AWARD-WINNING WRITER JELANI COBB VISITS 'BC TALKS' TO SPEAK ABOUT FREEDOM OF SPEECH
Acclaimed New Yorker staff writer and Columbia University journalism professor Jelani Cobb was the keynote speaker at this year’s first installment of BC Talks where he spoke to Upper School students about freedom of speech. 

Dr. Cobb discussed the history of the freedom of speech in the U.S., and challenges of interpreting this right in modern times. Students then discussed the history and meaning of free speech and contemporary freedom of speech topics of their choice, such as sports, gender, political cartoons, celebrity, social media and vandalism. Photos .
JAZZ GREAT WORKS WITH UPPER SCHOOL ENSEMBLE
Jazz great Adam Kolker visited BC and worked with the Upper School Jazz Ensemble on the music they’ll be recording for the upcoming Essentially Ellington Competition. Mr. Kolker will visit again over the next few months to continue working with students.  
LOWER SCHOOLERS RAISE $3700 FOR HURRICANE RELIEF
Congrats to our Lower Schoolers who decorated and sold ceramic heart pins this week, raising more than $3,700 to help hurricane and earthquake relief efforts in Puerto Rico and, Mexico City and the Dominican Republic. 100% of the proceeds will go to hurricane relief.

Due to popular demand, all pins are now sold out, but students are making more and will be selling them at the Parents Association Halloween Party on Oct. 28. Photos .
TWO SETS OF SENIOR SPEAKERS!
Our first set of senior speakers were (left photo: L-R) Alex D., Imogen M. and Michael A.! Alex used stories of her encounters with ghosts to demonstrate how we should be accepting of and interested in others' views instead of dismissing them. Imogen talked about how she conquered her fears in two experiences in nature during her semester away at the Chewonki Semester School in Maine . Michael discussed how his friends support him when he thinks he can't do something and how they make him better. Learn more .

(Right photo: L-R) Lien A. and Tyler S. were our second set of speakers. Lien spoke on how she gained perspective on her life through conversations with a family friend who grew up in the segregation era. Tyler's speech drew a parallel between the changing contents of his backpacks over the years and the ways in which his life has evolved. Learn more .
ATHLETICS UPDATES
Read Athletics Director Dick McGrath’s Middle School and Upper School updates. View photos from our recent Varsity and JV Volleyball wins against Staten Island Academy.
8TH GRADERS USE ART TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES
8th graders recently created personas using only recycled newspaper to introduce themselves to others --without using words. Visual arts teacher Dr. Nell Daniel gave them 20 minutes to create their new persona and said what they came up with was amazing!
BC COMMUNITY DISCUSSES “I’M NOT RACIST…. AM I?”
Students, faculty and parents participated in screenings and group discussions of the film 'I'm Not Racist... Am I?', which documents 12 NYC teenagers as they explore race, racism, and privilege. Discussing the film is a way for the BC community to engage in conversations about these topics, share differing perspectives both in and out of school, and continue this important dialogue at home.
WORLD AFFAIRS BREAKFAST CLUB
Catalonia's independence referendum and the impact and causes of recent hurricanes were topics at recent Breakfast Clubs. The Catalonia talk featured BC’s resident Spaniards, as well as the cousin of Club advisor Ernestine Heldring who lives in Barcelona. Students asked questions about media bias and how the event fits into larger social and political movements happening all over Europe. Read more on their blog .
MIDDLE SCHOOL JAZZ ENSEMBLE PLAYS MINGUS (VIDEO)
The Middle School Jazz Ensemble recently performed for the Middle School morning meeting. Charles Mingus' "Nostalgia in Times Square" was the selection featuring Truth T. '22 on trumpet, Will C '22. on trombone and Evan W '22. on tenor sax.
AUTUMN STREETSCAPES INSPIRE 5TH GRADERS’ POETRY
5th graders took some time outdoors to learn about metaphors and similes by writing autumn poetry.
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE TOUR 
At this week’s College Night for Juniors and their Parents event, our College Counseling Office recommended this Psychology Today article for tips on making the most of a college tour. Follow the College Counseling Office's Facebook page for more tips and strategies about the college search process.
NEW FACULTY SNAPSHOTS
KATE GEYER (UPPER & MIDDLE SCHOOL LEARNING SPECIALIST)
Kate works one-on-one with students in our Center for Learning Strategies to help with time management, organization and self-advocacy and is also responsible for managing College Board and ACT testing accommodations. She has a master’s degree in education from Boston College and has taught, advised and coached at The Churchill School and Center. She also served as an Instructional Advisor to Division I athletes at Boston College.
SANDI SAM (REGISTRAR)
Based at Lincoln Place, Sandi comes to BC with extensive experience in databases and systems. Previously she worked at NYC Health and Hospitals where she managed personnel data, systems training, and work schedules. She has a masters degree in public management from Baruch College. 
BRIANA CELANO (LOWER SCHOOL PHYS. ED. & AQUATICS TEACHER)
Before joining us full time, Briana worked for five years as assistant coach and then head coach of the Middle School varsity swim team. In addition to multiple certifications in aquatics instruction, Briana has a BS in accounting from Rider University.





DON'T MISS 
Oct. 14: PSAT for Juniors
Oct. 16 - Oct. 20: 8th Grade Trip to Eastern Shore
Oct. 26: Middle School Parent Night: Social-Emotional
Oct. 28: PA's Halloween Party
Oct. 30: Picture Retake Day (Middle & Upper School)
Nov. 4: SAT
Nov. 7 & Nov 8: Parent Teacher Conferences (No Classes)
Nov. 11: PreACT for 10th Grade
Nov. 15: Upper School Music Concert
Nov. 22 - 24: Thanksgiving Break (School Closed)
Dec. 7 - 9: Upper School Musical: 9 to 5
Dec. 13: Winter Art Show
Dec. 21: Winter Concert
Dec. 22: Candle Lighting Assembly (Half Day for All Students)
Dec. 25 - Jan. 5: Winter Break (School Closed)
Jan. 10: College Alumni Panel
Jan. 12: Faculty Development Day (No Classes)
Jan. 15: Dr. Martin Luther King Day (School Closed)
Jan. 16: College Counseling Event (Speaker: TBD)



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