December 4th, 2009
Calendar
(Athletics Schedule Available Here)
December
Blood Drive
Sponsored by Medical Club
Monday, Dec. 7
PFA Senior Parent Potluck
Tuesday, Dec. 8, 6pm
Peer Helpers Retreat pt. 2
Tuesday, Dec. 8, 4-8pm
Winterim Proposals Due
Monday, Dec. 14
Winter Concert
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7:30pm
All School Holiday Assembly
Friday, Dec. 18, 2-3pm
Winter Break
Dec. 19-Jan. 3
Calendar Year Giving Ends
Dec. 31
January
Classes Resume
Monday, Jan. 4
Classes do not meet:
Martin Luther King Day
Monday, Jan. 18
Report-Writing Days
Tuesday-Wednesday, Jan. 19-20
And just a reminder for all days of the week ~ please feel free to leave messages, day or night, about your child's attendance. Contact Molly Grove, Upper School Administrative Assistant, 503-297-1894, ext. 315. Thanks!
What ‘ought’ we to teach?
I’m not sure I’ve mentioned this, but there is a wonderful little group of senior philosophers who I get to meet with twice a week to explore various topics in this discipline. Right now we’re working through Kant’s moral theory, particularly his categorical imperative that people ought to do things that they would want everyone to do without exception. So for example, you should only lie if you agree that everyone should lie.
But when I ask the question, ‘what ought we to teach?’ I’m using this term in another way—it’s what Kant would call a ‘hypothetical imperative’. It is the way we use the term when we say, ‘If you want to be good at arithmetic, you ought to practice by doing your homework.’ Or ‘If you want to dance like Fred Astaire, you ought to take dance lessons.’
When we are thinking about a 21st century education, many people are asking questions about this specific hypothetical imperative—‘if you want a relevant, authentic education, you ought to teach c.’ What is this c? Is it even a constant or are there all kinds of variables that would fit depending on the situation?
I mentioned earlier in the year that we were going to try having a longer time to meet once a month for C&C’s to discuss a variety of topics. The first subject was the role of technology and our cell phone experiments. We have also discussed general change in the school and President Obama’s plan for US involvement in Afghanistan. This coming Monday we are going to be discussing the hypothetical imperative I mention above—‘What should the school teach?’ It’s an intentionally broad plank from which to launch into this discussion, which means this could go in many different directions. In my next article I will talk about some of those directions.
With kind regards,
Michael
A letter from George Thompson
Upper School Counselor
Today, as we approach the Winter Break, our kids are about to spring loose from a long academically challenging autumn. As these last days unfold, our kids are completing their final presentations, exams, labs, recitations and papers, and they are going about it with their usual combination of focus and energy.
Some of that good energy may want to express itself in letting off steam with their friends. And some of that is going to happen after hours. Here’s where your vigilance is going to be important during these weeks of celebration and fun. Please remember how it was for all of us in college when we believed that life consisted of working hard and then playing hard. Be especially mindful about parties and driving. Know where your kids are going to be at night, and ask them to be clear on who is doing the driving.
I suspect there are times of the year when parties are more likely to happen, and if that is so, it would have to include the winter months beginning around this time. As we approach the Christmas to New Year sseason, we have plenty of potential socializing ahead of us. It will pay for us as parents to be especially prudent. For example, If your child is planning to go to a party, do you know the adults who will be present in the home at theat time? Please take the time to check in with those parents. Will you be nearby? Can you be easily reached by cell or land line?
Beginning next week, some of us on the faculty will be talking with the boys and girls from the different classes about alcohol and drug use. These conversations should be substantive and informal and represent an effort not to preach but to urge caution and common sense. This could be a good time to share your principles on use of alcohol and drugs by your children. Below is the school’s guiding policy:
Catlin Gabel School opposes the use of alcohol or drugs by its students. We recognize that drug and alcohol use presents significant health risks, has long term physical, social and emotional consequences, and can adversely impact personal and emotional awareness and development.
The School has embarked on a program to reduce drug use and to educate the members of its community about the hazards of substance use and abuse in its children.
