School News

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 19th: Stop Day (No classes; teachers on campus 8:30-noon; office closes at 3 pm)
Prom @ Arterra, 8-11 pm
KSHSAA Regional Track @ Iola KS, 3pm
_____

* Mon 22nd: Finals:
8:15-9:45: English
10:15-11:45: Social Studies
12:15 pm: 8th grade honor choir & guests rehearse for Stepping Up
** Main office closes at 1 pm
KSHSAA 1A State Golf @ Emporia Municipal Golf Course, 8:30am

* Tue 23rd: Finals
8:15-9:45: Science
10:15-11:45: Languages
** Main office closes at 1 pm

* Wed 24th: Finals
8:15-9:45: Math
Chromebook Return
Seabury Palooza 10 am to 1 pm
**Students should be picked up by 1 pm; main office closes at 1 pm

* Thurs 25th: Stepping-Up Practice, 8:30 am 
Locker Clean-out & Yearbook signing
**Students finished by noon; main office closes at 1 pm
Senior Baccalaureate @ Trinity Episcopal Church, 5:30 pm (Chamber Choir arrive 4:30 pm)
Senior Dinner @ the Maceli's, directly following Baccalaureate

* Fri 26th: Stepping-Up & Commencement, 9-11 am (chamber singers arrive 8 am; seniors 8:15 am; all other students 8:30 am)

* Sat 27th: KSHSAA State Track at Wichita State University

* Wed 31th: Seabury Sports Physical Night @ Free State High School Gymnasium, 6-7pm (See attached flyer)

Dear Parents,

And here we come to it: the final week of the school year!  Let's get to it...

In the coming days, as students prepare for final exams or finish papers & projects, I encourage parents to help their children find a quiet place to study, preferably without phones or other distractions.  Not every hour of study is useful, and much depends upon the quality of student focus.  As I noted last week, your children should know if they have a final on a particular day, but I am attaching the full final exam schedule for your reference.  (N/A means "no exam.")

If your child checked out a school Chromebook & charger, they must return those items next Wednesday after the math final.  Please check the device to ensure that it is clean and any stickers are removed (except student name and ID number, of course), as that will save your child and us a lot of time during the return.  We must have devices returned next week, or we will need to charge families for the cost of the device.

Seabury Palooza is our annual end-of-the-year post-finals event to let off a little steam.  After students finish the math final, locker cleanout, and Chromebook return on Wednesday, they will enjoy outdoor games, a dunk tank, an inflatable obstacle course, walking tacos (with a veggie option), and possibly an ice cone truck?  We will see.  Students should be picked up by 1 pm.

I am looking forward to Stepping Up next Friday.  This event is the embodiment of our school's spirit and a fitting end to the school year.  The dress for Stepping Up should be appropriate for a business or ceremonial occasion and should be on the conservative side. Appropriate attire would include suits or jackets/pants with a tie, dress shoes and dark socks, long sleeve button-down shirts, skirts/blouses, and/or dresses. Please do not choose outfits that are too casual (worn or torn garments, bare shoulders, low cuts, beach shoes).  If your child has outgrown a jacket, we will have a few options here at school.  I will be handing out ties as necessary.

For parents and other guests attending Stepping Up, we will offer an optional Seabury van shuttle from the HyVee parking to school to offset the limited availability in our parking lot.  Mr. Neuteboom will send out more information about that option next week.

Congratulations to our soccer, tennis, and track teams for an exciting spring season!  Congratulations to our golf team who took 2nd place at KSHSAA regional competition last week.  Jace Hoffman took 3rd, Enzo Karam 5th, and Gray Werner 10th.  The team is headed to State competition next week.  Good luck to them!

Congratulations to Xavier Carrasco Cooper on receiving the Gilder Lehrman-National History Day Academy Scholarship.  Inclusion into the National History Academy summer program in Virginia is very competitive, and winning this scholarship is impressive.  Good work Xavier!

2023-24 Student Senate elections were held last Friday, but we needed run-off elections on Monday in a few instances.  Congratulations to next year's class representatives:
Class of 2024: Viv Hill and Cole Shumaker
Class of 2025: Josie Kim and Sebastian Borjas
Class of 2026: Xavier Carrasco Cooper and Gabe Rinnert
Class of 2027: Lucas Sherwood and Aidric Bernd
Class of 2028: Mateo Sherwood and Oliver Hunt
Class of 2029: Ayden Wahla and Dani Peixoto

Congratulations to the students who were recognized at the academic awards ceremony on Wednesday.  For a list of award recipients, please see the attached document.  

Graduates from the Class of 2023 have earned 115 acceptances to 59 different colleges, including Columbia University, Grinnell College, KU Honors Program, Macalester College, New York University, Smith College, and Washington University in St. Louis--among many others--and were offered over $7.4 million in four-year renewable scholarships and institutional grants.  This sort of success across the grade is one of the reasons you send your child to a college-preparatory school.  And developing strong, confident, adaptable, and admirable young people is far and away the primary reason.  As I noted at this year's All-School Awards Ceremony, I know I speak for all parents in expressing my gratitude to our faculty and staff for all of their work in developing these exceptional graduates--as they will do for all of our students who will one day cross the stage as Seabury graduates.  And a special thanks to Mr. Matt Patterson for his excellent work as the Director of College Counseling.  He has no equal.

This is my final Friday Letter for the year.  Next Friday, I will send out a transcript of the Stepping-Up ceremony.  Please note the shortened main office hours in the Week Ahead at the top of the Letter.  I hope you and your family have a great summer, and I look forward to seeing the students back again in the fall....bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and no doubt much taller!

