April-May 2012

Message from the Director of the Upper School

Greetings from Dana Hall!

With the warmer weather comes a flurry of activity at Dana Hall, as we look ahead to the end of this year and even the beginning of next year. This issue of the Update contains information about end-of-year events as well as happenings over the next few weeks.

In particular, I want to highlight the She Sails event planned for  this Saturday, April 21. This day promises to be inspiring for our students, parents, and alumnae. I hope to see many of you there!

Mid-term Progress Reports will be sent home this week for students about whom a teacher has concerns; whose work or effort have declined or improved significantly; whose grades are currently below a "C"; who are on academic probation, and/or; whose work is incomplete. Final grades and comments will be sent home in mid-June, along with your daughter's course requests for the 2012-13 academic year.

During Spring Break, we entered student course requests into our database, and students will have the opportunity to modify those course selections and petition for Advanced Placement and honors courses.  The details of this process will be outlined in the forthcoming cover letter from me that accompanies Progress Reports. Your daughter's advisor will work closely with her to ensure that she has selected appropriate courses for next year.  If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact your daughter's advisor, Nia Hays, Nancy Rich, or me.

At the end of this newsletter, I have included a letter from Liz Gray, Library Director, regarding the annual Book Fair on May 8.

I will send home one last Update next month. Until then, please let your daughter's advisor or me know if you have questions.

Regards,
Robert G. Mather

Student Affairs

Student Leadership
Election season is underway for 2012-13 leaders! We had our "Leadership Kick-off" after Spring Break where the girls learned about the leadership opportunities available to them. They also had a chance to meet with current leaders to ask questions about the demands of each leadership position.

We held our first election on Monday, April 9 to elect next year's All-School Co-Presidents. Students and faculty turned out in droves to vote in the "voting booths" in Common Ground, and the results were announced in a celebratory Step Sing. Congratulations to Ginger Brostowski and Maddie Hoar, our 2012-13 All-School Co-Presidents.

In the coming weeks, each class will hold elections for their Class Co-Presidents and Student Council Representatives. Spring is the time for students to think about how they want to get involved next year!

Junior/Senior Prom
This year's Junior/Senior prom will be held on Saturday, May 5 from 7-11 p.m. at the Omni Parker House hotel in Boston. The cost of a prom ticket is $75 and the girls may charge up to two tickets (one for them and one for a guest) to their Student Activities accounts or pay cash. 

A pre-prom reception for parents and students will be held in the Saliba Courtyard at Dana Hall, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Buses will take all participants to Boston starting at 6 p.m. and will take students back to Dana Hall by 11:30 p.m. Students may not drive themselves to the prom. Additional information will be sent to the parents and guardians of juniors and seniors with more details. Please call Kathleen Murdock or Kristin Ryan if you have any questions.

For Parents of Boarding Students
As the 2011-12 academic year comes to a close, the Boarding Life staff is preparing to close the dorms for the summer. We want to provide you with some information as you plan for the end-of-year pick up on Sunday, June 3. Dana Hall graduation begins that day at 11 a.m. Dana Hall will close the interior campus roads (except for the main entrance off of Hampden Street) to vehicles from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the graduation ceremony.

As you prepare to pick up your daughter and depart from campus after graduation, there may be delays. Campus safety will be available to manage parking during the anticipated busy time (1 p.m. – 4 p.m.) for dorm pick up, car-loading, packing, etc. and provide alternate routes to direct you on and off campus.

In an effort to avoid prolonged delays and assist in our efforts to provide a smooth and orderly departure, boarding parents are always welcome to pick up their daughter's belongings in the week(s) leading up to graduation weekend. Your daughter is expected to have a final room inspection/evaluation before departing campus for the summer (this includes seniors). She must also turn in her room and lock box key before checking out.

Finally, all students may depart campus on Sunday, June 3 following the graduation ceremony at 1 p.m. It is school policy that any boarder who is planning to attend off-campus graduation or end-of-year celebrations must take all belongings with her when she departs campus. Students may not leave packed belongings in the dorm or lobby area to be picked up at a later time. All boarders must be off campus, and dorms officially close for the summer, on Monday, June 4 at 12 p.m.

