Dear 4th and 5th Grade Families,

As a follow up to our Looking Ahead to Upper School presentation last night, I write to let you know that we are eager to continue working with you as you and your children begin their transition into early adolescence. Whether you were able to join us last night or not, please know that we are here to help you prepare for the years that lie ahead.

Here are some highlights from the night:

Tower's Upper School faculty are committed and passionate experts who care very much about educating the early adolescent. From a rigorous and challenging academic program where students read impressive novels like Fahrenheit 451 and Animal Farm, to peer editing - an integral and important part of teaching early adolescents to write - to taking math from its concrete form and into the more abstract, to learning languages like Spanish and Latin conversationally, Tower's students graduate prepared to take on the challenges of high school. Upper School math teacher, Deacon Chapin, summarized our program best: "We want our students to leave Tower with every door open to them."

Decision making and independence are also an integral part of Tower's pedagogical approach to teaching the early adolescent as well as continuing to set the foundations for building academic skills. The relationships our students have with their teachers enable discovery and growth, as well as the opportunity for the early adolescent to invent themselves. Our work with students produces valuable outcomes. One of our panelists (a parent of an alum), while pointing to the Upper School Faculty, said: "It's the people standing along the wall who made it happen for my daughters and who are the reason why I'm back here talking about it tonight."

There are a number of ways to use us as a resource:

Conversation with Mary Dailey: I have been meeting with many families for a conversation specific to their child and Upper School. If you are interested, please email me so that we can schedule a time convenient for you.

WISE STEAM Expedition Presentation: Please join our 8th grade students as they present their capstone project weaving science, technology, engineering, arts and math into helping students with scientific findings, critical thinking, and self discovery. Tuesday, November 20 in the PAC at 8:00 am.

Helpful print resources:

• The Teen Years Explained: A Guide to Healthy Adolescent Development by Clea McNeely & Jayne Blanchard
• Yardsticks: A Resource for Parents and Teachers by Chip Wood
• Field Guide to the American Teenager: Appreciating the Teenager You Live With by Michael Riera & Joseph DiPrisco

Warm Regards,

Mary Dailey

Director of Enrollment & Secondary School Counseling