The Agnes Irwin Scholl Parents’ Council
Middle School Parent Coffee
Tuesday, September 14, 2021 8:30 a.m.
Head of School Welcome – Sally Keidel
· AIS is looking forward to a return to normalcy for some events that weren’t able to happen last year. These changes were made after working with our consulting Physicians who believe the social emotional connection of children is of the utmost importance. It is important for our girls to be able to have lunch together, go thru the owl café line and collaborate on the school musical.
· The theme for this school year is focusing on the core value of character.
· Our interim accreditation visit occurred before the COVID shutdown and we are accredited for another 5 years.
· This is a year of strategic planning. We want to involve the entire community in the process. Opportunities to partake in that process will be forthcoming.
· There are lots of layers of support for you and your daughter. If you have a concern, start with the teacher, then the deans, then Cintra.
Cintra Horn – Director of Middle School
New Middle School Schedule
· Reason for new schedule:
o The middle school and upper school needed to have the same academic schedule since they share teachers. This was not ideal, the girls at each level needed different things (5th & 12th graders).
· Partnered with CAG. (The center for the advancement of girls) for what girls of this age need
· Parameters of new schedule
§ Integrity of Academic Time. 180 minutes per subject per cycle
§ Parliament to start the day
§ Create Flex time. (Time for grace notes and meetings with advisors)
§ Maintain Snack, transition time (need a few minutes between classes), and study hall (access to teachers during the school day)
§ Include Time for play (slightly longer lunch time)
§ Shorter Breaks (20 minutes, enough time to find a teacher or have a snack)
· H Block – Flex Time
o This block will be used for study hall, wellness class, Grace Notes rehearsal and longer middle school assemblies
· Maintaining last period study hall for 5th grade and those in 6th grade who do not choose a sport
· Girls will be eating outside unmasked weather permitting
· Copy of new schedule will be in Cintra’s Friday update email
Center for Advancement for Girls (CAG) – Ali Monzo & Vanessa Pope
The center creates programs cross divisionally based on the latest girl centered research so that our girls are seen and valued at every stage of their educational journey.
· The CAG builds out speaker series for the year
o 10/27- 6:30-8:00 - Dr. Michelle Borba – Author - “Thrivers: The surprising reason why some kids struggle and others shine” 7 key characteristics kids need to thrive in the world.
o Jessica Leahy – Author - “The Gift of Failure”. How failure can be part of the learning process
o Julie Lythcott-Haims – Author – “How to raise an Adult” – April 2022
· Created the lower school leadership toolkit and want to bring that leadership programming into the middle school. They are planning what that will look for 5th – 8th grade and how parliamentors will be facilitating that. Unveiling of the new programming will be in the near future.
· Planning to get the girls back out into the community in safe ways.
o Partnership with Bryn Mawr Film Institute
o Nursing home visits
o Bring the globe to Agnes Irwin.
Corey Willingham – 7th & 8th grade dean
· Her role as dean is to help director student life and experience. She plans events, field trips (what is possible and safe) dances, and community service events. Corey also co-advises the student council.
· Unprepareds (Ups) – indicate that a student needs to improve her preparation for the school day by completing her homework, having a test signed or bringing required materials to class
· Disciplinary marks (DMs) are reminders to students that their behaviors needs a shift. Some examples include tardiness, not being in uniform or disruptive behavior.
o 3 DMs is not an automatic detention anymore like in the past
o After 3 DMs a restorative conference will be had with the student to address her behavior. These conferences may be with the class dean, parliamentor or other students if necessary.
Susan Maroto – Middle School Counselor
· Teaches “Courage to be me” in 5th grade, similar to let’s care. They have class once a cycle at the end of the day. Teaches stress management and conflict resolution. Talks about How you get along with yourself and others
· Susan drops in on classes, is outside during lunch and recess to get to know the girls. She will observe and help girls who may be on the sidelines.
· Any issues with your daughter you would like to discuss please reach out to Smaroto@agnesirwin.org
Courtney Lubbe – Athletic Director
Oversees athletics, PE & wellness.
Athletics
· All sports pickups are at the Dorrance entrance.
· Some sports may practice off campus. They will finish practice at 4 and then return to campus. You may pick up your girls at the off campus location but they will need to return with school transportation if you are no there at the end of practice.
