well as art activities and service-learning programs. Activities meet twice a week from 3:30 – 4:30 or once a week 3:30 – 5:30. Sign-ups for activities will be announced during convocation the first week of school. Because Camerata meets during the academic day, and is considered a class just like any other, you can be in Camerata and play a sport or participate in an activity. 11. How does the Physical Education Program work? The Physical Education Program is designed to encourage life-long fitness by giving you the responsibility of choosing and arranging classes that will fit into your academic schedule each 10-day cycle. You are required to sign-up for four-35 minute classes each cycle. The program offers an array of activities (cardio, yoga, power walking, weight training etc.). Ms. Steck, the Physical Education Department Chair, will explain the sign-up process during Orientation and she is always available for help throughout the year. 12. Can I take two languages? Taking two languages at Bryn Mawr is a great option for highly motivated students who excel at and take a keen interest in languages. This is possible by allowing a student to take only two of three required courses in either history or science (but not both!). Like the rest of the freshman class, double language students take six courses in 9th grade including two semester-long classes in technology and arts. There are 2 options: take a schedule without Physics or without History. Typically, 9th grade double language students opt not to take History instead of not taking Physics; probably the only disadvantage of not taking History is not having the practice of writing the History term paper in preparation for the 10th grade English term paper. Sophomore year, double language students generally take six courses, including History. This is, without a doubt, a demanding course-load with very few frees, and it means that the required second semester of art must be postponed until junior or senior year. Junior year, double language students can take only five academic courses, and most tend to postpone US History (though a few postpone Chemistry) until senior year. Double-language juniors will have fewer frees if they decide to take their art credit during this year. In senior year, double language students usually drop one of their languages. If she hasn’t already, the senior must meet all graduation requirements, including taking the second art credit and US History.

Responses to Questions From Current Bryn Mawr Students

1. Were you scared to enter the Upper School?

● I was not as scared as I was excited! The Upper School offers many new freedoms and opportunities.

● At first, I definitely was. I was especially scared of the upperclassmen, but now that I know them, I’ve realized they’re actually really nice.

● Not really. I was excited to be entering a new stage in my education. 2. What were the biggest changes?

● The biggest change for me was the longer class time. ● The biggest change for me was having so much more freedom. It is an amazing feeling

to have your first unscheduled period! Teachers give you more freedom too, but in order to enjoy it, you have to manage your time.

● Teachers expect you to actually do everything that they tell you! ● There are social changes as well – instead of mixers, there are dances that take place at

Bryn Mawr, Roland Park, and Gilman a few times a year. Some are casual and some semi-formal. There are also coffee houses where students perform; they are so much fun!

3. What is the best thing about Upper School?

● The best thing about Upper School is feeling as though you’re part of a close-knit community where you can have friends from any class.

● The best part about Upper School is all of the opportunities—whether in the arts (!), athletics, or activities—there are so many!

● The best things about Upper School are the freedom, clubs and the sports. The Upper School almost seems like college because you have so many options as to what clubs you can join and what sports you can play.

● The best thing about Upper School is the great people you meet. The teachers and students are so nice.

● The teachers definitely have a lot of respect for your opinions and really value what you have to say.

4. What is the hardest thing about Upper School?

● Keeping track of my time. While an unscheduled period may seem like the perfect opportunity to take a nap or chat with friends, getting work done during these periods definitely helps lighten your homework load. Use your time wisely and efficiently.

● For me, the hardest thing was accepting the fact that I can’t be involved in everything. Upper School presents you with so many opportunities and activities, and it can be difficult to make choices and to sacrifice some things for others.

● Balancing academics, athletics, arts activities and your social life. Be ready to take on whatever comes your way.

5. What are student-teacher relationships like in the Upper School?

● Teachers are more than willing to meet with you outside of class, and they always understand. I often chat with my teachers about current events just to catch up!

• The teachers in the Upper School have a lot of respect for students and for their opinions. I recommend making good relationships with your teachers as a freshman. Meet for extra help if you need it; teachers are more than willing to help! Also, since you have more unscheduled time in the Upper School, you have more time to get to know your teachers. It’s really great to have fun conversations with teachers and administrators because they treat you like adults and don’t patronize you.

• I do not know a school where the student-teacher relationships are better than at Bryn Mawr.

6. How does one go about choosing one’s classes? How many art classes can you take?

• In grades 9-11, your classes are pretty much selected for you, and there are no electives with the exception of choosing an art. You are required to take English, Math, Science, History, a foreign language, and at least one art.

