The Mead School

The 5th & 6th grade departed for Sprout Creek Farm in Poughkeepsie, NY last Wednesday for a 3-day stay.  The trip was physically demanding, as well as educational. The farm stresses local production and consumption of foods and the children left the farm with a good understanding of this interesting way of life.

 

Although the trip was full of exciting challenges and a lot of hard work for the students, they faced their demanding tasks with enthusiasm.  Each day began with a 5:45am wake-up call to milk cows and goats and to tend to other chores that needed to be done on a working farm. Students had the opportunity to tend to many farm animal babies, as well. Breakfast was at 8:30am, and after clean-up, there were two hours of activities followed by lunch at noon and then afternoon chores. Students were in charge of preparing and cleaning for all meals. Daytime activities included dismantling and rebuilding a post and beam house, natural art based on the work of Andy Goldsworthy, and a cheese-making lesson. From 3:30 to 5:00pm, the students had chores again followed by dinner at 6:00pm. Evening activities included skits and a night hike. Lights out at 9:30pm were happily observed by the tired but happy group.  

 

The 8th Grade students are rounding the bend to their home stretch!  As part of their process, the students must complete the Graduation Project & Ritual. This is one of the most challenging processes a Mead student will experience. Expectations are higher than ever.  

 

Mead’s Graduation project and ritual serves as a way for Eighth Grade students to synthesize the different elements of their Mead education and witness firsthand how they have grown as individuals. The rewarding experience is both exciting and challenging.

 

During the Graduation Project and Ritual Panel, students must clearly state the evolution of their project and process, articulate the steps taken, and answer a wide range of questions. For most Mead graduates, this process is one of their most treasured and satisfying academic achievements. It solidifies their sense of academic confidence and independence.

To read more about this important process, click on the link or go to our "School" heading in the navigation bar then to "Curriculum" and then to "Graduation Project & Ritual".

Members of Mead School Class of 2012 spoke eloquently and confidently about their years at the school to a group of current parents, faculty and prospective families on Tuesday morning.  The 8th graders spoke about their favorite moments, their excitement and trepidation at leaving Mead and entering high school and their positive educational experiences.  The session ended with a question and answer segment.  This special event was suggested by 8th grader Jack Rosenfeld who felt that it was important for the community to understand the importance of a Mead education from the perspective of a graduating class.  The session was filmed and the video will be available for viewing on the school portal next week.

The best way to experience The Mead Difference is to come and visit.  Contact our Director of Admissions for the school and our Child Care Coordinator for the Child Care Program for futher details.

The Mead School hosted our first Health Fair on Thursday, May 10th.  Spearheaded and supervised by Shayne Muller, our Director of Administrative Services/Human Resources, the fair featured 26 exhibitors as well as our local fire department, Emergency Medical Services and K-9 division of our police department.  Students & faculty were treated to outdoor demonstrations by the fire, police and EMS personnel in the morning and visited with the exhibitors in the gym after lunch.  Parents visited, as well.  Exhibitors included Greenwich Hospital, Stamford Hospital, The Audubon Society/Greenwich, Robeks, Stamford Ophthalmology, VCA Davis Animal Hospital and our very own Teddy Bear Clinic manned by Sue Geery, Adam Ellyson & Jeannette Baxendale.  At the end of the day, the upper school gathered on the stage to prepare all the non-perishable food that had been donated by the communty for the food bank. The day was a huge success and our heartfelt thanks go to Shayne without whom this day would not be possible.

It was another banner year for our 3rd-8th Grade students as the winners were announced yesterday in the Annual Stamford Literary Competition.  The competition is sponsored by The Ferguson Library and is open to all Stamford school children in 3rd-12th grades.  Prizes were awarded to 9 of our students in the following categories: