Headmaster's Notes
Dr. Vincent M. Stumpo, Headmaster

Advancement Announcements
June Stine, Director of Advancement
Save the Date! On April 12, 2008, Linden Hall will be celebrating both Alumnae Reunion Weekend and Parents’ Weekend on our beautiful campus, and again we will be hosting an auction to benefit the restoration of our historic buildings. The Phyllis Stadler Lyon ’52 Gymnasium will be transformed for a magical evening of fun with plenty of food and wonderful auction items. The silent and live auctions will be overflowing with gift certificates, student-made treasures, getaway destinations, services, special events, wonderful gift baskets, and so much more.

The auction committee has chosen the theme Roots & Wings, and the committee is currently in the planning stages. We need your help and support! If you would like to help the committee in any way, please let us know. Please consider one or more of the ways you can make a difference.

• Donate an item(s)
• Make a cash donation to the event
• Purchase a personal or business ad
• Join a committee
• Attend the auction

College Counseling News
Susan Kirkland, Director of College Counseling
Every year, the College Board recognizes students who have earned AP Scholar Awards based on their outstanding academic performance. There are several types of awards, granted for various levels of achievement. Three students in the Class of 2007 were recognized for their academic distinction. Amberly Meli and Chiamaka Ilonzo were awarded AP Scholar with Honor Awards, and Jennifer Darrell was awarded an AP Scholar Award. AP Scholar Awards are granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. The AP Scholar with Honor Award is granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Congratulations to Amberly, Chichi, and Jennifer! Well done.

The Class of 2008 is completing final testing and writing applications and essays. These are the things, in addition to school work, that keep seniors very busy at this time of year. The data part of all applications should be completed by the end of October. Essays have been written in English classes, and second drafts are being prepared. Everyone is working well. Early Decision and Early Action applications will be mailed by November deadlines, and all other applications will be mailed prior to the Christmas vacation.

The juniors will be engaged in college classes the week of October 15. They will receive the Linden Hall College Handbook, and the college process will be discussed in detail. It’s an exciting and thought-provoking time for the students. On Parents’ Weekend, I will be conducting a meeting for the parents of juniors at which time materials on the college search process will be distributed. I’m hoping many parents will choose to attend!

Juniors and sophomores will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday, October 17. This is practice for the SAT and, for juniors, the starting point for National Merit Scholarship qualification.

Results of the EXPLORE test that grades 7 and 8 took in September have arrived, and parents will be receiving evaluation reports from me within the next few weeks. Results for the PLAN have not been returned at this time.

If you have questions or concerns regarding any matter, please call or come to my office for a meeting. You’re always welcome.

Upper School Update
Sally Watkins, Academic Dean
During the afternoon on September 25th we were fortunate to have a guest speaker, Ms. Nancy Callahan, mother of eighth grader Emma Callahan. Ms. Callahan, Vice President of the Professional Liability Division of AIG Executive Liability, spoke to our students about proper use of the Internet.

An expert on identity theft, Ms. Callahan is a frequent speaker at industry conferences throughout the United States and is a much sought-after media resource, having been quoted in The Wall Street Journal and Associated Press. Ms. Callahan joined AIG in 2001. Prior to AIG, she worked in e-commerce and financial services. She spent 13 years at Reuters where her final position was executive Vice President, Money Transaction Systems. She has a Masters of Business Administration and a BS in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia.

With groups of students in both Middle and Upper Schools, Ms. Callahan led question-and-answer sessions in which she first asked general questions about what sites students choose, how to protect their identities, and what information students should provide on-line. Of course, students are knowledgeable about overall Internet usage, but Ms. Callahan pointed out important information when students enter sites: what information to give, the importance of parental permission for younger students, how permanent information is once given, and the ability of just about anyone to retrieve information someone has put online.

For many students, these sessions were an opportunity to share their perceptions with an expert who affirmed their knowledge or clarified inaccurate information. For others, the discussions were enlightening and important in providing both cautionary advice and encouraging information about Internet usage.

We are most appreciative that Ms. Callahan took time to share her expertise with us for an entire afternoon—later that day she even had a chance to watch Emma’s Middle School Volleyball Team!

