Message to Parents - Nov. 12, 2013

Logically, my update should wait for the last of the three scheduled parent community gatherings to conclude on Thursday, but too many good things have happened to wait.

 

The meeting last night certainly was a hard one to have, and I would still consider it a positive event, as it gave us the opportunity to talk face to face. We met with over 100 Lower School family members who shared their observations and concerns. There were discussions regarding security, how to talk with children in an age-appropriate way, and more importantly, how we move forward as a community in the best interest of our children. It is very clear that this kind of meeting is something we need to continue to do in the future, as part of an ongoing process that facilitates even more listening to and partnering with parents. At the same time, we are thankful for the support of our families.

 

The Middle School gathering will be held tonight at 7 p.m. in the Founders' Gallery (Lower Lobby of the Arts Center), and we ask that you enter by the main entrance on 19th Street. Finally, the Upper School session will be on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the 1919 Auditorium. As a reminder, if you are unable to attend your division session, please feel free to join the other gathering.

 

While the recent weeks have been difficult for all of us, we continue to be energized by a series of positive events at the school. Thanks to Lower School Librarian Ellen Dolmetsch and Home and School Committee Chairs, Melissa Lenhard and Jennifer Lunger, we had a spectacular Book Fair. All of our parent volunteers certainly made it the success it was, and we could not have done it without them. Though not designed for our older students, the Book Fair was even the talk of the Upper Schoolers. The fantastic success of the fall sports teams was a continuing highlight last week, which has spilled into this week.

 

The boys' soccer team led by Ben Watson, Will Shegog, Kitchell Chilton, Austin Rafetto and Dave Hobbs had a fantastic conference-winning season and earned a berth to the state tournament. First-year head coach Chris Aitken's squad battled Delaware Military Academy to a draw in regulation time only to be disappointed in overtime. This is a group that clearly showed the value of working together, which actually could be the theme of all the teams this season. It was evident all year in the success of the Cross Country teams. Led by captains Andrew Capodanno and Brendan Harris for the boys and Raley Abramczyk and Zoe Smith for the girls, their success was truly the product of each individual’s effort. This is also a strong part of the success of our volleyball team that was on the court last night.

 

The girls' volleyball team led by captains Elizabeth Wuerstle and Isabel Sobieski played in the state tournament championship game – the first time in Tower Hill history. Although the Hillers fell to top-seeded and undefeated Padua (28-26, 25-11, 25-23), they played an excellent game and proved their right to be in the championship game. A huge congratulations to coach Michael Sachs, his assistants and all the girls on the volleyball team.

Finally, last Friday night the week came to a glorious end as the football team remained undefeated and beat Wilmington Friends School. It is the first undefeated season for the Hillers football team since 1959. Captains Grier Wakefield, Sam Murphy, Cole Wenzel and Patrick Kelly should be justifiably proud of their accomplishments, as should Coach Kevin Waesco and his staff. The team will play Woodbridge in the quarterfinal state tournament game on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. on DeGroat Field. Come out and cheer on the Hillers! We also congratulate the JV football team. After their victory yesterday over Wilmington Friends, they finished with an undefeated season.

 

Again, we thank you for your trust and value your comments and suggestions.

 

Sincerely,

 

Harry Baetjer