Yours Respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang
 

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 12th: KSHSAA 1-3A Tennis State Championship Tournament @ Wichita-Riverside Tennis Complex
Vars Track Conference Meet @ Shawnee Mission Northwest, 3:30 pm
Taco Dinner to support History Day, 6 pm
MacBeth (All-School Play), 7:30 pm

* Sat 13th: MacBeth (All-School Play), 7:30 pm
KSHSAA 1-3A Tennis State Championship Tournament @ Wichita-Riverside Tennis Complex
_____

* Mon 15th: KSHSAA Regional Golf @ Spring Creek Golf Course, Seneca Kansas, 8:30am

* Tues 16th: KSHSAA Girls Soccer Regional Semifinal @ Eudora, 5:30pm

* Wed 17th: Senior Chapel
Seabury Academic Awards Ceremony, 2:30-3:30 pm

* Thurs 18th: End of 2nd Semester
Applause (Spring Concert) @ BSA, 7:30 pm
KSHSAA Girls Soccer Regional Final @ TBA

* Fri 19th: Stop Day (No classes; teachers on campus 8:30-noon; office closes at 3 pm)
Prom @ Arterra, 8-11 pm
_____

* Mon 22nd: Finals:
8:15-9:45: Social Studies
10:15-11:45: English
** Main office closes at 1 pm
KSHSAA 1A State Golf @ Emporia Municipal Golf Course, 8:30am
* Tue 23rd: Finals
8:15-9:45: Math
10:15-11:45: Languages
** Main office closes at 1 pm
KSHSAA State Soccer Quarterfinal, TBA

* Wed 24th: Finals
8:15-9:45 Science
Seabury Palooza 10 am to 1 pm
**Students should be picked up by 1 pm; main office closes at 1 pm

* Thurs 25th: Stepping-Up Practice, 8:30 am 
Locker Clean-out & Yearbook signing
**Students finished by noon; main office closes at 1 pm
Senior Baccalaureate @ Trinity Episcopal Church, 5:30 pm (Singers arrive 4:30 pm)
Senior Dinner @ the Maceli's, directly following Baccalaureate

* Fri 26th: Stepping-Up & Commencement, 9-11 am (chamber singers arrive 8 am; seniors 8:15 am; all other students 8:30 am)

* Sat 27th: KSHSAA State Track at Wichita State University

* Wed 31th: Seabury Sports Physical Night @ Free State High School Gymnasium, 6-7pm (See attached flyer)

Dear Parents,

Yes, it is almost the end of the school year.  In addition to giving you an extended view of the remaining weeks, I will also provide an overview of the events referenced in the calendar.  HERE WE GO!

ACADEMIC AWARDS CEREMONY.  This is our annual ceremony to recognize academic achievement for students in grades 6-11.  A few senior awards will be recognized at this ceremony, but most senior awards will be distributed at Stepping-Up.  We will have seating in the back of the Commons for any parents who wish to attend.

STOP DAY: We build in this day for students to get work done at home or receive guidance from teachers on campus as necessary prior to final exams.  Students are free to contact teachers remotely throughout the day for general guidance (and teachers will discuss availability with students).  For students who would benefit from in-person assistance, teachers will be on campus from 8:30 am to noon on that day.  If noon pick-up is a challenge for parents, students may remain on campus through 3 pm, but they will be restricted to the Commons (unsupervised) to study quietly throughout the day and will need to provide their own lunch.

FINALS WEEK: With few exceptions, students have all been through the December final exam process, so I expect you know the drill.  The exam dates & times are published at the top of this letter according to subject.  With some classes, teachers find it more appropriate to offer an out-of-class project or paper and may not have a sit-down final.  Your students should know whether they will have a scheduled exam, but I will also share with you next week the full exam schedule by course so you can verify whether your child needs to come to campus and at what time.

CHROMEBOOKS: Ms. Pearce and Mr. Whipple will work with students who have borrowed Chromebooks to have those devices and chargers returned during Finals Week.

SEABURY PALOOZA: This event happens after the Wednesday final exam.  Lunch ("Walking Tacos") is included unless students want to bring their own.

STEPPING-UP PRACTICE: Practice for Stepping Up will occur on Thursday morning, followed by locker clean-out and yearbook insert signing.  (The yearbooks themselves will be distributed in August.)

BACCALAUREATE & SENIOR DINNER: These events are exclusively for seniors, their families, and the faculty--unless students are singing at the event or helping in some other way.

STEPPING-UP & COMMENCEMENT: Stepping-Up is the most important moment of the school year.  Students will be expected to participate.  In addition to senior awards, senior and faculty speeches, and the distribution of diplomas, all students will participate in the "stepping up" from one grade to the next.  The ceremony lasts approximately two hours, and students will be released to summer break at the conclusion of the event.  Parents are very warmly encouraged to attend if their schedules allow.

Tonight is the opening performance of the All-School Play Macbeth, one of Shakespeare's most performed tragedies.  If you are in the mood for dark and murderous intrigue in refined verse, this is your show!  Come out and enjoy the work of our actors--and the last performance of our seniors.

Good luck to our varsity tennis, golf, and girls soccer teams as they head off to KSHSAA regional and/or state competition this week!

Congratulations to our forensics squad for a great showing at State last weekend.  A special congratulations to State Champions Pancho Metz & Cambill Garlock in Duet Acting and Hugh Griggs in Extemporaneous Speaking!  And congrats to David Klimiuk &  Owen Ross for taking 2nd in Duet Acting, Eliza Brockhoff & Owen Ross for taking 4th in Improvised Duet Acting, and Eliza Brockhoff for taking 5th in Oration!  Great work!