Middle School Messages
Sally Watkins, Middle School Dean
By now our middle school students have adjusted to the six-day cycle in their schedules, know where to be during D Block, and have made new friends in the day lounge and in the dorms. I greet smiling faces every morning, and if we do have any kind of problem, we try to solve it maturely and quickly. In classes much is happening!

The middle school math students have been working with decimals in Chapter 3 and have learned about decimal addition and subtraction, decimal estimation, rounding decimals, and ordering decimals. In Chapter 4 we will explore the distributive property, changing metric units, and mass and capacity. In pre-algebra students had a major test on solving simple equations on October 5 and then worked with equations involving addition or subtraction and equations involving multiplication or division. Students also solved equations with decimals and will learn how to solve more difficult linear equations and inequalities by isolating variables and applying properties and inverse operations.

In ESL history class students have just finished studying the American Revolution and will be learning next about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The language lab class is working on the history of Halloween and several famous ghost stories.

Sixth graders in English class have explored nouns, pronouns, and verbs--helping, linking and action—and are now identifying subjects and predicates. The class read several short stories: “Arachne,” “Hard as Nails,” “The Sound of Summer Running,” and “The Fun They Had.” Of course, reading and vocabulary continue on a weekly basis. The first grammar and short story test will occur in another week or two. In seventh grade, students finished a short story literature unit, and there will be a test within the week. This past week students took a verb test, and work on other parts of speech will continue. Vocabulary study is a regular part of the routine; next week in composition students will be starting to write a tribute essay about someone they want to honor. In grade 8 the first unit of short stories is complete with a test to follow. Students finished a review of verbs and are now working on learning prefixes, root words, and suffixes to help them decode new vocabulary words. In Honors 8 students are completing the literature portion of the trimester which has focused on mystery and suspense, with Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. In grammar students continue to review parts of speech, and for composition, are currently working on personal narratives.

For the first trimester, students in Social Studies 8 and Social Studies Honors 8 are examining US history from Pre-contact until 2000. So far, the SS8 students have given group presentations on Seeds of Change, Pre-contact Native American Cultures (Aztec, Inca, and Maya), and the American Revolution; they are currently preparing for a mock trial/group presentation of the Salem Witch Trials. SS Honors 8 students are giving individual presentations of century-based topics: Seeds of Change, Monticello, Jefferson vs. Hamilton, American Republicanism, The Cotton Gin, The History of Massachusetts, and The Yellow Fever Epidemic in Philadelphia.

Academic Spotlight: English
Jan Snyder-Hess, Department Chair
The English Department continues to offer students opportunities to read, write about, and discuss some of the great works of literature, covering all genres - poetry, short stories, dramas, and novels.  Emphasis is placed on understanding, explaining, and analyzing how writers achieve meaning in their works.  Students are encouraged to share their ideas about their reading assignments orally, as well as to write cohesive, carefully supported essays.  We encourage students to become life-long readers by giving opportunities to self-select books each trimester. Working together in a vertical team, we know what is required for success on the SATs and AP exams.

English 6-8
Students continue to review the various literary devices and apply them to increasingly difficult reading material.  Emphasis is placed on grammar, punctuation, and usage in these early years and on the application of grammar skills in writing. Students are expected to read a designated number of pages independently, and they track their progress in a Reading Log. Regular vocabulary study helps with word recognition and, ultimately, higher SAT scores.

Honors 8 / English 9
This course focuses on several areas of English study, most particularly on an intensive examination of grammar, the purpose of which is to help students improve their writing skills.  Vocabulary building is also an integral part of the course.  The literature read and discussed includes several genres (fiction, poetry, drama, etc.), and the key purpose of these discussions is to help develop an analytical approach to literature that allows them to appreciate it on levels of comprehension deeper than on simple understanding of plot.

Honors 9/10
This two-year course examines literature from various countries and cultures and attempts to tie literature in to the various artistic and cultural movements occurring when the literature was written. In addition to reading, writing analytically about the literature studied comprises an important facet of the course, a main purpose of which is to prepare academically advanced students to succeed in AP courses.

English 10
Our literature-based curriculum offers many high-interest choices, including: A Separate Peace, The Catcher in the Rye, A Raisin in the Sun, and The House on Mango Street, to name a few.  Students read, discuss, and write analytically about the various elements in each work.  Additionally, students spend time writing other types of compositions, including the personal narrative. The study of poetry, dramas, and vocabulary enrichment rounds out the syllabus.