• There are many art options (Acting Techniques, Foundations of Drawing, Dance Techniques, Dance Composition and String Ensemble) and in 9th grade you choose one art class (which will last for either a semester or a year depending on the class).

• When you have a choice, take the class that interests you. You’ll be much more successful and happy if you are interested in the topic.

7. What is the schedule like? How much time do you have between classes?

● There are four, 70-minute classes each day with a 15-minute passing time between each class. After 2nd period each day, there is either convocation or advisory. At the end of the day, there is a 35-minute, 5th period, reserved for club meetings, with sports practices following from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

● You will have 15 minutes to get to class, which is plenty of time. I have class at Gilman, and I still get everywhere on time.

● If you don’t have class during a given period, you have an unscheduled period. You are allowed to hang out anywhere on campus (!) in the Upper School.

8. Are classes harder in Upper School? What was your hardest class?

● Upper School classes are challenging, but totally manageable.

● I think that classes are a bit harder because they are at a higher level, but the schedule helps balance the workload.

● Classes are longer and more challenging. No one class is especially hard, but more is expected of you. In the end, it’s very rewarding.

● My hardest class was Physics, but I met with my teacher on a regular basis to get the extra help I needed.

9. What are 70-minute classes like?

● They may seem long at first, but they go by pretty quickly. We all know how time works – it flies when you're having fun! Allow yourself to enjoy each class.

● Believe it or not, I like 70-minute classes. Classes have a much more relaxed atmosphere because there is more time to get things done. In Upper School, you get a myriad of things accomplished during class time.

● Seventy minute classes are productive because you can get more done and not feel like you’re rushed to finish something in class.

10. What are drop downs?

● Typically, classes meet every other day for 70 minutes. Drop downs are additional 4th period classes added to the 10-day cycle. They are only a factor in junior and senior years.

11. How much homework should I expect?

● The homework load is a little more than in Middle School, but if you make sure not to procrastinate, it’s not too bad.

● Since you have class every other day, you have two nights to do each assignment, which is really helpful.

● Teachers usually give about 70 minutes of homework per class, but there are nights when you will have more homework than others and nights where you have virtually nothing to do. It’s best to do the homework the day it is assigned so you can talk to a teacher or other students if you have questions.

12. Are you close with girls in your grade? What are relationships like between girls in different grades?

● When you’re on a sports team or in a play or musical with girls in your grade and other grades, you start cultivating friendships you never would have expected.

● There are groups of close friends, but girls are not tied down to one group of friends. Branch out and get to know all of the girls in your class so that you do not define yourself by one social group.

● My class is very close, and while there are some people who are closer friends than others, the whole grade gets along well.

● Freshmen generally get along well with upperclassmen. Girls from different grades meet through athletics, clubs and arts activities making the distinction between grades less obvious.

● “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” --Oscar Wilde 13. What is Convocation like in the Upper School?

● Convocation takes place in the middle of the day. The entire Upper School comes together to hear a presentation, speaker or senior speech. It’s also a time for teachers and students to make announcements to get everyone excited for upcoming activities and events.

● Convocation is a favorite part of my day. You get to learn about the seniors as individuals. It is fun and never feels like just another class.

● I love convocation because it’s always a nice break in the middle of the day. It’s a great time for the Upper School to come together.

● It’s interesting to hear the senior speeches because you learn something about each senior, and can also learn from their advice.

14. What are advisors and advisory like in the Upper School?

● An advisor is not only there to be a familiar face, but is always a great resource to help you.

● An advisor is the best person to seek out when you are having a problem; he or she will advocate for you and will help with any issue – big or small.

● Advisory is a time to meet with your advisor (with about 10 other girls from your grade) to keep him/her posted on how you are doing. Your advisor is there to listen to things that are going well, and to help you work through situations that you may find difficult.

● Advisory is a time for fun! Once a week you get to have some down time in the middle of the day, and it’s a good way to meet different people in your grade.

15. What is the community service requirement?

● You are required to complete at least fifty hours of community service before you graduate. In addition to the actual service, you have to do a reflection piece based on your project. There are a couple of different possibilities from which you can choose. For example, you can write a children’s book, create a photo journal, or simply write an essay. I would, however, recommend that you finish your service-learning project before you start your junior year so that you do not have to worry about it as you approach senior year.

● Be sure to do your project early so that you can really get something out of it. You may want to continue volunteering!