Our spring concert and variety show Applause! will happen on Thursday on campus.  We hope you can come out and enjoy our performers!

This has been Teacher Appreciation Week, and on behalf of the faculty and staff, I want to express our deep gratitude to the parents and students who contributed to an ongoing stream of edible (and non-edible) treats as well as notes of gratitude throughout the week.  We enjoyed a luxury breakfast, Papa Keno's pizza for lunch, and a host of daily afternoon treats.  Also, thanks to Ellen Chindamo who was a "boots-on-the-ground" point person for all of this happiness.  We really appreciate it!

Yours Respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 5th: Vars Track @ Jefferson County North HS, 4 pm

* Sat 6th: KSHSAA Forensics State Championship Tournament

* Sun 7th: 6th/7th Grade Science Fair, 7-8:30 pm

* Mon 8th: Girls Vars Soccer @ Wichita Independent School, 4:30 pm
XRC Conference Soccer Tournament @ Maranatha Christian Academy, 5 pm

* Wed 10th: Kaw Valley Conference Golf Tournament, @ Minor Park, 8 am

* Thurs 11th: Girls Vars Soccer vs. Maranatha Christian Academy (Senior Night) @ BSA, 4:30 pm

* Fri 12th: KSHSAA 1-3A Tennis State Championship Tournament @ Wichita-Riverside Tennis Complex
Vars Track Conference Meet @ Shawnee Mission Northwest, 3:30 pm
MacBeth (All-School Play), 7:30 pm

* Sat 13th: MacBeth (All-School Play), 7:30 pm
KSHSAA 1-3A Tennis State Championship Tournament @ Wichita-Riverside Tennis Complex

Dear Parents,

We are so happy to have hosted so many parents at last week's Game Night.  The event was a tremendous success, and we hope to make this a regular tradition in the coming years.  

Good luck to our Forensics squad as they head out this afternoon to the KSHSAA State Forensics Championship Tournament!

At tennis regionals competition last weekend, Gabe Rinnert qualified in singles and Cole Shumaker and Sebastian Borjas in doubles.  Congratulations and good luck at State!  And good luck to MS girls soccer as they head to their conference tournament next week!

The all-school production of Shakespeare's MacBeth will be staged next Friday and Saturday nights.  One of William Shakespeare's most famous plays--which we generally refer to as the "Scottish Play" to avoid bringing down a curse!--the production will include witches, political intrigue, dark omens, and a little sword play.  Come out and enjoy the talents of our actors as they bring us the final theatre production of the year.

Before the play, please join us for a Taco Dinner Fundraiser on May 12, and RSVP here. All proceeds will help underwrite the costs for our National History Day competitors in Washington DC this summer.  If you would like to help contribute supplies for the Taco Dinner, please go to the SignUp Genius form to let us know what you can bring. Thanks for supporting our scholars!

Congratulations to our Seabury singers for their performance at the KSHSAA State competition last weekend.  The Chamber Choir scored an Excellent ("1") rating!

And congratulations to senior Lear Eicher on being recognized as a Kansas Governor's Scholar by Governor Laura Kelly.  Governor's Scholars are the top academic 1% of Kansas high school seniors and are recognized for their "dedication in their studies and a commitment to learning."  

Once again, the student senate has selected next week to be "spring spirit week" that is characterized by themed outfits each day.  (Strangely, "dress code day" has yet to make an appearance.)  Here are the themes:
Monday: PJ Day
Tuesday: Twin Day
Wednesday: Teacher/Student Swap
Thursday: Seabury Spirit Day
Friday: Anything But A Backpack Day

And FINALLY, congratulations to these six juniors who were named as our 2022-23 prefects by the collective student body and faculty:
Helena Gutierrez-Gibbs
Campbell Helling
David Klimiuk
Sage McHenry
Aidan Page
Spencer Timkar
These students will be ambassadors and leaders of our school next year.  It is both an honor and a significant obligation, and we wish them luck!

I thought last week's Renaissance Day was about as successful as that event has ever been.  Students were very engaged, and it was a wonderful day.  Ms. Czarnecki and students planted vegetables in our raised beds in the afternoon.  If you have any unused tomato cages taking up space in your garage, please feel free to drop them off on the plaza or in the airlock, and we will put them to use!

And finally, congratulations to Lady Asher for becoming Dr. Asher after successfully defending her dissertation on Thursday!  And congratulations to Mr. Luke Helker who also became Dr. Helker last week!

Have a good weekend!
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 28th: Parents Game Night, 7-9 pm
Vars Track @ Seaman HS, 3 pm

* Sat 29th: Spring Fling School Dance, 8-10 pm
KSHSAA State Choir Small Ensemble Competition
Vars Tennis @ LHS, 2 pm

* Mon 1st: Boys Vars Golf @ Cool Springs Golf Course, 10 am
Vars Tennis @ Forest Park Courts, 3:30 pm
MS ConferenceTrack Meet @ Summit Christian Academy, 3:30 pm
Girls MS Soccer vs. Heritage Christian Academy @ BSA, 4:30 pm

* Tue 2nd: Renaissance Day
MS Tennis @ Rock Chalk Park, 10:30 am
Girls Vars Soccer vs. Cair Paravel Latin School @ BSA, 4:30 pm
GIrls MS Soccer @ KC Christian HS, 5:30 pm
Boys Vars VBall @ BSA, 6 & 8 pm

* Wed 3rd: Boys Vars Golf @ Bellevue Country Club, 9 am
Girls Soccer @ Manatha Academy, MS 4 pm & Vars 5 pm

* Thurs 4th: Prefect Elections
Forensics Performance Night, 7:30 pm
KSHSAA 3-1A Reginal Tennis Tournament @ RCP, 9 am

* Fri 5th: Vars Track @ Jefferson County North HS, 4 pm
XRC Conference Soccer Tournament, TBA

* Sat 6th: KSHSAA Forensics State Championship Tournament

* Sun 7th: Middle School Science Fair, 7-8:30 pm

Dear Parents,

I look forward to seeing many parents at tonight's Parent Game Night at 7 pm.  We are excited to celebrate the year with you, and I hope you have a great time!