English 11
This literature-based course focuses primarily, although not exclusively, on American literature, which is studied and discussed in depth and serves as the basis for essays that probe themes integral to each work.  In addition, students write a research paper to familiarize themselves not only with the process of research but with the formal MLA style as well.  Occasionally, practice tests are given on the kinds of material students will face when they take the SAT.

Composition
The primary focus of this course is improving writing skills in the various types of essays that students will confront as they continue their education.  Grammar is reviewed on a  regular basis, and classes are often directed to areas of weakness that students exhibit in their actual written work, with the goal of eliminating such weaknesses.

English 12
Writing for college is an emphasis in this course all year. Literature units will include Macbeth, She Stoops to Conquer, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, and The Awakening. We will study usage, vocabulary, and grammar as it relates to errors in writing. The college application essay is one assignment that serves a dual purpose this time of year.

AP/Honors English
The AP English course in Literature and Composition engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through a close-reading of selected texts, students should deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to convey meaning. The course includes intensive study of representative works from various genres and periods, concentrating on works from the literary canon, including Conrad, Shakespeare, Hardy, Morrison, Woolf, Sophocles, Hawthorne, Hesse, and Austen. Reading is both wide and deep. Students write analytical papers, including a literary research paper on self-selected novels and/or dramas.

Gracenotes
Biba Benjamin, Music Director
October has been a busy month so far in the music department. Both our choral groups and our bell choirs have been getting ready to perform on October 27 during Parents' Weekend.

At the beginning of the month, several students and I went to hear an open rehearsal of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra at the Fulton Theater in downtown Lancaster. Performing with the orchestra was soloist Angel Romero, a world-renowned classical guitarist, who played the premier of a flamenco guitar concerto written by David Chesky, an American composer. Our Linden Hall students were amazed by his technique and musicianship.

Many of our students are taking private lessons in flute, guitar, violin, piano, and voice. As I walk by the practice rooms, I am impressed with how many talented students we have at Linden Hall.

Records adorn the music room, as the "record project" is complete. Combined collections of my records that I cherish alongside Linden Hall's extensive collection make up for a wonderful listening experience. Many thanks go out to Charlie Miller, in maintenance, Ted Schmid, our carpenter, and Chuck Hunnefield, our computer technician. Nora Workman's artistic input added the final touch.

On the Boards
Dennis Foreman, Drama Director
Tickets are on sale for this year's fall play, Thornton Wilder's Our Town.  With this Pulitzer-Prize-winning play, the playwright changed American theater forever!  This is a play about life's simple joys and overwhelming grief.  Our Town will be performed at 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, October 26 and 27, and 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 28.

You may order tickets by sending a request to boxoffice@lindenhall.org.  Please include your name, number of tickets, the date of the performance you wish to attend, and a phone number.  Members of our National Honor Society will be handling ticket sales.  Your tickets will be held in Lyet Gallery until ten minutes prior to the production.  If tickets are not claimed prior to this time, they will be sold.

Auditions for our middle school production of Charlotte's Web will be held on October 29.

Between the Lines
Linda Mummert, Athletic Director
The Volleyball team will complete their season with a parent/team scrimmage on Parent’s’ Weekend. They will have completed an 11 match schedule with two tournament appearances.

The Tennis team will complete their rain delayed match on October 15. A team awards dinner was provided by the parents on October 9 with Rachel Boscov being recognized as the only four-year letter winner. She also served as captain of this year’s team.

The Cross Country club team will hold the first ever Linden Hall Invitational meet on Wednesday, October 17. This will be a co-ed meet for both middle school and high school runners from Linden Hall, York Country Day School, Carson Long, and Harrisburg Academy.

The Riding team is yet to compete, but the riding lessons are continuing at a fast and furious pace.

All information regarding athletic programs including practice locations and times as well as contests and results can be located on the Linden Hall Sports Calendar. Go to this site and sign up for instant notification of changes by email alerts. It is simple... just a click away!

