Annie Leonard, HS Assistant Principal and instructor of the Teaching Apprenticeship Program writes, "High school seniors in the Teaching Apprenticeship Program finished up their semester-long experience studying the theory and practice of elementary education by teaching a lesson in a lower school classroom. The Grade 12 students spent the fall apprenticed to a mentor teacher from the lower school faculty, and the older students became familiar and welcome helpers to their younger charges in the classroom. During their time teaching the lower schoolers—whether it was chicken-wire weaving or make-your-own jigsaw in K1, story re-telling in Grade 1, or writer's workshop in Grade 4—the apprentices stepped to the front of the room and became lead educators; a fitting capstone to the semester's learning."

Arabic is now a firm fixture in the high school world languages and cultures curriculum. High school Arabic teacher JP Taoutel writes, "Arabic 1 is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Arabic. The primary goal is to develop the basic language skills in Standard Modern Arabic: listening, speaking, reading and writing by using the Arabic alphabet. The course includes attention to culture and social customs in Arabic-speaking countries. In just three months, students have already grasped the complexity of the Arabic alphabet and they are now able to use basic sentences to communicate in the target language."

Students in Grades 11 and 12 choose from 20 elective courses in the English department, ranging from the Victorian novel to Modern African literature. Stephan Potchatek’s Dramatic Literature and Performance class takes particular advantage of ASL’s setting to explore the rich offerings of London’s theater scene. Students last semester attended performances of “Hedda Gabler,” “Three Sisters,” “The Seagull” (three plays they also read), “Red Velvet,” “Desire under the Elms,” “Trojan Women” and “Love's Comedy.” In addition to their theater outings, the class read “Act without Words,” “A Doll's House,” “Waiting for Godot,” “Endgame,” “Arcadia,” and “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.”

Dana ’13 explains, “This course has completely changed my relationship with London theater. I was only familiar with West End shows prior to this class, but now I'm so much more aware of the theater that's going on all around London. ‘Three Sisters’ at The Young Vic was by far the best play I've ever seen in my life; in fact I went and saw it again during one of my weekends. It was such a brilliant modern adaptation of a play I wasn't really connected to upon reading, but after I saw the performance, ‘Three Sisters’ became one of my favorite plays.”

Riley ’13 adds, “This course brought a whole new perspective of how the transformation of a play from text to the stage can sometimes be interpreted in unique and original ways that shock the audience into experiencing something entirely different than what they might have read. I have a much greater appreciation for ASL's proximity to the expansive web that is London theater. I have never before seen so many plays in such a short amount of time. I would most definitely recommend this course to other students because it is a great way to learn about many different eras of play-writing as well as famous authors from those eras. Also the interaction with the stage brings a whole new depth to the conversation in class.”

“I did not know so many plays were put on in London. Before this class I hadn't gone to see plays, because I thought it was something mostly adults went to, but being there I realized there were many young people enjoying the performances,” said Sophie ’13.

Dana ’13 summarizes, “This class has made me appreciate ASL so much more. It's been the best class I've ever taken during my seven years at ASL, and I wish I could have taken it every single year.” 

Photo by Sophie ’13: Students take their seats before a performance of Ibsen's “Love's a Comedy” at Richmond's Orange Tree Theatre.

Dave Vann (P ’15 ’16 ’20) spoke to Grade 3 students about civil rights and his connection with the movement. As a newly qualified lawyer, he worked as a clerk for Judge Frank Johnson, who presided over the pivotal case of Rosa Parks in the 1960s. He stressed the importance of the US Constitution's statement of equality in judges' decision-making in civil rights cases.

High school world languages and cultures teacher Mario Rojas writes, "The Rassias Method workshop, held as part of the Learning Institute at ASL on 18-19 January, was a great success. Educators from all over the globe, hailing from places as far as Brazil and Singapore, participated in this intensive, two-day introduction to Rassias Method techniques. Led by Helene Rassias-Miles, executive director of Dartmouth College's Rassias Center, teachers learned the basics of the renowned conversation drill technique pioneered by Professor John Rassias that can elicit more than 65 spoken responses per student per hour. The method aims, as stated by the Rassias Center, 'to make the participant feel comfortable and natural with the language in a short period of time....accomplished through a specific series of teaching procedures and dramatic techniques, which seek to eliminate inhibitions and create an atmosphere of free expression.' Following suit, teachers got in touch with their theatrical side, acting out dialogues and improvisational skits, engaging each other in communicative games, and learning how to inspire their students to do the same."