The student Spring Fling Dance is Saturday night from 8-10 pm.  The usual dance code of conduct form is attached.  Doors will not be open until 8 pm, and for the mental well-being of my staff who have been working a long week, please make sure your children are picked up by 10 pm at the latest.  (I really appreciate that!)  I hope the students have a great time!

Next Tuesday is our annual BSA Renaissance Day.  This is a special day each year when staff and a few students offer classes on subjects outside the normal curriculum, such as Fusion Tai-Chi, Pigeon Racing, Dumpling Making, Shark Studies, and the Science of Homemade Pizza.  This is a great way to remind students that learning is about enthusiasm and exploration.  As I remind parents, students have many sign-up options for this day, but they do NOT have the option of staying home.  We will take attendance very seriously.  Students will be released at their usual time.  Many thanks to junior Sage McHenry for herculean work in organizing the day!

Congratulations to our student historians who performed brilliantly at the recent State History Day competition in Topeka.  The following students qualified to attend nationals this summer in Washington, D.C.:
Aiden Najafizadeh: 2nd place, Senior Individual Exhibit
Campbell Helling, Sage McHenry, and Spencer Timkar: 2nd place, Senior Group Documentary
Mia Rasmussen: 1st place, Senior Individual Documentary
Hayden Slough: 3rd place, Senior Individual Documentary
Katie Mastrosimone: 1st place, Senior Individual Performance
Katherine Eudaly: 2nd place, Senior Individual Performance
Marcella MacGonagle: 1st place, Senior Individual Website
Congratulations to all!

With a record number of students heading to National History Day, we want to support their efforts to afford the trip to D.C.!  So please join us for a Taco Dinner Fundraiser on May 12, and RSVP here. All proceeds will support the costs of registration, room & board in the dorms at U. Maryland, where the NHD contest takes place.  If you would like to help contribute supplies for the Taco Dinner, please go to the SignUp Genius form to let us know what you can bring. Thanks for supporting our scholars!

Good luck to our Seabury chamber choir as they head off to State competition this weekend!  And good luck to our tennis team as they head to KSHSAA Regional competition next week!

On Tuesday night, our State-bound forensicators will have an opportunity to entertain you at the Forensics Performance Night in the Commons.  Come out to support our forensics squad and see the excellent work that qualified these students for State!

The summer is coming quickly!  I can already envision students bored after a week off, sprawled across their unmade beds with video game consoles dangling half-heartedly from their hands, shooting dagger looks at their unopened summer reading texts, bereft (frankly) of any intellectual stimuli....  Now is the time to review the options for the Seabury Summer Program.  You will find an array of athletics options, and though the June Summer Adventure Camp is full, there is a July option that still has slots!  

Prefect Elections for 2023-24 will happen on Thursday next week.  As you probably know, the student body chooses five rising seniors each year who will serve the school by leading morning meetings, lunch announcements, and student senate meetings as well as advising Dean of Students Mr. Whipple and me about student concerns.  The prefect role is a vital part of the Seabury culture, and the students and faculty have a history of selecting students who have demonstrated strong character and devotion to the school community.  I will look forward to announcing the names in next Friday's letter.

Yours respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Sat 22nd: Forensics @ Tonganoxie
Kansas State History Day competition, Washburn University

* Sun 23rd: Choir Festival @ Worlds of Fun

* Mon 24th: Girls Soccer @ Heritage Christian Academy: Vars 4:30, MS 5:45 pm

* Tue 25th: Boys Vars Golf Tournament @ Village Greens Golf Course, 3 pm
Vars Tennis @ Topeka West, 3:30 pm
Girls MS Soccer @ Summit Christian Academy, 4:30 pm

* Wed 26th: Civility & Respect Presentation, 4 pm

* Thurs 27th: Vars Track @ LHS, TBD
GIrls Vars Soccer @ Bishop Ward HS, 4:30 pm
Boys Vars VBall @ Blue Valley West, 6 & 7 pm

* Fri 28th: Parents Game Night, 7-9 pm
Vars Track @ Seaman HS, 3 pm

* Sat 29th: Spring Fling School Dance, 8-10 pm
KSHSAA State Choir Small Ensemble Competition, departs 4:30 pm
Vars Tennis @ LHS, 3 pm

Dear Parents,

I always enjoy watching our students and faculty gather in front of the school--group by group--as they board vehicles to leave for form trips.  It was equally gratifying to watch them return today, somethat sluggish from travel and ready for sleep.  I hope your children had a great time on the much-anticipated trips.  An enormous "thank you" to the faculty & staff and volunteer parents who travelled with the students and helped to make these trips a success!

Congratulations to our musicians for their success at the KSHSAA regional competition last weekend!  Both the chamber choir and the men's ensemble received a 1-rating and are headed to state!

Good luck to our student historians as they head to State History Day competition this weekend.

Don't forget that Seabury will be hosting a FREE Parent Game night next Friday from 7-9 pm.  Come and join us for a fun evening with the entire Seabury parent community to celebrate our year, play bingo and casino games, and enjoy some time on the campus.  Everyone is invited.  Food and drink will be provided.  Parents have a chance to win a $1000 tuition discount for 2023-24, a one-year BSA athletics pass, Seabury swag, a semester of Friday Lunches for your child, a summer grill & fun package, or 3 casino tables for your own home party.  RSVP HERE

Students will also have their own opportunity for socializing next weekend: the Spring Fling Dance will occur in the Commons on Saturday, April 29, from 8:00-10:00 pm.

