NFA World
By Geoff Serra
The World Language Department’s celebration of Mardi Gras,
“The Venetian Carnvale,” coincided this year with the real Mardi Gras giving
extra verve to the festivities. Magistra Barclay
supervised Latin, Greek and French students who decorated the second floor of
Tirrell with scenes of gondolas, shimmering water, fabulous bridges, towers and
fretted arches. About 75 World Language students, their friends, and guests
participated.
Magistra Tylawsky and Señor
Sheldon judged the costume parade complete with masks and
extravagant headdresses. Sam Mishkin and Tiffany
Shaffer led the parade in style.
Monsieur Williston supervised a hilarious
gondola race using skateboards while Señora Bassem turned
her skills to face painting. There was lots of food typical of Mardi Gras:
jambalaya, noodles, spicy dips, praline and fudge confections. Mme.
Feldman and Señora Haffey cooked hot crepes
reminiscent of great French street food. A Wildcat hug to much-loved retired
French teacher Deb Rutty who returned to help stage the
event.
Eleventh graders, Julia
Gookin and Matt
Jones know a great deal
about leadership. Gookin comments,
"To be a good leader you need to be open to new ideas and expect the
unexpected," and Jones continues, "A leader continues to learn. The
more you lead, the more you learn."
With 45 other students, grades 9-12, they participated in the
Student Activity Board’s annual Leadership Conference on Feb. 8 in the Ensemble
Room of the Frank Center. After greetings from John Iovino, Director of Student
Activities, and Mark
Cohan, Head of School, Leo Butler, Director of
Diversity, initiated the day’s activities with an inspiring address.
Pat Kirker
and Maria Civano
led the group in a series of team building exercises. Students then participated in a panel discussion about leadership
skills and development with teachers Mickey Williston,
Alyssa Latrop,
and Patrick Barry. In the afternoon, former FBI agent, John Distasio
addressed the group about his leadership experiences. It was a rewarding day; according to 10th
grade Ashley Walenta. "The speakers were inspiring and
entertaining.”
On
Feb. 14, 180 musicians in grades 6-8 energized the campus. Middle schoolers from feeder districts
paired with NFA music students for the day.
Accompanied by their teachers and parents, young musicians rehearsed
much of the day with breaks to view the “I am NFA” video, to tour campus, and
to eat lunch. NFA musicians performed
a mini-concert, and percussionists were on hand to help young musicians
understand the role of the drummer. At
7 p.m. in Alumni Gym, the NFA band and the visiting musicians combined to
present a public concert to an audience of about 250 students, parents, and
friends.
A Wildcat
High Five to senior Zack Kuzel for his acceptance into the Connecticut All-State music
festival. Among the top musicians in the state, Zack also scored higher than
most other trumpets (maybe all) to become principal chair of the All-State
Orchestra. Others musicians who distinguished themselves in all-state auditions
are Nick
Smolenski,’09, Sara Ingle, ‘08, and Peter Gamble, ’08.
The cafeteria strained with brainpower on Feb 12, as 130
students competed in the American Mathematics Contests. Math Department Head
Kristin Wilsey reports ninth and tenth graders took one test; eleventh and
twelfth graders took another. The
highest scorer on each level receives a pin at awards night in June and their
names will join those of their mathematically talented predecessors on a plaque
displayed in Bradlaw. Senior or junior
students scoring 100 or above, or freshmen or sophomores scoring 120 or above,
receive certificates of distinction and are invited to qualify for the American
Invitational Mathematical Examination next month.
Now that the Curriculum Fair is over, students and parents
should begin to focus upon course selection for next year. Students have course catalogues and course
selection worksheets; teachers are making recommendations for courses and
placement for the upcoming year. When
completed, students can register on-line at school or at home by clicking the
registration icon on the Web site, and students must hand in their registration
worksheet to their homeroom teachers.
For questions, students should consult their guidance counselor.
Wildcat Billboard:
For all regularly scheduled Varsity Athletic events,
consult the NFA Web site, Athletics Tab, schedule link.
Parents Council, 7-8:30 p.m., Feb. 20, Latham, Room 6109.
New Corporators Orientation, 8:30-11:30 a.m., Latham, Room
6109.
Chelsea Gardeners, 6-8:30 p.m., Feb. 25, Slater Auditorium.
This week we recall the sentiment of German writer Berthold
Auerbach: “Music washes away from the
soul the dust of everyday life.”
See you next week in NFA
World….until then direct your comments or questions to
serrag@norwichfreeacademy.com
The
Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association (C.S.C.A.) selected the NFA Boys Soccer
team as the sole recipient of the distinguished 2007 George D. Ritche
Sportsmanship Award. In 1999 and 2006, the Eastern Connecticut Soccer
Officials Association recognized the NFA Boys Soccer Team for their commitment
to sportsmanship.