Welcome to the Next Four Years

As the Class of 2013 finish up final examinations, attend senior activities, and prepare to graduate, June 12, NFA is planning to welcome a new class of incoming students -- the Clss of 2017.
 
On the evening of June 12, NFA hosted over 125 parents of incoming ninth grade students for "Welcome to the Next Four Years. The Choice is Made. What's Next?" The informational program was an introduction to the specifics and details of the four year NFA experience for NFA's newest Wildcat families. After a brief session about communication and the NFA website, including an introduction of NFA's mobile app for smart phones, Head of School David Klein greeted participants and promised those present to "take exceptional care of your children."

Those attending divided into five smaller groups to rotate among the different information presentations at different locations on campus.
 
Five sessions followed. Director of Guidance Jeanne Elliott and school counselors talked about guidance and student services; Cranston House Principal Thomas O'Rourke, assisted by ninth grade teachers, talked about the ninth grade experience and the Ninth Grade House Program; Library Director Kristie Leonard and Director of Technology Anthony Girasoli addressed technology and library services, including NFA's BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy; Tirrell House Principal Ross Sward and Campus Safety Director Al Fecteau talked about the cafeteria, food services, and a secure campus community; and Director of Student Services and Project Outreach Coordinator Jodi Vara talked about student activities, clubs, and athletics.
 
Parents were especially happy to hear of plans for the fall to direct all day-time campus access via a manned Welcoming Center to be installed this summer at the Tirrell horseshoe on the south end of campus. Other means of campus access will be restricted during school hours. More about these plans will be the topic of NFA World as plans take shape, signage is fabricated, the Welcome Center is opened, and protocols are established. These are all a part of NFA's continued efforts to ensure that campus and students safe and secure.

Refreshments, Q & A, and socializing finished the evening in the Atrium. Having taken the first step on their journey as Wildcat parents, participants left with NFA bumper stickers and security that they had made a great high school choice.

Finals, Graduation, Summer

Underclass final exams continue through Wednesday of this week. this week through Wednesday. These days are noon release for students. June 19 is the final student day for underclassmen.
 
Seniors hold their senior breakfast, 9 a.m., June 17 and have mandatory graduation rehearsal, 1 p.m., The Athletic Awards Ceremony takes place 6 p.m., June 19, in Slater Auditorium, and Senior Class Night is 6 p.m., June 20, in Alumni Gymnasium.  Graduation for the Class of 2013 begins 4 p.m., June 21, on the athletic field.
 
This will be NFA's 155th Commence Ceremony; the Class of 1963 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of their NFA graduation will join in the ceremony.
 
Summer reading lists and assignments have been distributed to all students grades 9-11. All incoming partner schools have received lists for distribution to incoming students. Some incoming students will receive lists by personal mailing. The entire list is available on the website on both News and Events and on the Current Students tab.
 
There’s still time to register for Summer at NFA, a full menu of opportunities for students, grades 6-12, and adults. The deadline to register for the Endless Opportunities program for seventh and eighth graders has been extended to June 24. Visit www.nfaschool.org/summer and register on line.
 
Final Thought: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe urges us to "Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.”