Dr. Wivagg named new Head of Middle School
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From Mr. Handmaker:
After conducting a national search that included finalists from Kansas City, St. Louis, and San Antonio, I am happy to announce that Keystone has hired Dr. Jennifer Wivagg as the Head of the Middle School. Dr. Wivagg currently serves as the Interim Head of the Middle School and Director of Learning and Innovation at Keystone. She holds a PhD in Learning Technologies from the University of Texas, a M.Ed in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M, and a B. A. in Piano Performance from Baylor University.
In a very competitive pool of candidates,
Dr. Wivagg
was far and away the first choice. Her knowledge of teaching and learning, her passion for working with students and teachers, and her commitment to Keystone’s mission made her the obvious choice to lead the middle school. As the Interim Head this year, she has already pioneered new initiatives around curriculum, social-emotional learning, and service learning. During the search process, the Search Committee sought input from teachers, students, and administrators, and everyone spoke to
Dr. Wivagg
’s commitment to the Keystone community and her ability to make an already excellent middle school even stronger.
Dr. Wivagg
will assume her new role in January, 2020. Please join me in congratulating
Dr. Wivagg
. We are excited to work with her in this new capacity.
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A big sigh of relief to Middle and Upper School students who completed their midterms and are now enjoying some well-deserved vacation time.
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2nd graders present water cycle projects
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The second-grade water cycle shoebox dioramas are a wonderful rite of passage at the Lower School. It's a project that combines science, art and oral presentations in a lesson that sticks with students for years.
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Period products drive collects more than 1,000 items
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Congratulations to the members of Keystone’s chapter of PERIOD, a nonprofit that aims to end period poverty and stigma. Their drive to collect period products gathered more than 1,000 tampons or pads from the Keystone community, reported Ali, a junior who led the effort.
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Eighth-graders help fill boxes for needy families
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They joined more than 1,000 other volunteers to sort dry goods to be packed in the boxes. Boxes of Blessing is a service project of
Redeemer Presbyterian Church
and each box contains enough food to feed a family for one week.
The church delivered the boxes to its partner organizations, who distributed to families in need.
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Third graders go caroling at Grace Place
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The third graders went to
Grace Place
, an adult activity center for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia.
One of the students, Camden, organized a toy drive for Grace Place, collecting small toys that will will serve as prizes for their bingo games.
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This film could help your kids
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In order to help families assist their children in the management of stress and anxiety....”, Keystone will screen “
Angst
,” a highly regarded movie on child anxiety after the holiday.
On Jan. 8, the screening aims at families of grades 7-12.
On Jan. 9, the screening is for K-6 families.
After the screenings, counselors Alison Raymer and Dr. Erica Shapiro, will lead a discussion.
The movie is working in conjunction with the PTO's efforts to address mental health.
The screenings run from 6-7:30pm both days, and childcare for Keystone students in kindergarten and older will be available.
Tickets are free. Please register:
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Keystone Night at Rampage
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Whether or not you're a hockey fan, come out for Keystone Night at a Rampage game on Jan. 12.
It's nonstop action on the ice, and it's always great to get together with fellow Keystone families. Tickets cost $15 per person and the team donates a portion of the ticket sales back to the school.
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Keystone Connections
networking event - Jan. 24
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One of the best parts of being a part of our community is meeting parents who treasure the value of the Keystone experience.
Those shared values form the base of Keystone Connections, the first in a series of events to bring parents together and discuss personal and professional interests. Maybe you’ll form a workout group or wine tasting gathering, or perhaps you’ll share some business connections. The possibilities are limitless.
The first Keystone Connections event takes place Friday, Jan. 24 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Lower School Library in West Hall on the Main Campus.
Childcare will be provided for Keystone students at both the main campus and the Little School. Please email Adriana Villafranca at
avillafranca@keystoneschool.org
with name and grade of children.
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Keystone fanwear available
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Good news – Keystone apparel is now for sale in TWO locations!
On campus:
we have an apparel closet located in the Development Office, on the second floor of Founders Hall. We have adult and youth t-shirts and full-zip sweatshirts, in addition to dri-fit hats. We also have Keystone Yeti’s and Hydroflasks available for purchase.
Vivroux Sports
:
Adidas merchandise is available for purchase at Vivroux Sports, located at 2222 Breezewood Blvd in Alamo Heights. They carry additional tshirts, sweatshirts, shorts, drawstring backpacks, and more!
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Billy's Blog: From the Head of School
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“What shall you do all your vacation?’, asked Amy. “I shall lie abed and do nothing” replied Meg.” ― Louisa May Alcott
For our students, and families, a vacation may be the necessary and perfect tonic after working so hard since August. Scientific research shows the benefits of taking time off for adults, and I would argue that there are similar advantages for children and young adults. A 2016 article in the Inc. newsletter called “
4 Scientific Reasons Vacations Are Good For Your Health
” describes the ways that vacations can help us physically and mentally.
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Meet the Faculty: Sara Christiansen
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Position:
Director of College Counseling
Education:
BA Kenyon College, MA University of Michigan
Why do you like working here:
I think I have the best job in the world! I love working with the talented, motivated, fun, and interesting Keystone students. I love traveling the country visiting colleges and learning about all the wonderful places where you can get an education.
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Important Events and Notes
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Debate Club breakfast sale
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Support the Debate Club at the next breakfast sale on Tuesday, Jan. 7 before school begins, next to Nurse Penny's office.
On the menu: breakfast tacos, donuts and hot chocolate.
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The next bake sale happens Thursday, Jan. 9 during Middle and Upper School lunch periods.
Come snag some sweet goodies and support the Debate Club.
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Travel Society pizza sale
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Members of the Travel Society are presenting a pizza sale on Friday, Jan. 10 to help defray costs to enter local tournaments. Since this is a fundraiser, Cafeteria Services funds cannot be used to purchase fundraiser pizza.
Students in grades 5-12 can pay with cash or a check made out to Keystone School.
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Spelling Bee - Jan. 10
Keystone's annual Spelling Bee happens Jan. 10 for students in grades 4-8. It begins at 8:30 am in the Gym.
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Geography Bee - Jan. 15
The Geography Bee takes place Jan. 15 for students in grades 4-8. It begins at 8:30 am in the Gym.
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Parent Connection Book Group - Jan. 28
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From Mrs. Raymer and Dr. Shapiro:
Mark your calendars for the next meeting of the Parent Connection Book Group!
We will meet on
Tuesday, January 28 at 8:30 am in the Lower School Library
and will be discussing
The Power of Habit
by Charles Duhigg. Let's start the new year off strong by learning about how to create and keep new habits, and change existing habits that are getting in our way. Please join us! The Parent Connection Book Group is open to all parents of Keystone students.
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Nancy Zhou '11 playing Carnegie Hall on Christmas Eve
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How's this for an occasion: For Christmas Eve, alumna Nancy Zhou '11 is
playing at Carnegie Hall
with the New York String Orchestra.
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Online lunch payments
If your family buys hot lunch here at Keystone, please remember that all payments must be made online with our food contractor, Cafeteria Services.
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Support Keystone while you shop on Amazon
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When you shop on Amazon, please use
AmazonSmile
and designate Keystone as the beneficiary. This way, your savings can help your school.
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We want to hear from you!
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If you have news to share about the students, alumni, faculty or staff at Keystone School, please send it to:
etijerina@keystoneschool.org
.
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Follow Keystone on social media
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