| October 15, 2013
IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE NORTH HILLS CAMPUS PA Presents: WT’s New Pre-K – 12 Computer Science Department, October 16, 7:45 - 9:30 a.m., Mitchell Room (City Campus) and Library (North Hills Campus) and October 17, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., Mitchell Room (City Campus)
Contact: Stacie Schmidt, 412-578-7512 or schmidts@winchesterthurston.org
Come hear the plans and vision for WT’s new Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 computer science department. Head of School Gary Niels and David Nassar, the Chair of the newly formed department, will talk about the impetus for this exciting new department, discuss current computer science offerings, and share some of the plans for new curricula and programs.
This month, we are offering PA Presents at two times to accommodate as many parents as possible. In addition, we welcome North Hills Campus families to join us via remote connection at the North Hills Campus Library on October 16.
Second Grade Science Day, October 17, 9:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Contact: Heather Capezzuti, capezzutih@winchesterthurston.org
The second grade students will spend the day engaged in science and nature activities. Explorations will focus on the solar system with a special unisphere presentation by the Carnegie Science Center. This will be an Own Clothes Day for second grade, but please check the weather and dress accordingly. Pink Out, October 18
Contact: Kevin Miller, 412-578-7503 or millerk@winchesterthurston.org On Friday, all students and faculty are encouraged to participate in our annual Pink Out. With a donation, participants may wear jeans with a non-uniform shirt as long as it is pink or a Race for the Cure shirt. If you'd like to purchase this year's shirt, stop by the Athletics Office and pick one up for $10. And, cheer on the field hockey team at their Pink Out game versus Hempfield at 4:00 p.m. on Garland Field.
Kindergarten Field Trip to Harvest Valley Farm, October 21, 12:45 – 2:30 p.m.
Contact: Krista Herald, heraldk@winchesterthurston.org
Kindergarteners will visit Harvest Valley Farm where they will see animals in the barn, take a guided tour, and observe many different and unusual vegetables. And students will get their very own pumpkin.
Scholastic Book Fair, October 21 - 23, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Art Room
Contact: Christine Hilliard, 412-224-4601 or hilliardc@winchesterthurston.org
What is better than tables filled with books? Walls filled with books in a beautiful light-filled classroom! Come one, come all to our North Hills Campus Book Fair! Get ready for Pete the Cat, American Girl books and I Am biographies to name a few of the hundreds of titles we will have available. We will also have Adult Fiction/Non-Fiction Bestsellers for the grown-ups! Support our school and your child's reading by coming to the Book Fair! Please see attached schedule of class visits.
Second Grade Field Trip to Beechwood Farms, October 22, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. Contact: Kelly Vignale, vignalek@winchesterthurston.org
As part of a study about our community, the second grade class will visit Beechwood Farms. They will hike the trails while learning about plants and animals that live in our community and the importance of the Audubon Nature Reserve.
Own Clothes Day, October 23
Conference Day – No Classes for Students, October 25
Contact: Laurie Vennes, 412-486-8341 ext. 11 or vennesl@winchesterthurston.org
All conferences should be scheduled through our online appointment book: https://www.pickatime.com/client?ven=11602347. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first- served basis. If you have not scheduled your conference, please do so now. Students do not attend the conferences; they are for parents and teachers only. On Conference Day, please be sure that you arrive promptly for your appointment. Upon arrival, please meet your child’s teacher in his or her classroom. Finally, we ask that you adhere to the allotted time for each teacher so that the day flows smoothly for everyone.
Extended Day for Conference Day, October 25, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., North Hills Campus
Contact: Dionne Brelsford, 412-578-7533 or brelsfordd@winchesterthurston.org
The full day program is open to all students in Pre-K - grade 5. Families MUST register in advance and the price per day is $65. To register, please email Dionne Brelsford at brelsfordd@winchesterthurston.org.