· There are try-outs and team placements for some sports with large interest. Some sports have Varsity and Junior Varsity teams.
o Placements are not based on grade levels or social ties. If your daughter has a question about team placement she is encouraged to speak with her coach directly.
o She may also reach out to Courtney, Bobbi Morgan and Lauren Wray (Assistant Athletic Director). They can help facilitate conversations so the girls can learn to advocate for themselves.
· Athletic Alerts
o Sign up for athletic alerts specific to the team your daughter is part of. These alerts will let you know if practice has been changed, game cancellations due to weather, etc. There is no direct email from athletics about these changes as they happen frequently
o To sign up: Log into AIS-ON, Click “Athletics” under resources. There will be a link titled “How to sign up for athletic alerts”
o Choose the sport and the appropriate level for your daughter
· Winter Sports
o Swimming, Basketball, Squash
o Parents and students will receive a message in advance about winter sports sign ups.
o Girls indicate interest on a survey and depending on their interest they will be invited to interests meetings and try-it for that sport
· Spring Sports
o Competitive
§ Softball and Lacrosse
o Non-Competitive
§ Running, Fitness Class
· 8th grade learn to row class will be held in the spring. It’s an introductory course to learn about rowing at the upper school level
Emily Rauch – Director of Giving
· Supports the school thru fundraising.
· Encourage parents to participate in community events. They are always looking for parent volunteers. Can contact Emily if you are interested in volunteering. Erauch@agnesirwin.org
Nissa O’Mara – Parents’ Council President
· Parents Council holds monthly meetings on the second Thursday of the month. They will be held in person with a livestream option. Link to livestream will be sent out in advance by class parents
· There are no meetings in December or May. Check AIS-ON under the Parents’ Council tab for the full schedule of meetings
· Meetings will be recorded and posted on AIS-ON
· RenAISsance Used Uniform store is up and running. It will be open from 8:00-8:30 during every Parents’ Council meeting.
o Please donate your gently used, clean, non-stained uniforms. They can be left in the bin outside the door to the renAISsance store.
o We need volunteers to help staff the store. Please email Nissa (nissa_omara@hotmail.com) if you would like to help.
· We are back to in person events this year! This means we need parent volunteers to help. It is a great way to get involved and meet other parents.
· You should receive a monthly Parents’ Council newsletter to keep you up to date on the latest news and upcoming events. Please reach out if you don’t receive it
· Please follow our social media accounts on Facebook (Agnes Irwin Parents’ Council) and Instagram (@aisparentscouncil)
Beth Yocum – Parents’ Council Events Coordinator
Band, Bubbles & Beer
· Saturday, October 2nd, 4:00-6:00 – The Lower School Field
· Adults Only Event
· Rain date 10/3
· The Bluegrass band “Under the Oak” will be entertainment.
· Event is free to attend with options to purchase a wristband for Food or Food and Drink. May preorder wristbands or purchase at the event.
· Information about on site babysitting coming soon
Agnes Irwin Cup
· Wednesday, October 13th – Sunnybrook Golf Club
· Tickets now available on AIS-On for foursomes or individual. Individuals will placed in a foursome
· Not a golf player? Tickets are also available for post golf cocktails and dinner.
Spirit Week
· Week long event leading up to AIS/EA day.
· Kicking off with Spirit Fair
o Friday, November 5th, 3:00-5:30 – The Lower School Field
o Fun bounce houses, DJ Howard, Chick-fil-A, and a silent auction
· Spirit week events include the Pep Rally and pasta dinner
· Spirit gear will be on sale throughout the week leading up to AIS/EA day. Girls will have the opportunity to purchase during their lunch and at spirit fair
Owlidays
· Wednesday November 17th
· Eagle Village Shops. Ticket gets you 20% off at most stores throughout Eagle Village
· Wednesday evening cocktail party at Valley Forge Flowers. Meet up with friends and get started on holiday shopping!
Mimi Greenly – Middle School Coordinator
Introduced class parents and separated classes into breakout groups
Class Parents
· 5th Grade: Kathlyn Lafferty and Sonnia Brown
· 6th Grade: Colleen Bernard and Rashida Johnson
· 7th Grade: Penny Goldsmith and Carrie Santoro
· 8th Grade: Kim Peltier and Amy Cooley