We would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation. –  Donna Corrigan

College Counseling Office

Upcoming College Fair: Sunday, April 29, from 1 – 4 p.m. is the BISCCA College Fair at Milton Academy.  (BISCCA is the Boston Independent School College Counseling Association.)  Featuring over 200 colleges from outside of New England – including many of the most popular schools for Dana Hall students – the day also includes presentations about applying to art/music programs, financial aid, and other topics. Many of the college representatives at the fair will be the same representatives who will visit Dana Hall in the fall and read our students' applications. Dana Hall will provide transportation for boarders and students whose parents are unable to attend. Juniors and their parents are strongly encouraged to attend.

For parents of seniors: Please remember that the national "Candidate's Reply Date" is May 1. Seniors – including those interested in remaining on a wait list – must send in a deposit to a college by May 1 to hold a place in the fall. If you have any questions about this policy, please call the College Counseling Office.

Dana Hall School of Music

The Music School recently acquired a harp and is excited to offer harp lessons for the 2012-13 school year. Students have the unique opportunity to receive instruction on this beautiful instrument and use the school harp for practice.  This is a great way to satisfy your performing arts requirement – beginners are encouraged! Interested students should speak to their advisor about adding music lessons to their schedule. If you're interested in learning more, please contact Jennifer Gaul, Music School Director.

Tuesday, May 1, 7:15 p.m. - Honors Recital (Beveridge Hall)
Please join us to celebrate the talents of our exemplary Music School students. All performers in the Honors Recital have been recommended by their teacher for outstanding work. This concert promises to be a wonderful showcase of all the work the students have done this year. Don't miss it!

Office of Alumnae Relations and Parent Programs

Be Bold. Dream Big. Sail Far.
Be part of She Sails: Inspiring Dana Hall Women, a forum on women and leadership that will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 21. The goal of this event is to create connections among students, alumnae and parents, learn from one another, share stories, and encourage one another to be bold and dream big. It will be intimate, interactive and inspiring, featuring speakers, panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities. All are invited! There is no cost to attend She Sails, but we ask that you register. Questions? Contact Director of Parent Relations, Kathy Luby, at (781) 489-1362 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Yellow Dress: Monday, April 23 at 7 p.m. in Waldo Auditorium
Come view the same powerful presentation your daughter viewed. This is a film about dating abuse. Mary Dunn will attend as she did at the April 2 Parent Forum on dating violence. Mary's daughter, Lauren, was tragically killed last summer by her boyfriend as a result of dating abuse.

Health and Wellness Parent Coffee: Wednesday, April 25 at 8:30 a.m. in the Student Hub, Shipley Center

Parents' Association Walk around Lake Waban at Wellesley College: Thursday, April 26 at 8:15 a.m.
Back by popular demand! Lara Balter P16 will lead us on a walk around the lake. Meet at Wellesley College Faculty Club (outside in the parking lot). Rain or shine, leashed dogs welcome, Susu's for refreshments immediately following.

Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day:  Friday, April 27
We look forward to welcoming your daughter's grandparent(s) or special friend as they spend the day shadowing the girls. Caroline Erisman will welcome our guests during US break and will introduce a short Performing Arts presentation. We will offer a series of "Master Classes," which will cover a variety of topics including the current college landscape, how iPads are used in the classroom, Dana Hall history and archival studies and an overview of our curriculum, traditions and new initiatives at Dana Hall. These classes will be available for guests to sit in on if a student has a free period. Further details will be available at registration. Questions? Contact Kari McPartland in the Development Office at 781-235-3010, ext. 2563 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Parent Forum - Alcohol Use and Teens: Monday, April 30 at 7 p.m. Beveridge Hall
This forum focuses on the effects of Alcohol use with Teens: A Promise to Adam, featuring a mother sharing her story of her son's death from a drinking and driving accident.  Earlier that day, our Peer Educators and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) will present a health assembly on the effects of alcohol.

