Introduction to the College Office

It's hard to believe how quickly the year is going by! Last week, before all of the snow, I had my college meeting with my college advisor, Mr. Doyle. There are three full time college counselors at the SSSAS upper school, each one taking a third of the alphabet. During junior and senior year, the college office are a huge help in navigating the crazy college process.

The first introduction we have to the office are meetings during junior year to help us begin thinking about and preparing for college. During these meetings, we discuss what classes we are thinking of taking senior year, when to take the SAT or ACT, and much more. Although I thought my meeting was going to overwhelm me immensely, Mr. Doyle explained everything clearly, set a timeline for many of my upcoming deadlines, and helped answer many of the questions I had. I'm so glad we have someone here to help during such an intimidating time in our lives!

Summer School = Flexibility and Fun!

I just signed up to take a religion course entitled “Christian Themes in Films” this summer at SSSAS.  Having the opportunity to take a summer class for credit, with one of our teachers, is a great option for managing your high school schedule.  By completing a course during the summer, you have a little more flexibility in your schedule during the school year.  Furthermore, focusing on just one class over the course of one or two intensive weeks is a fun way to learn.  One summer I took an American Red Cross course and became certified in CPR and First Aid.  By completing this course, I not only earned a P.E. credit for school but also used the certification to help land a job as a camp counselor.  In addition to offering classes for school credit, SSSAS offers numerous summer enrichment courses such as “Study Skills,” “Composition Skills,” and  “College Essay Writing.”  Of course, summer is a time for fun away from school, but spending a week or two taking a summer course can be both fun and beneficial.  Oh yeah, flips flops allowed!  http://www.sssas.org/summer

From Winter to Spring

Next week marks the first week of spring sports. Coming back from a 5 day weekend (woohoo!), spring sports are just around the corner! From announcements about JV boys tennis in morning meeting to girls lacrosse running tests in the afternoon, excitement is running through the veins of many upper school athletes. As hopeful athletes wait for warm weather to move in, actors put the final touches on their musical.

Stage One Players premier "Once Upon A Mattress" next Friday night and the actors sure are busy with rehearsals, costumes, and final touches to the set. I love watching the set come to life each day as I catch a glimpse of it in morning meeting. The students have done a fabulous job. Stage One Players consistently performs amazing shows and I'm sure "Once Upon A Mattress" will be no exception.  Get your tickets here!

Speaking of the musical, my French teacher told me earlier that the French foreign exchange students, who arrive on Sunday, will be attending the performance. Everyone in my French class is buzzing with excitement and cannot wait to meet their buddies.  Read more about our Normandy Exchange, here.

There sure is a lot going on right now at the Upper School, and I can't wait to see what amazing shows and achievements my peers showcase in the coming weeks.

Go Saints!

Winter Days

Snow, snow, and more snow! These past few weeks have been filled with snow days and two hour delays. Though we have missed quite a few days of school, we have not stopping working hard! Recently, students have attended numerous basketball and hockey games, all with exciting costume themes like blackout or "jerseys." And, next week, our spring sports start which is pretty hard to believe with all of the cold weather!

A few weeks ago we had our Winter Ball at Belle Haven Country Club which was a ton of fun. Students dressed up, took pictures, and then danced to our own students DJs.

Students are also getting ready for spring break! This year, we have numerous trips going all over the world! Students may be travelling to Romania, Spain, France, the Bahamas, or Greece. I am going to Spain for an exchange trip in Madrid.

Until then, I am just hoping the weather warms up and I have a great end to Senior Year. It has been a blast so far!