In the Dorms
Dennis Foreman, Upper School Dorm Director
Thanksgiving Break is less than 30-days away!  This year, girls from nine countries other than the United States are enrolled at Linden Hall.  Many of these students return home or go on school-sponsored trips.  We do have some students, however, who need home-stay opportunities and are constantly looking for families to host students during our various holiday periods.  Many of our international students have never experienced a traditional American Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.  We view these home-stays as a unique addition to these students' education.  Along with life-long memories, host families will receive a daily stipend for each student they host.  Thanksgiving Break begins at 3:00 pm on Friday, November 16, and continues through 8:00 pm on November 25.  Please contact Mr. Dennis Foreman or Mrs. Shaaron Lavery if you would like more information.

Dorm students will be asked for their holiday travel plans beginning on October 15.

Student Council Corner
Judy Conlin, Student Council Advisor
October is always an exciting month for the Student Council. New members will be joining the group. Plans are being made for participation in the Lititz Halloween Parade. Members are baking cookies to sell during intermission of the drama production during Parents' Weekend, The girls are also excited about plans to meet with other members of the student body during "Refreshments with the Student Council" to be held every Day 6. Parents coming to Parents' Weekend will have the chance to meet some of the Student Council members as the girls will be the tour guides that weekend.

Student's Soapbox
Diana Egnatz, Class of 2010

A Student Speaks!
Karen Jensen, Class of 2008
When I first attempt to assess my academics for my first three years of high school, I can only remember those certain factors that perhaps, wouldn’t mean much to the vast swarms of Lancaster county residents who read The Lititz Record Express: the girl who I sat next to, if the teacher was one of my favorites, and, of course, if I did exceedingly well or exceedingly… all right. These things, of course, provide little to no valid information on the true experience of the class and what piece of education I actually left the room with.

I began Linden Hall in ninth grade. I was not sure what to expect when I came here. The normal list of questions slipped through my mind: Would the classes be too difficult? Would the teachers be harsh, or the type to overload you with work? My fears were soon calmed, however, and once I began falling into the rhythm of classes and homework, I was put at ease. The teachers were fair but understanding, and very compliant when it came to seeking more information about a subject you found fascinating or one you were deeply confused about.

However, the classes at Linden Hall are more challenging than what one would find at most schools in the area. The great thing about this place is that you can design your own academic program based on your talents and abilities. For example, if you are brilliant in English but Algebra makes no sense whatsoever, you may take an Honors English class (eventually an Advanced Placement) and a regular Algebra class, versus the more challenging Honors course. Because our classes are so small, the teachers get to know your strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide what courses are right for you. If you are struggling in any class, the after school Academic Help period becomes your best friend; this is a time to meet with your teacher and other students who are asking the same questions. I know I have used this time more than once to converse with my teachers and fellow classmates about logarithms, standard deviation, biodiversity, Shakespeare, the French and Indian war, and a plethora of other topics that either baffled or mesmerized me.

During my high school years, I have been lucky enough to have a great many teachers who truly taught by our school motto: “Non Scholae Sed Vitae Discimus,” meaning we learn not for school but for life. I truly feel Linden Hall is preparing me for college-level work and also for the real world of crises and problems to mend and solve.

Printer-Friendly Version

IN THIS ISSUE:

Headmaster's Notes
A Linden Hall Education: What greater gift could you provide for your daughter?

Advancement Announcements
The 2008 Auction and the Architect

College Counseling News
AP Scholar Awards, Seniors' college searches, Juniors' begin looking, and testing results

Upper School Update
Mrs. Nancy Callahan speaks to the students about Internet safety

Middle School Messages
Class happenings

Academic Spotlight
English Curriculum

Gracenotes
Trip to the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra and preparations for Parents' Weekend

On the Boards
Our Town tickets go on sale

Between the Lines
Fall sports winding down on great seasons!

In the Dorms
Thanksgiving Break is approaching fast

Student Council Corner
Halloween Parade, refreshments with the Student Council, and Parents' Weekend

Student's Soapbox
Diana Egnatz
Class of 2010

A Student Speaks!
Karen Jensen
Class of 2008

PLEASE NOTE:

Password protection is now in place on the alumnae and parent sections of the Linden Hall website. We do this for the protection of your personal information. When you go to www.lindenhall.org and click on one of the password protected sections at the bottom of the page, you will be taken to a login page. On that page is a link that you can use to register on our website. It is easy and takes only seconds!

UPCOMING EVENTS: