Dear Upper School Families,

It is hard to believe we are approaching the last week of the fall term. It was good to see some of you during our Zoom conversations on Wednesday and the conversation with parents/guardians of students of color on Thursday. I wanted to share some of things the Upper School has been up to and give you an update on groups in the winter term.
Programming & Event Recaps
The Election: Conversations & Workshops
Like for most in the country (and the world), our recent conversations have centered around the election. On Wednesday, November 4, Head of School, Kim Samson addressed students and faculty/staff to acknowledge the difficult situation, whatever the results are; to remind students they have a place to check in and debrief the election process during advisory and to check out the post-election programming scheduled for that week; and more importantly to impress upon all that we are a strong community and that the diversity of our political opinions is something we value.

Students had the opportunity to attend post-election workshops last Thursday. Topics included racial inequality, climate change, women’s reproductive rights, and data analysis. We had strong attendance both on campus and online and students asked insightful questions and led some of the conversations.
BVR
Model UN
Congratulations to our Model United Nations team who participated in the Brown University Virtual MUN conference from Friday to Sunday and once again represented Beaver so successfully.
Athletics: Senior Days
This past Tuesday and Thursday, we had small, intimate, socially-distanced gatherings on the Upper Field to recognize and celebrate our senior athletes during Senior Days. Coaches made speeches to thank their athletes and wish them the best moving forward.
In the Classroom
The positive energy is palpable in the classroom. Students are debating; working on end-of-term projects; and preparing for performances. I see the behind-the-scenes picture when I observe classes, and I appreciate students embracing their learning experience.
Upcoming Deadlines
Student-Directed Projects

For the winter term, students have until Monday, December 7 to submit their application.
Students received an email with information about our Student-Directed Projects (SDP). These are projects students create and lead in collaboration with a faculty coach. Students need to apply and present a proposal in order to pursue an SDP. This is in addition to a regular course load (not in replacement of a class). Some of the Student-Directed Projects in the fall included the neuroscience of dreams, building a model glider that runs on solar energy, and creating a website for first-time voters. There are many fascinating projects students are leading, and cool stuff they are thinking about and creating.
Winter Term Groups
As I mentioned during our Zoom meetings, we have worked to develop a plan in which 9th graders will all be in Group 1 during the winter term. In addition to this, all our seniors will be in Group 2. I do not need to explain all the benefits that will bring to our students, and this will show in the classroom too.

For the winter term:

  • Group 1: All 9th graders and a mix of 10th and 11th graders.
  • Group 2: All 12th graders and a mix of 10th and 11th graders.

Although we tried to have 10th and 11th graders also be together as one class, this was not possible. This is never going to be perfect; however, we have tried to honor as many of the sibling and friend requests as possible, keeping in mind all the schedule requirements. Cynthia Monasterios, our Registrar (more like a magician), will share group assignments on Monday.
Important Dates
Friday
Nov. 13
Last day for afternoon activities
Friday
Nov. 20
Last day of Fall term
Friday
Nov. 20
US Fall Play
at 7 p.m.
(more details below)
Monday
Nov. 30
First day of Winter term
Upper School Fall Play
Join us on Zoom for the Fall Play, Twelfth Night, on Friday, November 20 at 7 p.m. The link to the show will be shared next week, and after the performance, the community can connect with the cast and crew in our virtual lobby. 
It has been great to continue to see that our students are feeling more and more comfortable with our Upper School experience. We see more interactions, more laughters, more student ideas of clubs and projects for the winter term; that’s comforting to see.

That’s it from me. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Take care and stay healthy.

Director of Upper School
Reminder: All the latest information you need about the 2020-21 Beaver Upper School experience is available on the Upper School section of our website.