Once again, we are on the precipice of the end of the school year.  Unbelievable!  Don't forget that our Stepping-Up & Commencement ceremony happens on the morning of Friday, May 26th.  This is the most important moment of the school year, and all students are required to attend.  (Do not forget that this event requires slightly more formal apparel than other school events--the same as students wore for Convocation in November.)  Students and faculty will be released to summer break at the end of the ceremony.  I will send out more details about that event in future Friday Letters.

Have a great weekend!
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Sat 15th: KSHSAA Regional Choir Competition

* Mon 17th: Girls Vars Soccer vs. Eudora @ BSA, 4:30 pm
Boys Vars VBall @ Rockhurst HS, 6 pm

* Tue 18th: Boys Vars Golf @ Osawatomie Golf Course, 1 pm
Girls MS Soccer @ St. Paul's Episcopal Day School, 4:30 pm
Juniors & Seniors @ WHDC
PSAT 8/9

* Wed 19th: Boys Vars Tennis @ Baldwin HS, 3:30 pm
MS Track @ LHS, 3:30 pm
Girls Vars Soccer vs. KC Christian @ JCCC, 5:30 pm
Senior Class Trip begins

* Thurs 20th: 6th-11th Grade Trips begin

* Sat 22nd: Forensics @ Tonganoxie
Kansas State History Day competition, Washburn University

Dear Parents,  

After a year of planning, our students head out on their Form Trips next week.  Organizing these trips is additional work for teachers, and I very much appreciate their efforts to put together these opportunities for learning and for bonding.  Thanks also to those parents who have volunteered to go along and partner with my staff in driving and looking after the students.  At the end of every year, our graduating seniors lead the final chapel and discuss their favorite memories from their years at Seabury, and I can assure you that the form trips are the most common reference point for them.  In other words, these trips are worth our effort.

I have a high opinion of our student comportment whether on campus or off, and we have earned a very positive reputation with our hotel and travel vendors.  However, I always make a point of reminding students that the rules of the Community Handbook are doubly in force on these trips, and I would ask parents to make a point of talking to students about your own expectations.  Thank you for that!

Good luck to our singers and instrumentalists as they head to KSHSAA Regional ensemble competition next week!

I am grateful for the beautiful weather this week.  Headmaster's Holiday aside, winters can be a long slog for students and teachers, and I appreciate their good nature and willingness to hang in there until spring break.  This week is a bit of a reward for all of us.

Respectfully,
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Thurs 6th: Boys Vars Tennis vs. Lincoln College Prep Academy @ Minor Park Tennis Courts, 3:30 pm
Girls Vars Soccer vs. Heritage Christian Academy @ BSA, 4 pm
Girls MS Soccer vs. KC Christian @ BSA, 5:30 pm
MS Track @ Central Heights MS, 3:30 pm

* Fri 7th: Good Friday--NO SCHOOL
Varsity Track @ Basehor Linwood HS, 3:30 pm

* Sat 8th: Forensics @ Piper
Boys Vars VBall Mid-Season Tournament @ Bartle Hall, KC

* Mon 10th: Girls Vars Soccer vs. Bishop Ward @ BSA, 4 pm
Girls MS Soccer vs. Northeast KS Homeschool Athletics Association, 5:30 pm
Boys Vars VBall @ Bonner Springs HS, 6 & 7 pm

* Tue 11th: Boys Vars Golf vs. Frankfurt @ Cool Springs Golf Course, 2 pm
Boys Vars Tennis @ CPLS, 3 pm
MS Track Meet @ Summit Christian Academy, 3 pm
Girls Vars Soccer vs. Baldwin @ BSA, 4:30 pm

* Wed 12th: Varsity Track @ LHS, 3:30 pm

* Thurs 13th: Boys Vars Tennis @ Harmon Park, 4 pm
Girls Vars Soccer vs. Cair Paravel Latin School @ Sunflower Soccer Complex, 4:30 pm
Girls MS Soccer vs. Barstow @ BSA, 5:30 pm

* Fri 14th: Varsity Track @ The Kansas Relays, Rock Chalk Park, TBA

* Sat 15th: Forensics @ Lansing
KSHSAA Regional Choir Competition

Dear Parents,

We enjoyed hosting our ISACS visiting team this week.  Based on the response from the team members, I feel very good about the experience and tremendously proud of our school and our students and staff.  We will not receive the official Visiting Team Report for a number of weeks, but the team members were vocal and enthusiastic in their praise of the school, and the dominant theme was the noteworthy congruence between our school's mission, our culture, and our practices.  Thank you to representative trustees, parents, and alumni who were willing to speak to the team, and thanks to all of our staff members who helped organize the week.  Most importantly, thank you to our accreditation committee co-chairs Sonja Czarnecki and Kara Schrader for guiding us on this long journey!  

Congratulations to the Chess team for their season and to Drake Spurlock who went to national competition last week in Washington, DC!

Congratulations to Seabury teacher Michael Pulsinelli on being selected for the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute for Teachers on the topic, "Making the Good Reader and Citizen: The History of Literature Instruction in American Schools."  What a great honor!

We are looking forward to seeing you at the Parent Game night on April 28th!  RSVP here.  Come and join us for a fun evening with the entire Seabury parent community to celebrate our year, play bingo and casino games, and possibly win $1000 tuition discount for 2023-24, a one-year BSA athletics pass, Seabury swag, a semester of Friday Lunches for your child, or a summer grill & fun package.  It will be a fun night!

