A Great Track + Field Day!

The weather was overcast and relatively cool last Wednesday (5/23); in other words, it was a perfect day for the annual Lower School Track and Field Day. A few years ago, rain forced us to cancel Track and Field Day. Showers earlier in the week, plus the threat of rain mid-day, has us worried on the morning of the 23rd. However, the day could not have progressed any better. Under the skillful direction of PE teachers Brett Porter and Stacey Krebs, all events, activities, races, and games happened on schedule and without a hitch--quite an accomplishment given that we had over 390 students (across six grade levels) participating on three different fields! My personal favorite race to watch is the "long run," a two-lap trek around the Lower School Field. The field is about two-thirds of the size of a football field, so I estimate the race to be about 3/8 of a mile. Despite the teachers' warnings, some runners run the first lap much too fast and tire out, only to be caught from behind in the final stretch by the runner who paced him/herself. Pacing oneself is actually a great "life lesson" to learn! In honor of faculty member Mike Paul, who is retiring after 36 years of excellent service to Calvert, all the students wore Calvert-issued t-shirts (color coordinated by grade level) that read "Thank you, Mr. Paul" on the back. It was a wonderful day to honor Mr. Paul (my 9th Age teacher) and to promote physical fitness, sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy competition. Many thanks to the dozens of teachers and staff members--plus the entire 7th grade--who assisted our Lower Schoolers throughout the morning on a glorious Track and Field Day!

Alumni Weekend

We enjoyed an outstanding Alumni Weekend, including the Alumni Luncheon for Classes of 1933-1962, Alumni Cocktail Party, Calvert Day Fair under picture-perfect skies, and five (!) class reunions: 1942, 1952, 1977, 1987, and 1997. Many thanks to all who made the weekend a huge success—it was a true team effort from the following departments: Development Office, Maintenance, Food Service, Technology, Business Office, and the teachers and performers at the Alumni Luncheon:  Mr. Hardesty, Mrs. Elliott, Mrs. McGraw, entire 6^th Age and 10^th Age (singers), and the 10th Age and 8th grade students who presented their state report and Castalia project, respectively. A member of the Class of 1942 won the unofficial award for the alumnus who travelled the farthest for Reunion Weekend. He lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and came all the way back to Baltimore for his 70^th Reunion!

AIMS

Independent schools are, by definition, independent from one another (and from public and parochial schools). Within the overall guidelines set for "non-public" schools by the state of Maryland, each independent school is free to choose its curriculum, establish organizational structures, and adopt unique educational initiatives. Although we have this autonomy at Calvert, we have the great benefit of belonging to a strong association--the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS). As the website  (www.aimsmddc.org)  states, "Founded in 1967, AIMS is a vibrant association of about 120 independent schools in Maryland and the District of Columbia. These schools serve more than 45,000 students in grades PK - 12." AIMS offers professional development, workshops, conferences, and retreats; provides rigorous accreditation services; and, when needed, offers policy and/or advisory statements to member schools. The Executive Director of AIMS, Ron Goldblatt, is a true "pro's pro" and provides excellent, thoughtful leadership. We are proud to be an accredited, active member of AIMS!

24 Hours of Activity!

The successful events listed below all occurred between Friday afternoon and Saturday early evening:

• a home track meet.You are correct in thinking that we do not have a track on campus! However, that fact did not stop us from hosting a multi-school, multi-event meet on the Krongard Field. The field was lined and cut for sprints, distance, and the shot put.
• Girls' A lacrosse beat Bryn Mawr in the season finale.
• the 7th grade girls had a sleepover in the Middle School with four (very brave!) chaperones.
• Girl Power Club had its final (3 mile) run on Saturday morning--6 half-mile laps around campus. Ten girls (ranging between 9th Age and 5th grade) completed the run, along with their running buddies. I completed the run without an injury so that was a big personal success.... :)
• Two hilarious shows of the 7th grade comedy Baby, Baby, Baby, Oh No! The plot?  There is a death threat on French President Nicholas Poirot’s life, and the French Police Department needs help in foiling the plot and saving the incoming President’s life. The Chief of Police enlists the help of party planners, La Chique Soiree, and The Justin Bieber Band, to help protect the President during the inauguration party. Clumsy and egocentric Inspector Clouseau is asked to go under cover in The Justin Bieber Band, which requires him to look and act as “American” as possible. Congrats to the performers and the directors (Mr. Hardesty and Mrs. Williams) for a job well-done!