Mario and fellow ASL world languages and cultures teacher Whitney Nuchereno assisted in leading the workshop, being trained in the RM themselves and using it on a daily basis in their classes. Department head Lanting Xu and Director of Curriculum and Instruction Roberto D'Erizans were instrumental in the planning and execution of the workshop, as well.

Mario continues, "For everyone involved, it was an honor to work side-by-side with Helene Rassias-Miles and to reach out to educators from so many corners of the globe. Our hope is that every participant took away many practical activities that they can implement into their classes immediately, and that John Rassias's philosophy, which is, at its heart, a humanist and optimistic one, will become a permanent part of their pedagogy."

Find out more about the Learning Institute at ASL.

Alumni Relations Coordinator Libby Jones writes about Bonnie Greer's recent visit to ASL.

"I read history at university, but I’m not a historian." Despite her modest introduction to the 2013 Diana Greene History Lecture, guest of honor Bonnie Greer, OBE, presented a stirring, provocative lecture on American History to a spellbound audience of alumni, parents, faculty and staff in the Mellon Library on Tuesday evening, 22 January. This annual Speakers Series event, dedicated to Diana Greene (P ’99 ’02) for her commitment to history, offers the ASL community an opportunity to gain historic insight from a distinguished primary source. Ms. Greer has been recognized as a prolific playwright, author and critic who is serving as deputy chairman of the British Museum’s Board of Trustees. Her fascination for history is born out of her desire to connect “hidden links” in order to gain a new perspective. “I like outliers,” Ms. Greer explained. “[I like] the politically incorrect who enter sacred spaces they aren’t supposed to be in.”

Reflecting on President Obama’s second inauguration held earlier in the week, Ms. Greer’s lecture focused on two men who, according to her, played critical, complicated and often unaccredited roles in securing freedom for African Americans during the 19th and 20th centuries. She first discussed Ulysses S. Grant, commanding general of the Union army during the Civil War and America’s 18th President, who earned a bad rap for his corrupt administration but still fought tirelessly to protect African American civil rights. Second to earn Ms. Greer’s attention was Bayard Rustin, the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his legendary “I Have a Dream” speech. Rustin’s activism for racial equality began as early as President Roosevelt’s administration and championed nonviolence and a profound notion that “…all people are one.”

As her moving lesson drew to a close, Ms. Greer called on her “Baby Boomer” generation to tidy up our history before it’s too late. “As the younger generations set to meet the challenge of a multiethnic America, a multi-faith America [and] a digital America…having to cope with a growing deficit…maybe we can begin to set a few records straight,” she encouraged. Only time—and history—will tell!

Don't miss this fabulous production of "Into the Woods, Jr." with music by Stephen Sondheim! Middle school students and director Stan Ratoff are busy putting the final touches for the opening of their play on Wednesday, 30 January, 3:45 pm. Further performance times: Thursday, 31 January, 7 pm; Friday, 1 February, 7 pm; Saturday, 2 February, 3 pm. The show is suitable for all ages. Tickets are on sale after school, WPR. £5 adults/£3 students. Tickets will also be sold on the door for each performance. Don't be left out in the cold; come see "Into the Woods, Jr."!

Give it up for the Griffin Sprog! For the third consecutive year, this precocious and persevering Grade 8 robotics team competed in the UK National FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League Tournament at Loughborough University on Saturday, 26 January. The group performed admirably, earning ninth place overall and taking home the Loughborough University Innovation Award. Robotics team mentor and MS science teacher Chris Goff is exceedingly proud of his students, who spent countless lunch hours and afternoons preparing for the competition. "They are an amazing group of kids," reports Mr. Goff, "and I look forward to working with them on the HS team next year."

Speaking of HS robotics, the ASL team will compete in a FIRST Regional Tournament at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass., on 7-9 March 2013. Joining 48 other teams from around the globe, these driven students will unveil their robot for all to admire. The robotics team welcomes encouragement from ASL alumni, parents of alumni, families, and former faculty and staff, and we cordially invite you to join them at this contest in scientific exploration and technological ingenuity. Come one, come all robotics fanatics! For further information about the tournament, visit the event website: http://www.wpi.edu/news/firstregional.html. If you are interested in attending, please contact Mr. Goff, chris_goff@asl.org.

Extra, extra! Here is a round-up of ASL alumni-authors who have been making headlines lately.