Have a great Easter weekend!
Dr. Schawang
 

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 31st: Boys Vars Golf @ Great Life Golf & Fitness, 1 pm
Vars Track @ LHS, 3:30 pm

* Sat 1st: Special Olympics Clinic (tentative) @ BSA
Girls MS Soccer @ Pembroke Hill School--Wornall Campus, 10 am

* Mon 3rd: Boys Vars Golf @ Rolling Hills Country Club, 1 pm
Girls Vars Soccer vs. KC Christian @ BSA, 4 pm
Girls MS Soccer @ Maranatha Christian Academy @ BSA, 5:30 pm

* Tue 4th: Boys Vars Tennis @ Marysville, 9 am
Girls MS Soccer vs. Cair Paravel Latin School @ Sunflower Soccer Complex, 4:30 pm
Boys Vars VBall @ BSA: 6 & 8 pm

* Thurs 6th: Boys Vars Tennis vs. Lincoln College Prep Academy @ Minor Park Tennis Courts, 3:30 pm
Girls Vars Soccer vs. Heritage Christian Academy @ BSA, 4 pm
Girls MS Soccer vs. KC Christian @ BSA, 5:30 pm
MS Track @ Central Heights MS, 3:30 pm

* Fri 7th: Good Friday--NO SCHOOL
Varsity Track @ Basehor Linwood HS, 3:30 pm

Dear Parents,

Back in early February, I mentioned that our accreditation agency--The Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)--would be sending a visiting team to our school in the spring.  They arrive on Sunday.  The team is composed of six administrators and teachers from various ISACS schools in the nation.  They received our 145-page Self-Study weeks ago and will spend several days examining every aspect of our school to 1.) verify that we are following ISACS standards of membership and 2.) evaluate how the contents of the Self-Study are reflected in actual daily practice.  The team will visit faculty meetings, morning meeting, lunches, advising sessions, classes, sports & play practices, and every other part of school life.  Weeks later, the Visiting Team will provide us with their own report that will include commendations and recommendations for every aspect of our school, and we will use that information in ongoing planning for school improvements.  I look forward to hosting this group and reading the results of their evaluation!  It is an exciting process.

Congratulations to our powerlifting team for a great showing at KSHSAA state competition.  Specific shout-outs to Eve Tuckel for taking 7th place as our single representative in the women's bracket, our Men's team for earning 7th, and Jacob Hammann for taking 1st place in his weights class.  Great job!

On Friday, April 28th 7-9 pm, Seabury will be hosting a free Parent Game night!  Come and join us for a fun evening with the entire Seabury parent community to celebrate our year.  You will have the opportunity to play bingo and casino games.  Everyone is invited.  Food and drink will be provided.  And prizes?  Yes, there are.  You will have the chance to win $1000 tuition discount for 2023-24, a one-year BSA athletics pass, Seabury swag, a semester of Friday Lunches for your child, or a summer grill & fun package.  Your Class Captains will be sharing information with you in the future, and you should look for an Evite from the school soon.

Once again, we are looking for host families for two great international students: an 8th grade boy from France and a 9th grade boy from Korea.  Hosting an international student can be a very rewarding experience.  If you are interested to know more, reach out to Lisa Leroux-Smith at lisalerouxsmith@seaburyacademy.org.  

I know we were all shocked and saddened by the violence at the Convent School in Nashville earlier this week.  This tragedy hits close to home for many reasons but is particularly noteworthy because it is unusual for such violence to occur in an independent school.  All of our hearts hurt when we hear of these situations and see the pictures of the victims.  As I have said previously, I am careful about how I introduce national tragedies to students in morning meeting because I do not believe it is healthy to put that sort of unresolved worry in them.  However, I did remind students this week that this is why we take precautions and have procedures in place for responding to possible threats to safety, and we need to take them seriously.  

Yours Respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Sat 11th: State chess Tournament @ Emporia

* Sun 12th: Spain Meeting in the Commons, 5 pm

* Mon 13th: Spring Break Begins--No Classes

* Sun 25th: State Powerlifting in Conway

* Mon 27th: Classes Resume

* Tue 28th: Girls Soccer vs. Northeast Kansas Homeschool Athletics @ BSA: Vars 4, MS 5:30 pm

* Wed 29th: MS Track @ Lawrence West MS, 3:30 pm

Thurs 30th: Girls MS Soccer vs. Cair Paravel Latin School @ BSA, 4:30 pm
Girls Vars Soccer @ Ottawa HS, 4:30 pm

* Fri 31st: Boys Vars Golf @ Great Life Golf & Fitness, 1 pm
Vars Track @ LHS, 3:30 pm

* Sat 1st: Special Olympics Clinic (tentative) @ BSA

Dear Parents,

You no longer have to hear ongoing speculation about Headmaster's Holiday, or maybe I assume too much about conversations in your household over the last month.  I joke about the "holiday" being inaccurately named, but the truth is that I get a ridiculous amount of enjoyment watching the students having fun outside of school on this day.  What I can never fully understand is why I am so totally worn out once I am back on campus!  I hope your children had a good time.

Good luck to our Chess team as they head to State competition this weekend.  Good luck also to our Powerlifting team as they head to State over spring break.  And good luck to our student athletes as they begin their spring sports season!