A relaxed, fun, and challenging day will be planned with ample opportunity for free play. There will also be themed, organized activities. Please have your child dressed appropriately for outside play (no uniform required). A morning and afternoon snack will be provided, but children must bring a bag lunch and a drink.
Second Grade Star Party, October 26, 6:45 – 9:00 p.m., Wagman Observatory
Contact: Heather Capezzuti, capezzutih@winchesterthurston.org
Second grade students and their families are invited to attend the annual “Star Party” at the Wagman Observatory, Deer Lakes Park. Want to attend? Email Heather Capezzuti.
Introduction to Middle School for Current WT Families, October 27, 12:30 – 1:00 p.m., Finkel Library, Main Building (City Campus)
Contact: Brooks Follansbee, 412-578-7518 or follansbeeb@winchesterthurston.org
For current parents only! Join us for conversation and a chance to meet the Middle School teachers, talk with Middle School Director Dan Sadowski, and learn more about the Middle School curriculum before Open House.
Fifth Grade Medieval Architecture and Gargoyle Walk, October 28, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Contact: Brock Perkins, perkinsb@winchesterthurston.org
The fifth graders from the City and North Hills Campuses will learn about medieval architecture as they explore cathedrals and chapels and hunt gargoyles throughout Shadyside and Oakland.
Fifth Grade Medieval Tournament Day, October 30, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Contact: Brock Perkins, perkinsb@winchesterthurston.org
Fifth graders from both campuses will join forces and compete in WT’s version of a medieval tournament. Let the games begin!
Halloween Parade and Parties, October 31, Pre-K from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., K – grade 5 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Laurie Vennes, 412-486-8341 ext. 11 or vennesl@winchesterthurston.org
Pre-Kindergarteners will begin their festivities with a party, and then they’ll join students in Kindergarten – grade 5 for the all school sing-a-long and parade around the outside of the building (weather permitting). After the sing-a-long and parade, the children in Kindergarten – grade 5 will proceed to their classrooms where they will enjoy a party, planned by the room parents.
Spirit Day and Morning Meeting, November 1, 8:30 a.m., Multipurpose Room
Contact: Laurie Vennes, 412-486-8341 ext. 11 or vennesl@winchesterthurston.org
Students should show their WT pride by wearing their WT t-shirts accompanied by uniform bottoms on Spirit Day.
Heinz History Bowl, November 1, 8:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Contact: Kathy Dunlop, dunlopk@winchesterthurston.org
Students are challenged to find answers to questions, think and write creatively, and practice problem solving abilities as they explore the Heinz History Center Exhibits.
Thanksgiving Dinner Drive, November 11 - 15
Contact: Kelly Vignale, vignalek@winchesterthurston.org
Students in each classroom will collect items for a complete Thanksgiving dinner that will be donated to The North Hills Community Outreach. Students are asked to bring in specific items indicated on the donation form (which they will receive on November 8). A collection box will be set up in each classroom for the items. The second grade class will deliver all the items to the North Hills Community Outreach as they explore the importance of volunteering in our community.
Kindergarten Breakfast, November 12, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., Kindergarten Classroom Contact: Krista Herald, heraldk@winchesterthurston.org
Guests will join the Kindergarten students for a morning of breakfast prepared by the children. After breakfast, students will challenge their guests to some interactive math games.
PA Presents: What's New at WT: A Sneak Peek at the Latest Divisional Happenings, November 14, 7:45 - 9:30 a.m., Mitchell Room (City Campus) and Library (North Hills Campus)
Contact: Stacie Schmidt, 412-578-7512 or schmidts@winchesterthurston.org
Join Kristen Klein, Upper School Director, Dan Sadowski, Middle School Director, and Ashley Harper and Laurie Vennes, Lower School Directors, as they offer an inside look at recent and emerging programs in each Division. The program will cover collaborative learning between the North Hills and City Campuses, the Mission Skills Assessment initiative in the Middle School, and the new schedule’s impact on Upper School academics.