ELNA BAKER ’00, live from New York

Elna Baker was recently featured on The Moth Radio Hour, a national radio show that highlights storytelling and stand-up comedy events performed in cities across America. Since publishing her first book, The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance, three years ago, Baker continues to wow audiences with her self-deprecating humor and candid reflections on faith, relationships and single life in New York City. Check out Baker on The Moth’s website: http://themoth.org/posts/storytellers/elna-baker

WENDY LAWLESS ’78, a startling childhood remembered

Last month, actress and essayist Wendy Lawless launched her debut book, Chanel Bonfire. Set in New York and London, Lawless recounts the story of her beautiful but troubled mother who longed for a leisurely life of privilege and yet, despite her Dior fashion and ritzy homes, could never afford to be carefree. Lawless, who attended ASL from 1971 until 1976 and has “wonderful memories” of the School, now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children. You can read a review of Chanel Bonfire here: http://www.oprah.com/book/Chanel-Bonfire

CHERYL MOSKOWITZ ’75, award-winning poet

Cheryl Moskowitz first published a collection of poetry in February 2012. Since then, this premier poet and playwright has turned her attention to writing for children: her latest work, Can it be about Me, features poems for kids. Cheryl writes verses about friends, teachers and just about everyone in the classroom. She shares news about her upcoming readings on her personal website: www.cherylmoskowitz.com.

NATHAN RISINGER ’08, a bioethicist-turned-blogger

After graduating from college this spring, Nathan Risinger is now a research assistant at the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics. His interest in moral truths and their relation to the medical field has landed him a gig with the Huffington Post, where he posts probing discussions of the efficacy of flu-shots and the misleading nature of prescription drug ads, among other topics. Read more from Risinger here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nathan-risinger/

Happy reading!

Nicolas ’19 writes about archaeology in Grade 6:

Recently the 6th graders have finished an archaeology project. This was a project to see how well the students could find information and research a specific archaeological site. Each child was paired up with 2 or 3 other group members to try and learn about archaeology. This project took them about 5 weeks to complete. This task may sound very easy, but the process is not so simple. Firstly they must research information about their archaeological site. They could complete this task both by using a computer, and finding a database or they could research information written in a book. Secondly they had to write an essay about a specific topic they were assigned. Finally they had to put all of those essays on a poster and make a newspaper, which included a title and some teasers at the bottom.

These are the comments heard around the 6th grade pod:

“The archaeology project had its ups and downs, but overall I liked it.”

“It was a bit tricky, but once you got the hang of it, it was as easy as pie.”

“I liked the archaeology project it may have been a bit challenging, but I enjoy a good challenge.”

To wrap things up the 6th graders might’ve found this project tough, but they are amazing and persevered very well to eventually crack open their success.

In January, seven members of the varsity basketball teams had the opportunity to serve as ball boys and girls at the NBA London Live basketball game between the New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons. From rebounding during pre-game shoot-arounds, to sweeping the court, to collecting uniforms as players entered the game, ASL students were involved in the action!

Grade 4 Team Leader Matt Kish writes, "During February Break, five lower school teachers traveled to India to continue ASL’s special relationship with the Nirvana School. Located in a fishing village outside of the former French colony of Pondicherry, the Nirvana School educates 380 local students from kindergarten to Grade 10 through their English-medium program. Starting by tutoring children on her doorstep, the school’s founder, Mrs. Samani, has now grown the school to include a primary school, high school, after-school activities, tuition programs and adult education classes. For the past nine years, ASL has worked to raise money, make connections between the two schools, and send a team of teachers to visit the Nirvana School each year.

"During this year's project, we worked to raise money for the Nirvana School, continue the connections between our students, and offer professional development for the Nirvana teachers. Each lower school student at ASL did chores at home to earn a small amount of money. The money raised was used to provide new school uniforms for the students at Nirvana. To help continue the connection between our schools, each ASL class created a 'Day in the Life' book that we brought with us to Nirvana to share. The Nirvana students absolutely loved seeing the pictures and reading about school at ASL, and some Nirvana students wrote letters to our students to share a little about themselves and life in India. Finally, while in India, our teacher team offered professional development for the Nirvana teachers at a Saturday workshop and throughout the week while working together in the classrooms.

"Thank you to all of the ASL students, families and teachers who helped to make this project a success. We look forward to continuing this special relationship in the future!"

Next month, moviegoers with an inclination for thrills, chills and dark psychology will be eager to see new film Side Effects, opening in UK theaters on 15 March. In addition to riveting performances from Rooney Mara, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Jude Law, this suspense-filled flick includes another noteworthy actor: alumnus Claude Deering ’00!