Quite a few students qualified for the Kansas State History Day competition at the District 1 contest:
Vivenne Pro -- 2nd place Junior Individual Exhibit
Katherine Eudaly -- 2nd place Senior Individual Exhibit
Katie Mastrosimone -- 1st place Senior Individual Exhibit
Aiden Najafizadeh -- 2nd place Senior Individual Exhibit
Owen Koederitz -- 2nd place Senior Individual Website
Marcella MacGonagle -- 1st place Senior Individual Website
Gabe Rinnert -- 3rd place Senior Individual Documentary
Hayden Slough -- 2nd place Senior Individual Documentary
Mia Rasmussen -- 1st place Senior Individual Documentary
Sage McHenry, Spencer Timkar, and Campbell Helling -- 1s place Senior Group Documentary
Congratulations to these young historians!

This year Seabury sent two teams made of junior and senior leaders to compete at Washburn University's Leadership Challenge Event.  This event challenged the students to act as city officials and leaders and to respond to a simulation where a city grocery store has burned down, leaving a large and underserved community without vital resources.  Out of 26 high school teams, Seabury placed 1st and 3rd, respectively!  Additionally, the senior team received the Emerging Leader Award, Collaboration Award, and Team Transformation Award.  Congratulations to Sage McHenry, Andrew Lang, Spencer Timkar, Alexandra Terry, Campbell Helling, Cambill Garlock, Martin Hill, Pancho Metz, Lear Eicher, and Owen Ross!

You might remember Lou LeDefebre, French international students and last year's Seabury graduate.  Her young brother Jules will be attending Seabury next year and needs a host family for the fall semester.  Jules is a great kid who will be attending 8th grade.  If you would be interested to know more details, please reach out to Lisa Leroux-Smith at lisalerouxsmith@seaburyacademy.org.

We also have a loud hen who needs a home.  One of our chicken coop inhabitants is a hen who crows like a rooster.  (I am not kidding.)  We need to move her off of the property before the neighbors start making their own noise.  If you can help, please reach out to Eric Nelson at ericnelson@seaburyacademy.org.  

Despite losing a day of competition, this has been one of the most memorable weeks of Spring Fever Grudge Match I can recall.  Mr. Nelson rolled out some interesting competitive events, including a 2-step dance off, a very exuberant competition of Spoons, and yesterday's "Anything but a Dog" show.  Battle of the bands cranks up soon (2:15 pm), and we will hear from two student bands and the faculty band.  It should be a proper send-off to break!

Have a great Spring Break!
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 3rd: The Director's Showcase IV: Upper School Plays, 7:30 pm
KSHSAA Class 1A-D1 Boys Sub-State Semi-Finals @ Onaga HS, 6 pm

* Sat 4th: The Director's Showcase IV: Upper School Plays, 7:30 pm
District One History Day Competition
Math Counts State Competition
Chess @ Prairie Park
KSHSAA Class 1A-D1 Boys Sub-State Championship Game @ Onaga HS, 7 pm

* Wed 8th: Auditions for Macbeth (All School Play), 3:30-5 pm
PSAT (8th & 9th grades)

* Thurs 9th: Auditions for Macbeth (All School Play), 3:30-5 pm
KSHSAA Class 1A-D1 Boys State Championship Tournament @ Dodge City, TBA

* Fri 10th: Battle of the Bands!  2:15-3:30 pm
KSHSAA Class 1A-D1 Boys State Championship Tournament @ Dodge City, TBA

* Sat 11th: State chess Tournament @ Emporia
KSHSAA Class 1A-D1 Boys State Championship Tournament @ Dodge City, TBA

* Sun 12th: Spain Meeting in the Commons, 5 pm

Dear Parents,

Our Auction last weekend was a tremendous success, and I truly appreciate all of the support and the donations from attendees and those who could not attend.  I am indebted to our co-chairs Sarah Hill-Nelson and Meagan Lohmeyer, Development Director Ellen Chindamo, and the entire auction committee for hosting such a raucous and entertaining evening.  Thanks to parents, staff, junior and senior students, and MSM Systems Inc for all of their work.  The fundraising total at the end of the night was impressive and will allow the Head of School to sleep at night.  We will let you know the final results once the dust settles on expenses.  Thank you all!

Today is the last day of the pilot week with the new schedule, and the general consensus seems to be very positive.  Quite a few students asked me if we could implement the schedule immediately, but longer class periods require different classroom methods, and I don't want to burden teachers with such a major change midyear.  I will look forward to getting more input from students and teachers as we consider any areas for improvement.  

The Upper School student-directed one acts open tonight: Hello Out There by William Saroyan and Sorry, Wrong Number by Lucille Fletcher.  I hope you can come out to enjoy the work of our older performers.  Auditions occur next week for the all-school spring production of Shakespeare's MacBeth.

Our varsity boys basketball team continue their conquest at substate competition tonight.  We are all wishing them luck as they push for a slot at next week's KSHSAA competition!

Good luck to our student scholars who are heading to the District One History Day competition this weekend!

Good luck to our Middle School students who are headed to the state level of competition with Math Counts this weekend!

Students who will be going on the international trip to Spain will be meeting this Sunday in the Commons.

Finally, next week is the Spring Fever Grudge Match.  Each year, we try to "channel" the anticipatory energy of students prior to spring break into a 5-day, post-lunch competition between students and staff members.  Most of the events change year-to-year and are the product of Mr. Nelson's twisted imagination.  He has kept specifics about next week's competition under wraps (except warnings that two-step dancing may be required...).  As always, the week culminates in the legendary Battle of the Bands in the gym on Friday.  That event will occur at 2:15 pm, and parents are welcome to attend.