Own Clothes Day, November 20
All-School Thanksgiving Feast, November 25, 11:35 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., Multipurpose Room
Contact: Kelly Vignale, vignalek@winchesterthurston.org
The second grade class is coordinating the All-School Thanksgiving Feast. Students can bring a lunch from home or purchase a lunch that will include turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other traditional favorites. Students will take part in singing Thanksgiving songs and will end the celebration with the traditional turkey trot and an all-school recess.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day at the North Hills Campus, November 26, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Contact: Stacie Schmidt, 412-578-7512 or schmidts@winchesterthurston.org
Grandparents and Special Friends are invited for a special day of fun and learning! The day will include a student showcase, special project, tours of the school, and lunch. Visit the website for a detailed schedule and encourage your grandparents and Special Friends to RSVP today: www.winchesterthurston.org/RSVP
Thanksgiving Break – No School, November 27 – 29
In Service Day – No Classes for Students, December 2
Classes Resume, December 3
REMINDERS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SCHOOL-WIDE EVENTS
Opera Academy: Verdi’s Aida Course, October 16, 4:15 – 5:45 p.m., City Campus
Performance, October 20, 2:00 p.m., Benedum Theater
Contact: Dionne Brelsford, 412-578-7533 or brelsfordd@winchesterthurston.org
WT students and families are invited to explore the mystery, excitement, and suspense of the Opera with Lower School Mandarin Instructor, Ms. Smith. Don't miss out on this chance to learn and experience something new with your WT friends and family. Packages include both a WT After 3 mini-course and tickets to the Pittsburgh Opera performances at the Benedum Theater. Learn more and register.
Pumpkin Fair, October 22 – 24, Main Building (City Campus)
Contact: Stacie Schmidt, 412-578-7512 or schmidts@winchesterthurston.org
Pumpkin Fair, a second grade tradition, offers pumpkins, gourds, and fall treats (pumpkin bread, bat cookies, pumpkin cookies, and more) for all ages. The fair gives the second grade students a hands-on opportunity to practice their math skills with money. Pre-order your treats today!
All-School Open House, October 27, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., City Campus
Contact: Brooks Follansbee, 412-578-7518 or follansbeeb@winchesterthurston.org
Be wt smart and refer a friend -- Visiting families can tour our facilities; meet with teachers, students, and parents; and learn more about the many reasons why WT is leading the way in academic learning.
Diversity at WT: What’s Race Got to Do with It? Film Screening and Discussions, October 28, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Hilda Willis Room, Upper School Building (City Campus)
Contact: Aimee Fantazier, 412-578-7505 or fantaziera@winchesterthurston.org
Join us for the first in a series of events on Diversity. The film and a light dinner are free and open to the WT Community, brought to you by the Board of Trustees Diversity Committee. RSVP at www.winchesterthurston.org/diversity
About the film: More than 40 years after the Civil Rights Movement, America faces the paradox of being a nation “with racism, but without racists,” as sociologist Eduardo Bonilla-Silva has put it. Racial inequality is harder to recognize in a world where it no longer announces itself with white-only signs. Meanwhile, the idea of “colorblindness” conveniently allows us to condemn prejudice and bigotry while ignoring how racism contributes to the vast disparities that persist right under our noses. What’s Race Got to Do with It? chronicles the journey of a diverse group of students participating in a 15-week intergroup dialogue program at U.C. Berkeley. As the students share personal stories, debate hot topics, and confront one another about the role race plays in their lives, they make discoveries about their preconceived ideas and assumptions, and in so doing, help us begin to disentangle our own.
African Drums and Dance Family Workshop, November 3, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Dance Studio (City Campus)
Contact: Dionne Brelsford, 412-578-7533 or brelsfordd@winchesterthurston.org
Don’t miss out on this chance to learn, grow, and dance with your children! This two-hour “hands and feet on” workshop will include drumming, dancing, singing in African languages (Susu, Malinke, Fulani) and sampling some yummy African cuisine. The format will be appropriate for dances and drummers of all ages! Learn more and register.