16. Is the Upper School strict on uniform?

● Yes, the Upper School is strict on uniform. You will be given a detention for being out of uniform, but it is not hard to follow the uniform guidelines. Just stay in uniform and there is no reason to worry!

17. What are some pointers for managing time?

● Stay on top of the workload by doing it the day it is assigned. ● Do not procrastinate – you always end up regretting it in the end. ● Turn off your phone and other social networking devices when you are working – you’ll

find that you work much faster. ● Have fun on weekends, but set aside time to do your work so you can make the week a

little easier. ● Make sure to get plenty of sleep! It is difficult to be efficient and get work done if you are

tired. 18. Is there anything you wish you’d done differently in Upper School?

● I wish that I had been more focused on my schoolwork and less focused on my social life. Eventually your social life comes together without having to work at it, but your schoolwork requires consistent attention!

● I wish I had applied myself sooner and had gotten into the habit of working efficiently. ● I wish I had established stronger relationships with my teachers earlier on. I am so close

with teachers from my later years of high school, but I did not take the opportunity to seek them out as much in 9th and 10th grades.

● If I could do one thing differently, I wish that I would have branched out and gotten to know more girls in my grade right away as a freshman.

● I would have become involved in things earlier. I liked being involved in clubs and sports, but it is definitely something that I wish I had focused on earlier.

Top Ten Pieces of Advice from Your SGA 1. Stay true to yourself and don’t be afraid to chart your own path. 2. Be willing to take risks. You never know what you might discover about yourself. 3. Balance your social life and your academic life, but don’t let your life revolve around either. 4. Get to know your advisor, teachers, classmates and upperclassmen; you never know when you’ll need their advice and support. 5. Get involved in the Bryn Mawr community. Not only will you get to meet new people, but you’ll feel greater satisfaction in the community. 6. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Focus instead on the big picture. 7. Try to get organized early on and stay that way throughout the year. It will really pay off during exam time! 8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Everyone needs a helping hand at some time or another. 9. Look to your friends for support, and learn to find strength within yourself. 10. Most importantly, have fun!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of us!

Student Government Association

SGA President: Shanzeh Haque (haques@brynmawrschool.org) Vice President: Maire Stierer (stiererm@brynmawrschool.org)

12th Grade Class Officers

President: Teresa Norman (normant@brynmawrschool.org) Vice President: Nzingha Campbell (campbelln@brynmawrschool.org)

Sec/Treas: Julie Blaze (blazej@brynmawrschool.org)

11th Grade Class Officers President: Katrina Coates (coatesk@brynmawrschool.org)

Vice President: Molly Tucker (tuckerm@brynmawrschool.org) Sec/Treas: Callie Harlan (harlanc@brynmawrschool.org)

10th Grade Class Officers

President: Sydney Graul (grauls@brynmawrschool.org) Vice President: Anum Haque (haquea@brynmawrschool.org)

Sec/Treas: Sherrie Shen (shens@brynmawrschool.org)

Administration, Staff, and Department Heads Your Support Team and Where to Find Them!

Ms. Walsh Headmistress Gordon Building 1st Floor Ms. Galambos Upper School Director/Asst. Head of School Howell Building 1st Floor Ms. Swyryn Dean of Faculty Gordon Building 1st Floor Mr. George Academic Dean/Assist. US Director Howell Building 1st Floor Ms. Budzik Dean of Students Howell Building 1st Floor Ms. Jackson Director of Enrollment Management Admissions Cottage

Ms. Kridel Athletic Director Athletic Office Ms. Titus Director of Global Programs and Diversity Howell Building 1st Floor

Mr. Robinson Director of the Arts CH Office Ms. Schaffner Resource Center Director North Building 2nd Floor

Ms. Rice Upper School Administrative Assistant Howell Building 1st Floor Ms. Whalen Director of College Counseling Howell Building 1st Floor Mr. Curtis Director of Technology Gordon Building 3rd Floor Dr. Elton STEM Director Hardy Building 3rd Floor Ms. Reed Community Service Learning Coordinator North Building 2nd Floor Dr. Riley History Department Chair Howell Building 2nd Floor Ms. Grey Foreign Language Department Chair North Building 2nd Floor Mr. Amann Science Department Chair Hardy Building Ground Ms. Coble Mathematics Department Chair Hardy Building Basement Mr. Metsopoulos English Department Chair Howell Building 2nd Floor Ms. Steck PE Chair/Assistant Athletic Director Athletic Office