A group of CCA upper school students in grades 10-12 had an amazing experience this week when they attended a special three-day discovery program at the University of Chicago's Marine Biological Laboratories (MBL) in Woods Hole. CCA students were the the first high school group to participate in a program at MBL since COVID. While at MBL, they learned all about CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of aquatic and marine organisms. They applied genome editing technology in the lab and explored basic biological questions as well as the implications it has for improving human health. Genome editing is being used to understand zebrafish development, a key biomedical research species. The course exposed students to modern methods in microscopy and enhanced their lab skills by familiarizing them with how to conduct embryo injections, stain different systems, and use technology to make 3D images of their results.

On their last day at MBL, they got to see the facility where the adult zebrafish are kept, got a tour of the cephalopod lab, did some advanced imaging microscopy on the embryos they stained, and edited their 3D images in the program Fiji. They took time-lapse videos of their developing embryos, and many of them survived. They also got to hold the first Nobel Prize for genetics and see historical science books ranging from the mid-1500s to a signed copy of Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species. When asked about their experience, the students remarked, "It was a 10 out of 10! I got to use a half-million dollar microscope!"

Cape Cod Academy will be launching the Student Proctor Program in the coming weeks. Proctors serve as student leaders who are trained in problem solving and effective communication. In their duties, they work to build a sense of community. Students must be in 11th or 12th grade to be a proctor. Eligible students are encouraged to apply. More information on how to apply will be shared in the next few weeks.

The ordering of individual school photos has been extended for one more week. All photos must be ordered online on the Studio by the Sea website. Log onto the website and scroll down to "find online school photos to view and order here." Click that link, select Cape Cod Academy in the drop-down box, and enter your username and password from the order form that was sent home with your child to log in. If you have trouble locating your ID to log in, please email Katie Newhall at knewhall@capecodacademy.org.

We want to make certain that you are aware of the three different ways CCA communicates school cancellations, delays, and/or unexpected early dismissals due to storms, power outages, etc.:

(1) We will post an announcement on the landing page on our school website.

(2) We will post an announcement on Facebook and Instagram.

(3) We will use BrightArrow, an automated notification system, that will contact you directly via phone call, text message, and/or email. This third method is what we would use in case of any other type of school-wide emergency, like a “shelter in place".

If you did not receive a message via phone, text, or email this past Wednesday morning notifying you that school was closed due to the storm, please email Katie Newhall at knewhall@capecodacademy.org. She will ensure your correct contact information is updated in the BrightArrow system.

Lower school citizen of the week is Wesleigh Spinner! Wesleigh consistently strives to do her best each day. Her enthusiasm for learning is contagious. She often spends her free time making gifts for other students and members of the faculty, and these tokens bring smiles to everyone's faces. She is kind and inclusive to other students and acts as a leader when she advocates for herself and others. She exemplifies our four pillars of scholarship, honesty, compassion, and respect. Congratulations!

The last week of our after-school sports program this fall will feature Field Day Games. This was originally scheduled for next week, but it has now been moved and will take place the week after next: Monday, Nov. 15 - Thursday, Nov. 18 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Students in kindergarten through grade 5 are invited to participate. Please click on the link below to register.

Order forms are available at the reception desk. We ask that all orders be in by next Monday, November 8. Please make checks payable to Smith Family Popcorn. Completed orders may be dropped off at the reception desk. Orders will be ready to be picked up at school on November 16 and 17.

Save the Date: On November 17 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., all families are invited to join us at Titcombs Bookshop in Sandwich for a holiday shopping event. Twenty percent of all sales will be donated back to Cape Cod Academy. Location: Titcombs Bookshop, 432 MA-6A, East Sandwich, MA

Congratulations to our Athletes of the Week! (Left to right): Taylor Bodurtha, Girls Varsity Soccer; Brandon Gomes, Cross Country; James McGlinchey, Boys Varsity Soccer; and Noelle Jatczak, Cross Country.

We are pleased to share details of CCA athletics games that took place over the past week. Click here to read highlights brought to you by our coaches.

The school store is open in Chope Commons and will be open during Grandparents' & Special Friends' Day. A variety of items, including fleeces, jackets, and sweatshirts are available for purchase. Families can also purchase Cape Cod Academy spirit gear and accessories from Lands’ End (#900184656) and Sideline Sports. Simply log onto the Resources Board on the parent portal and click on either store front or click here. These items make great holiday gifts!