Happy Halloween!

We had a wonderful day today on campus.! All students and employees had the option today of dressing in costume or in black and orange colors. The result was a lot of smiles and fun in both the Lower School and Middle School. In the Middle School, the students enjoyed a rotation of five activities: scary storytelling, Halloween movies, paper football, face painting, and cookie decorating (and eating!). In the Lower School, we had a parade first thing in the morning, then a few academic classes, and then class Halloween parties to finish the half-day schedule. It was the first time we allowed all Lower School students (not just Pilot Class) to dress in costume, and it was a big success. See below for pictures from today, and best wishes to all my readers for a fun, safe Halloween weekend!

"It's All About the Kids"

Whenever I say "It's all about the kids," that usually means I am doing something very fun under the auspices of official school business. Yesterday, it was "all about the kids" as I had the pleasure of chaperoning the 8th grade special field trip downtown. The whole day was a surprise for the students. We started off with a tour of Camden Yards and even got to sit in the Orioles dugout. (See picture below). We then walked down to M&T Bank Stadium and received an insiders' tour of the stadium, including spending time in the Ravens locker room, in the press box, and on the field itself. Finally, we walked to the ESPN Zone and enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch followed by games upstairs. Each student received a 90 point game card. Naturally, I wanted to set a good example for the students, so I had to play one game. Mr. Skeen, Mr. Clapp, Mrs. Frederick, and I raced wave runners against each other, and I finished a respectable second. Mrs. Frederick won and showed the former jocks how to drive! It was a terrific day, and I am honestly not sure who had more fun--the students or the chaperones!

The Trees

Each fall, there are two trees along the path between the Lower and Middle School that explode with incredible fall colors. The orange and red foliage is simply amazing. The trees are among the first to change colors, almost as if to say "Look at us!" I have posted some pictures below, but you should swing by campus and take a look yourself if you are nearby. You should come soon, however, because the colors will change quickly and the leaves are falling! I have the pleasure of being able to look out my office window and see the beautiful fall setting every day...until winter arrives!

Fifth Grade Basketball Keeps Dribbling

This is the third year of the fifth grade intramural program, in which fifth graders have the opportunity to play intramural sports at the conclusion of the academic day. Each season of intramurals runs about six weeks. Participation is completely optional; moreover, students can attend when they wish and are not obligated to come every day. We take advantage of the facilities not being used by the interscholastic sports. Thus, in the fall, we play basketball and have the entire Middle School Gym at our disposal. What a treat! Coach Wlodarczyk and I have the pleasure of coaching approximately twelve boys and girls three days per week this season in basketball. Yesterday, due to an injury, the Gold Team was short one player. I eagerly came out of retirement and joined the squad for about five minutes. I would like the official record book to show that I had an assist for the Gold Team!

A Chilly but Successful Golf Classic!

We held our 4th Annual Calvert Golf Classic at Hayfields Country Club in Hunt Valley yesterday. Nearly 100 parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends took to the links to enjoy a round of golf on the beautiful Hayfields course. It was chilly, indeed, but fun was had by all. The Calvert Golf Classic has quickly become a tradition on Columbus Day Monday. For those eligible to play, please mark your calendars for next year: Monday, October 11, at Hayfields!

Considering Calvert?

If you are considering Calvert as a school for your child, please attend one of our new "Considering Calvert Days" this fall: October 13, November 17, and December 8 (Lower School) and November 2 (Middle School). In the past, we held Saturday Open Houses, which were informative but lacked the feeling of a true school day. All of the Considering Calvert Days will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. on a school day, so prospective parents can see the students and faculty in action. After some opening comments from the academic administration, student tour guides will escort groups of parents on a campus tour. We do hope you will join us! For more information, please contact the Admission Office at 410-243-6054.

High School Night a Big Success!

Earlier this evening, representatives of 34 secondary schools (independent, public magnet, and boarding) set up tables in the Middle School Gym to speak with our 7th and 8th graders and their parents. Known as "High School Night," this event has grown by leaps and bounds over the past 5 years. In the first year, 10 to 12 schools came, and tonight, we actually had to turn away some interested high schools due to space considerations. We have graduated six classes of 8th graders. In all six years, the students have matriculated to 10 or more different schools. Moreover, the overall six-year rate of students being accepted into their first-choice school is 93%, highlighted by last year's 98% first-choice placement rate. One of the big benefits of attending a pre-K through 8th grade school is having the opportunity to choose a secondary school that is the right fit for the student. This selection is being made just a few months before high school begins rather than years prior. Many thanks to the high school representatives for their time, materials, and wisdom!

Parent Coffee on Wednesday Night

This is a reminder that there will be a Coffee for Calvert parents on Wednesday night from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the Head Master's residence on campus. From 7:00 to 7:30, we will enjoy coffee and dessert. At 7:30, I will give a presentation detailing the innovative tiered faculty structure we are in the process of implementing this academic year. I encourage parents to attend to learn more about faculty professional development in general and the tiered structure in particular. I do not want to share too many details in this post, because I want parents to attend the Coffee! Hopefully we will have strong attendance and a stimulating discussion. Parents who plan to attend should RSVP by calling 410-243-6054 x 136.