Athletics Parent Coffee:  Wednesday, May 2 at 8:30 a.m. in the Student Hub, Shipley Center

Special Speaker: Tuesday, May 8, 7 – 9 p.m. in Waldo Auditorium
Please join Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair as she addresses Cultural Literacy – Educating girls to Outsmart Stereotypes. Dr. Steiner-Adair is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist, school consultant, and author. Dr. Steiner-Adair has consulted with more than 350 independent and public schools, parents and students on a wide range of topics related to strengthening children's social and emotional development, shaping school culture and deepening parents' connections to their children.

Host Family Year-End Barbecue: Friday, May 11 at 6 p.m. outside the Shipley Center
Please join other host families and students as we celebrate another great year! Contact program leaders Alison Martin ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), LouAnn Bruno-Murtha ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Gwen Ortmeyer ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) if you would like to help plan the event.

Looking ahead:

Sunday, May 13 – Amor Caritas Day
Families Honoring Mothers on Mother's Day – join the Dana Hall community from 9:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in a volunteer project sponsored by Cradles to Crayons to benefit local families in need. View the website for more information.

Wednesday, May 16 – Parents' Association Volunteer Thank You Breakfast
Join us in Beveridge Hall at 8 a.m. as we celebrate and thank our parent volunteers and leaders for a fabulous year.

June 4 – 7th Annual Golf & Tennis Open, Featuring the Summer Kick-Off Celebration
This annual community event is right around the corner!  Be sure June 4 is marked on your calendar.  Adults, students, faculty and alumnae all have fun playing tennis and golf. Many Middle School students have a ball at the MS Tennis Clinic which runs 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. during the beginning of the Summer Kick-off celebration, which begins at 5:30 with cocktails, dinner, silent auction and raffle. There is something for everyone!  Please spread the word to any new families you know will be coming to Dana next year. This is a great way to meet other members of the community. Your invitation will be arriving soon. Thank you for the wonderful sponsorships and auction donations we already have received – keep them coming! For more information or questions, visit the Golf and Tennis website or e-mail Lynn de Weck ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Georgia Cady ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Events on Campus

Model United Nations:
Congratulations to Dana Hall's Model United Nations, who competed at Dartmouth College's invitational March 30-April 1. The competition was attended by more than 500 students from 33 different schools (private and public) from multiple states. Dana Hall team members authored and passed nine resolutions in total, taking home 10 individual awards and first place overall. Marynee Pontes '12 was awarded Best Delegate; Outstanding Delegate went to Maddie Chisholm '14, Callie Plapinger '12 and Teresa Wang '13; and Honorable Mentions were given to Sara Brakeman '12, Mary Fulham '13, Margot Palandjian '12, Margaret Palmer '12, Nora Panahi '15 and Lindsey Rasmussen '13.

Senior Art Show in the Dana Hall Art Gallery: 
The Senior Art show is currently on display. The show features work from members of the Class of 2012, including drawing, painting, photography, fashion, and architecture projects. The show runs through May 4. View photos from this exhibit.

Spring Concert:
On Friday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Bardwell Auditorium, the Performing Arts Department will present its Spring Concert. The concert will feature the Tone Chime Ensemble, the 6th Grade Chorus, the 7th/8th Grade Chorus, the Middle School Chamber Ensemble, the Upper School Chorus, the Chamber Singers, and the Gospel Choir. The concert is free and open to the public.  Please come and help us celebrate the achievements of all of these groups in their last concert of the year!

Sustainability:
Dana Hall continues to move forward in our efforts to address sustainability issues. In celebration of "Earth Month," the Sustainability Council and Green Team are both sponsoring initiatives to increase community awareness of–and engagement in–a variety of sustainability issues. A campaign to collect and display plastic water bottles used by the community is aimed at educating students and faculty about the environmental cost of drinking bottled water instead of tap water. Another group has partnered with the Middle School and Hug It Forward (http://hugitforward.org/). This organization empowers communities in Guatemala to re-purpose plastic bottles and litter to build schools. The Dana Hall effort will collect refundable recycled cans and bottles, redeem them, and send the money raised to help build another "bottle school." Other recyclables now have a centralized home, as the School has partnered with the Wellesley RDF to install a satellite recycling center on campus, further streamlining our institutional recycling efforts. Additional efforts are taking root as well. The Middle School has connected with the Natick Community Organic Farm for community service opportunities and also is working with Upper School students to plant and grow seedlings. The Green Team students are looking to address sustainability concerns and effect change from a political perspective. They will be sharing "energy scorecards" for Massachusetts politicians, sponsoring a letter-writing campaign, and educating the community about the politics of sustainability at a morning meeting. They also will be hosting a movie screening during lunch. The Dining Center will plan and sponsor a "green" lunch and community dinner, featuring a vegetarian entree and locally-sourced food.  Though the school's efforts are on-going and year-round, April is an exciting month for sustainability at Dana Hall!