“Bowled Words” Exhibition of Eggshell Ceramic Bowls by Nancy McNary Smith
Show Dates: November 11, 2013 – January 24, 2014
Opening Reception: December 11, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., WT Art Gallery (City Campus)
Contact: Sally Allan, allans@winchesterthurston.org
Come and be entertained by the whimsical ceramic “word” bowls of nationally acclaimed Pittsburgh artist, Nancy McNary Smith.
These “Eggshell Bowls” are too thin for domestic use. And they rock and wobble instead of sitting securely on flat feet. The material and form are ephemeral; the function, expressive. So, if not food, wine, or water, what do they hold? Some contain fruit; but it’s virtual fruit in virtual bowls. Some contain words—smart-alecky, sarcastic, salacious, or silly words. Some contain female figures—durable as stone, weak as flesh, demanding attention, mutating. Some contain handwritten letters—from family members, from others from the past.
Winchester Thurston’s Art Gallery is located in the Main Building at the City Campus, 555 Morewood Avenue. The gallery is open during school hours, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Opera Academy: Mozart’s The Magic Flute, November 12, 4:15 – 5:45 p.m., City Campus
Performance, November 17, 2:00 p.m., Benedum Theater
Contact: Dionne Brelsford, 412-578-7533 or brelsfordd@winchesterthurston.org
WT students and families are invited to explore the mystery, excitement, and suspense of the Opera with Lower School Mandarin Instructor, Ms. Smith. Don't miss out on this chance to learn and experience something new with your WT friends and family. Packages include both a WT After 3 mini-course and tickets to the Pittsburgh Opera performances at the Benedum Theater. Learn more and register.
Diversity at WT: Why Should People Care About Race? Lecture by Larry E. Davis, Dean, Donald M. Henderson Professor, and Director, Center on Race and Social Problems at the University of Pittsburgh, November 18, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Hilda Willis Room, Upper School Building (City Campus)
Contact: Aimee Fantazier, 412-578-7505 or fantaziera@winchesterthurston.org
Join us for the second in a series of events on Diversity. The lecture and a light dinner are free and open to the WT Community, brought to you by the Board of Trustees Diversity Committee. RSVP at www.winchesterthurston.org/diversity
About the Lecture: Many people think America is a post-racial society. We have elected a black president, and America has made significant progress toward racial equality. However, there remains much to be done. Some problems are worse today than they were during the turbulent times of the 1960’s. Indeed, racial disparities across a number of areas are blatant—family formation, unemployment of men of color, community violence, incarceration rates, educational disparities, and health and mental-health outcomes. Dean Davis will discuss why race matters now as much as ever and what we can do to address current racial problems.
Middle School Musical: Seussical the Musical, November 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and November 24 at 2:00 p.m., Falk Auditorium (City Campus)
Contact: Jill Machen, machenj@winchesterthurston.org
Here's an announcement coming your way
With so much excitement we're happy to say
At WT our performers will shine
In Seussical the Musical a show all in rhyme!
November 22, 23, 24
Those are the dates when we open the door
7:30 on Friday and Saturday night
At 2 on Sunday - a matinee, that's right
This is a show that you really must see
Falk Auditorium is the place you should be
Remember now … this ain't mother goose
No it’s not … it's all about Seuss!
Hula Hooping Workshop for Families, November 23, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., Gymnasium (City Campus)
Contact: Dionne Brelsford, 412-578-7533 or brelsfordd@winchesterthurston.org
Join us as we explore the sport (and art!) of HOOPING! We will design and create our own super hoops and then enjoy a basic hooping lesson with Pittsburgh Hooping Enthusiast and Instructor, Stefanie Zito! Learn more and register.
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