Claude plays the part of Zach, a troubled patient of Dr. Victoria Siebert (Zeta-Jones) who suffers from abandonment issues as a result of being adopted. The small role was an extraordinary opportunity for Claude to work under screenplay writer Scott Burns and director Steven Soderbergh (P ’09). In fact, this esteemed former student, who starred in 10 productions during his ASL tenure, had a hand in writing his own scene. “It was one of my favorite experiences ever,” Claude recalled recently in a phone interview from his home in Los Angeles. After successfully shooting the scene, “Scott [Burns] shook my hand and said, ‘well done.’ It was wonderful!”

Although Claude’s acting career did not take root at ASL (he got his start early on as a chorus member of a California production of Evita at the age of nine), one could argue it took flight on our stage, where his performances ran the gamut of dramatic emotion—Jim in Huck Finn, the theater critic in The Real Inspector Hound, the pirate king in The Pirates of Penzance, to name a few. Thirteen years after he graduated, Claude is still in awe of the advantages that ASL afforded him while he set out to forge a life in show-biz. “We borrowed costumes from the National Theatre when we performed Guys and Dolls,” Claude shared. “Our cast recorded the soundtrack of How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying in Abbey Road Studios. And what’s more, the arts and choir were really popular at ASL; even rugby players did choir!”

Claude is especially grateful to performing arts teachers Buck Herron (ASL 1998-present) and Scott Jeneary (ASL 1995-2001), who helped nurture his talent and supported his decision to continue his studies at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. As for advice for ASL’s new generation of budding thespians, Claude encourages students to take advantage of London’s rich theater scene. “Go see anything playing at the National Theatre,” he advises. Partaking in a summer program or a theater internship are other terrific ways of gaining exposure to professional acting.

While Claude continues to pitch shows and teach classes on the West Coast, we’ll be cheering him on the big screen from London! He recently learned that his original series, Things are Going Great for me with J. Claude Deering, has been picked up by Will Ferrell’s comedy video website, Funnyordie.com. We wish him every success with this new project, with Side Effects and beyond.

Keep up with the latest technology news in the Middle School.

MS Technology Coordinator Colin Bridgewater blogs regularly about the latest in tech news, including how the Middle School is addressing issues of digital citizenship.

Mr. Bridgewater said, "We address digital citizenship issues in a variety of formats in the Middle School, including whole grade assemblies, flex classes, and advisory. I'll be keeping parents up to date about what issues we're addressing in school, how that ties in to current research on a particular topic, and then how parents might be able to follow up at home."

Keep up to date with the MS Tech blog. Subscribe to the RSS feed if you use a Reader, or you can click the Alerts button to get an email any time a new entry is posted.

When introducing bestselling author Selden Edwards as the presenter of the 2013 Bergeron Lecture, HS English Department Head Meghan Tally shared an important lesson that Mr. Edwards taught her years ago: the hero always says ‘yes’ to the adventure. Saying yes, for Mr. Edwards, meant holding on to a worn manuscript for 30 years: writing and rewriting, tolerating rejection from publishers and persevering as an aspiring novelist. He is now the successful author of two critically acclaimed books, The Little Book and The Lost Prince.

On Tuesday, 26 February, an enthusiastic group of parents, teachers, students and staff members said yes to a special evening with Mr. Edwards as part of the ASL Speakers Series. Fielding questions from Ms. Tally and HS English teacher Miles Dunmore, Mr. Edwards discussed his creative process as a writer, his esteem for Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell, and his fascination with the power of myths—which have the unique capability of expressing a culture’s collective unconscious. “There is some truth you get from a novel that you can’t get any other way,” Mr. Edwards explained. “A description of the human condition has to be told metaphorically because metaphor is a stronger illustrator of the depth of the human soul.”

The lecture concluded with warm applause from the audience and an opportunity for Mr. Edwards to sign copies of his books. The author has spent the past week working closely with HS English students on their writing craft. He praised ASL for being “a wonderful school in which to be a guest.”

The Bergeron Fellow presents the Bergeron Lecture
The Bergeron Writing Fellowship is an annual writer-in-residence program and was established by HS English teacher Keith Millman in 1996. It was endowed in 1999-2000. The fellowship is named in honor of former HS English teacher Luke Bergeron, who taught at ASL from 1973 to 1991 and is remembered for his creativity and commitment to his students. Mr. Bergeron passed away in October 1993. The Bergeron Fellow spends a week working with a middle or high school English class on a particular genre of writing, as well as holding workshops for English teachers, and delivering the Bergeron Lecture. All members of the community are invited to attend the Bergeron Lecture, which is part of the ASL Speakers Series.