13th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup
Please consider coming on our 13th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup Trip on Saturday morning, April 21. Join more than 3,000 other volunteers along all 80 miles of the Charles River to pick up trash from along the banks of the Charles River at one of more than 50 sites from Boston to Milford. Volunteers are provided with supplies. Wear serious shoes (work boots or athletic shoes; no sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, or open shoes of any kind). Long sleeves, long pants, and socks are a must. Wear sunscreen and a hat. Wear clothes that can get dirty, and bring drinking water. We will leave from the Ship at 8:45 a.m. and be back on campus by 12:30 p.m. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions. (You will be able to participate in afternoon She Sails activities.)

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

Friday, April 20
All-School Spring Concert, 7:30 p.m., Bardwell

Saturday, April 21
13th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup, 8:45-12:30 p.m.  Depart from the Shipley Center.
She Sails: Inspiring Dana Hall Women, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Shipley Center

Monday, April 23
Cum Laude Assembly, 10:45 a.m., Waldo.  Parents of inductees are invited to attend.
The Yellow Dress, 7:00 p.m., Waldo. Parents are invited to view this presentation on dating violence

Tuesday, April 24
Dana Hall School of Music Student Awards Recital, Beveridge, 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, April 25
Health and Wellness Parent Coffee, Shipley Center Hub, 8:30 a.m.

Friday, April 27
Grandparents'/Special Friends' Day.  Grandparents and special friends are invited to join Dana Hall students for classes on this day.

Sunday, April 29
Boston Independent School College Counselor Association (BISCCA) College Fair, 1-4 p.m., Milton Academy.  Juniors and their parents are strongly encouraged to attend.

Monday, April 30
Parent Forum Sponsored by the Health and Wellness Committee, "Alcohol Use and Teens," Beveridge, 7p.m.

Tuesday, May 1
Dana Hall School of Music Honors Recital, 7:15 p.m., Beveridge Hall.

Wednesday, May 2
Athletic Parent Coffee, Shipley Center Hub, 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, May 5
SAT/SAT Subject Tests administered at Dana Hall. To register, go to www.collegeboard.com
Junior/Senior Prom, 6-10 p.m.

Monday, May 7-Friday, May 14
Advanced Placement exams are administered in the Lecture Hall according to the schedules below. Students who take an AP exam in the morning are expected to attend afternoon classes.  Students who take an AP exam in the afternoon are exempt from the classes on the morning of the exam.

Tuesday, May 8
Summer Reading Book Fair, Helen Temple Cooke Library, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dana Hall School of Music Student Recital, Beveridge, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, May 12
Movement of Fine Arts (MFA) Fashion Show, Waldo, 6-8p.m.

Sunday, May 13
Amor Caritas Day, 9:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Monday, May 14
LATE START – Classes begin at 9 a.m.

Wednesday, May 16
Parents' Association Thank You Breakfast, Grove House, 8 a.m.

Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19
Dana Hall and Belmont Hill Schools present Legally Blonde, Bardwell, 8 p.m.
Saturday – Eastern Independent League Spring Tournaments (Lacrosse, Softball, Tennis)

Monday, May 21
Leadership Workshop for current and newly elected/selected student leaders, Beveridge, 4-6 p.m.
Room Draw for boarding students begins, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 24
JV/JV II Awards Ceremonies (coaches and students), 4 p.m.
Annual Dance/Drama Showing, Dance Studio (Shipley Center) 4:30 p.m
Varsity Awards Ceremony, 6 p.m.

Friday, May 25
Senior Convocation, Waldo, 2:15-3:45 p.m. (Required for students grades 6-12)

Monday, May 28
Memorial Day – NO CLASSES