We intend that the members of the School community, especially its parents and families, will create and maintain a network of support for one another in dealing with this issue.
In the meantime, have a wonderful winter holiday break. I hope we can all look forward to a very happy New Year to follow. If it is indeed a season we can anticipate with hope and pleasure, it is also a time for us to be careful.
Winterim Planning Underway!
December 14 is the deadline for initial student proposals
"Winterim" is the Upper School's annual program of intensive experiential learning which will take place this year for four days in March, the 16th through the 19th. Regular school days are replaced by activities and trips created and led by students, which provide new and creative ways to engage in hands-on learning. The topics and programs range from sports and outdoor adventures, to intellectual games, creative arts and community based learning on- and off-campus. While March may seem far away right now, the logistics and planning start early so students have plenty of time to develop their offerings. Winterim is part of Catlin Gabel's school-wide Experiential Week happening right before the school's Spring Break. Students may download Winterim proposal forms directly from the Winterim webpage, and family and friends may learn more about what happens during Winterim by looking at last year's catalogue.
Students Find Lost Logging Camp
The sole remaining steam donkey in northwest Oregon
In early November six students and two leaders from Catlin Gabel set out to find the last wild steam donkey in the northern Coast Range. The drive from the school took the group over the complex of old logging roads in the Tillamook State Forest that cover the hills above the Salmonberry River. Six students ages 13-17 made up the intrepid group. Click here to read full story and see pictures on Catlin Gabel website.
The Beaverton Valley Times also ran an article on this discovery, click here for the in-depth article.
Catlin Gabel Ski Bus
Sign up now for six weeks of Saturday skiing!
The snow is flying and it’s not too early to start planning for this season’s Catlin Gabel ski bus program! The ski bus will roll out every Saturday morning for six weeks beginning February 6, 2010. If you are looking for a fun holiday gift for your 5th grader, middle or upper schooler, this may be the ticket. Mt. Hood Meadows’ 6 week package options are listed below. Sign ups and payments for these programs will be made online this year, but transportation by Catlin Gabel school bus is paid directly to Catlin Gabel and is an additional $150 for the six weeks.
The required forms are available electronically as well as in the Middle School and Upper School offices. Financial aid will be available.
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5-8th grades
(lessons required for first four weeks)
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9-12th grades
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Lift/Lesson/Rental
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$360
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$405
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Lift/Lesson
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$275
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$315
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Lesson/Rental
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$230
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$210
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Lesson only (4 weeks)
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$90
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$105
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Helmet Rental
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$30
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$30
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Lift only
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n/a
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$228
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Lift/Rental
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n/a
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$335
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Cuba Trip Seeks January Retreat Home(s)
This year’s Global Education Program trip to Cuba is seeking to have an overnight retreat in January to prepare for this incredible Spring Break experience. To keep costs down, Roberto Villa, US Spanish Teacher and Trip Leader, hopes to hear from the Catlin Gabel community about home(s) to use any weekend in January for free or reduced cost. The Cuba Trip group is large – 32 students and 4 faculty – but very responsible and eager to prepare themselves well as ambassadors for our school and state. Please
contact Roberto Villa if you have information or access to home(s) for this January retreat. Thanks in advance for your interest and support!
Changes announced for next year in the Beginning School
Kindergarten hours expanded, preschool program adds drama class
Catlin Gabel Logo Merchandise Clearance Sale
Tuesday, December 8, and Wednesday, December 9th 1 – 3:30 p.m. in the Barn
We are clearing out our inventory to make way for new logo merchandise. This is a great opportunity to get one-of-a-kind items from the vault. Great deals on sweatshirts, T-shirts, mugs, Frisbees, collectibles, and more!
Questions? Contact Lauren Dully Hubbard ’91 in the office of alumni and community relations.
Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE) Program Information Sessions
Eight-week paid summer apprenticeships available
The Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE) Program matches high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with scientists and engineers for an 8-week paid summer apprenticeship in a professional, scientific or engineering environment. We are kicking off 2010 early, gearing up for the 21st year of the ASE Program.
