Bulldog News
Academic year off to a promising start
Monday, December 21, 2009
The 2009-2010 academic year is proving to be one of the best in recent memory as the Hillside School community’s pursuit of excellence is reaping impressive results.
Much of the optimism for the current academic year stems from accomplishments realized in the recently finished fall semester. As put by Headmaster David Z. Beecher in his Thanksgiving message to parents, “We have concluded the most successful trimester of the past 12 years.”
Headmaster Beecher traced much of this success to student efforts and commitment. In particular, he praised students “for their diligent academic work, their excellent behavior and their artistic and athletic achievements.”
He also encouraged parents who attended Hillside’s Thanksgiving Service on November 18 to offer their own words of gratitude to Hillside staff for their “incredible performance” during the fall semester.
“We have a great group of professionals who have performed admirably on behalf of your sons and our school this year,” he told parents. “I hope you will take a moment, when appropriate, to thank them for their service.”
The fall semester itself got off to a strong start on September 13 with the dedication of the Chase Chapel. This important event took place on Registration Day in which students are welcomed back to campus after the summer break. Formerly known as the Hillside Wrestling Barn, the Chase Chapel was transformed into a center of worship and was named in honor of Board of Trustees President Ed Chase and his family.
On September 18, the beautifully landscaped space between the Stevens Wing and the Academic & Health Center was dedicated as the Weezie Courtyard. This special ceremony took place in tribute to Louise Frances Walker and the Weezie Foundation, the fund established in her honor.
The fall semester also witnessed a significant change to the Hillside calendar with DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Day taking place on October 7. Usually taking place every May, DAR Day became an autumn celebration this year in order for Hillside to become a featured stop on DAR President General Linda Calvin’s national “Pathways to Liberty” tour.
More than 100 DAR members attended this celebration which honors this patriotic organization’s enduring support of Hillside’s academic mission. The day included student-led tours of the school’s library, student center, Chase Chapel and the Academic & Health Center.
Speaking on behalf of the DAR membership, President General Calvin praised Hillside for our remarkable progress in recent years. “You have much to be proud of here at Hillside School,” she stated in her remarks to the Hillside community. “We congratulate you on your growth and accomplishments.”
In response, Headmaster Beecher thanked Ms. Calvin and the DAR for their continuing support of the school. “Among our blessings is our continuing friendship with the DAR which we will always cherish and appreciate,” he stated.
Other welcome visitors to campus this fall included grandparents, parents and families of students who participated in Grandparents Day and Fall Family Weekend on October 16 and 17.
Weekend activities included visits to student classes; a highly competitive match between the varsity soccer team and a squad consisting of parents, faculty and staff; and the highly popular Hillside Has Talent show in which students and staff displayed a wealth of performing arts talent. New this year was the Hillside Book Fair in which students, along with parents and grandparents, were able to shop for their favorite novels and other publications in the Messman-Saran Library.
On November 3, Hillsiders gave back to the community by participating in Fall Community Service Day. This year’s volunteer activities had a distinct multi-generational theme with students singing for senior citizens, helping toddlers with art projects, as well as other initiatives to benefit neighboring localities.
The quest for high achievement was also apparent on the playing field this term. At the annual Roxbury Latin School Jamboree on November 4, Hillside’s Cross Country runners scored big with individual medals and a final third place team finish. Meanwhile, on November 7, the Varsity Soccer Bulldogs took top prize in the B division of the Eaglebrook Tournament for the first time ever in its history.
Similarly, the Varsity Basketball team has proven to be a strong competitor early in the winter season. This was perhaps most evident with the team’s win in the Hillside Holiday Basketball Tournament, which took take place on Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12. The team’s players demonstrated considerable talent and skills in their wins over St. Vincent School of Brooklyn, NY and St. John’s School of Shrewsbury, MA to capture the tournament trophy for the second year in a row.
Looking ahead, the Hillside community will honor the significant efforts of students this past term with the Fall Awards Ceremony on Thursday, December 17. Following a well-deserved holiday break, Winter Term Community Service Day on Friday, January 15; Winter Carnival on Tuesday, February 2; and the Winter Awards Ceremony on Sunday, March 28 are much anticipated highlights on the Hillside academic calendar.
With much to be grateful for this past fall term, the Hillside community is looking forward to continued success throughout the 2009-2010 academic year.
Charlie Tillett '12 (left) leads a tour of the Hillside campus for members of the DAR on DAR Day in October.
Music teacher Shah Salmi (center) greets visiting parents to his classroom during Fall Family Weekend.
Toby Kessler '14 (left) with his grandparents (center and right) Riki Brodey and Jim Brodey during Grandparents Day.