Have a great weekend!
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 24th: Rock on Seabury!--the Annual Seabury Auction: cocktails 6 pm, dinner 7 pm, live auction, 8 pm
KSHSAA Class 1A-D1 Boys Sub-State Quarterfinals @ BSA, 6 pm

* Sat 25th: Forensics @ Paola HS
Powerlifting @ Horton

* Thurs 2nd: KSHSAA Class 1A-D1 Girls Sub-State Semi-Finals @ Onaga High School, 7 pm

* Fri 3rd: The Director's Showcase IV: Upper School Plays, 7:30 pm
KSHSAA Class 1A-D1 Boys Sub-State Semi-Finals @ Onaga HS, 7 pm

* Sat 4th: The Director's Showcase IV: Upper School Plays, 7:30 pm
District One History Day Competition
Forensics @ Basehor-Linwood
Chess @ Prairie Park
KSHSAA Class 1A-D1 Girls Sub-State Championship Game @ Onaga High School, 5:30 pm
KSHSAA Class 1A-D1 Boys Sub-State Championship Game @ Onaga HS, 7 pm

Dear Parents,

I am looking forward to the Auction tonight!  Great food, company, dancing, and energetic support for our school!  For those of you who are going, I hope you have an unbelievably great time...

....and to those who aren't attending, I hope you will come out for the boys substate basketball game tonight at Seabury.  After an exciting win over Burlingame on Friday, tonight should be a lively match-up.  Good luck to the team!  And congratulations to our girls varsity team and to our middle school boys and girls teams for their tenacity, hard work, and enthusiasm this season!  

Last week, Chase Honovar was recognized by MaxPreps as first in the State of Kansas and 8th in the nation for recorded blocks in a game.  Congratulations Chase!

The Middle School touring cast did a great job with their play this week.  We look forward to the Upper School production next weekend: a showcase for student directors as they present two one-acts, Hello Out There by William Saroyan and Sorry, Wrong Number by Lucille Fletcher.  I hope you will plan to come out to be entertained by our elder performers.

Casino Night was a smashing success--highly attended by students and full of energetic play.  A big thank you to Doni Mooberry, Dennis Hill, Julie Smith, and all of the adult volunteers who made that night happen!

Next week is the pilot week for the new daily schedule.  Yesterday, I walked students through what their days will look like next week, they have their individual schedules, and I am eager to experience the schedule in action.

Yours respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang

Hello Parents,

Despite considerable time reviewing the dates in the 2023-24 calendar for next year, I did not give the same attention to the title of the document which I attached to yesterday's Friday Letter.  (It was incorrectly titled 2022-23!)  I always use the same document each year to edit and then publish, and I simply overlooked the date in the document title.  Attached is the same calendar with the correct title!

Thank you and have a good weekend,
Don

On Fri, Feb 17, 2023 at 4:42 PM Don Schawang <DonSchawang@seaburyacademy.org> wrote:
THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 17th: BBall vs. Maranatha Christian Academy @ BSA: JV 5, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm
Sports Senior Night: 7 pm

* Sat 18th: Auction Preview in Commons, 11 am to 2 pm
Forensics @ FSHS
MS BBall @ Heritage Christian Academy: 6th Boys 9, Boys-B 10, Boys-A 11, Girls noon
Casino Night 6-9 pm

* Mon 20th: BBall vs. Burlingame @ BSA: Boys JV 4:30, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm
Middle School Touring Show Production: The Tales of Molly Malloy, 7:30 pm

* Tue 21st: BBall @ Cair Paravel Latin School: Boys JV 4:30, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm
Model UN
XRC Tournament: MS B-Boys BBall @ Pembroke Hill, 6:30 pm
XRC Tournament: MS Girls BBall @ Barstow, 5:30 pm

* Wed 22nd: Model UN
XRC Tournament: MS A-Boys BBall @ KC Christian, 6:30 pm

* Thurs 23rd:  SDC Movie Night: The Woman King, 6 pm
KSHSAA Class 1A-D1 Girls Sub-State Quarterfinals: TBA

* Fri 24th: Rock on Seabury!--the Annual Seabury Auction: cocktails 6 pm, dinner 7 pm, live auction, 8 pm
KSHSAA Class 1A-D1 Boys Sub-State Quarterfinals: TBA

* Sat 25th: Forensics @ Paola HS

Dear Parents,

Today did not quite go as initially planned, but I hope your children benefited from the extra time today.  My apologies for the late notice this morning, but I was quickly trying to determine the best of all bad options.  In my senior philosophy course, we examine practical methods that can provide greater contentment in life, and one relevant idea is that being "affluent" in time is more important than material wealth.  Hopefully, an unexpected day off provided some benefits in this regard for students and teachers.

We are one week away from this year's auction, Rock on Seabury!   The bidding has opened on silent auction items, so feel free to go after those items now!  We hope you have enjoyed the daily item reveals.  Don't forget the Auction Preview on Saturday, the 18th where items will be displayed in the Commons from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.  I look forward to celebrating with many of you next week!

Instead of waiting any longer for the USD 497 calendar to be published, I am going to go ahead and publish our 2023-24 Academic Calendar (attached).  The only date that remains in question is Fall Break.  I know some parents who work at KU would like to see our breaks aligned, but I also have to make sure we are in session during public and private school parent-teacher conferences (when we schedule Be-A-Seahawk Days).  I will confirm that date as soon as I am able.  

Thanks to all who have signed up as volunteers and to bring snacks/prizes for Casino Night this Saturday.  You can still sign up here.  Snack donations can be delivered Saturday right before the event at 5:30 pm.  Volunteers, please arrive by 5:15 pm.  This will be a fun night for the students!

Every year, our middle school performers produce a show for younger audiences and tour area schools.  Directors James LaRocca and Cheryl Weaver and their young cast will be presenting The Tales of Molly Malloy on Monday night at 7:30 pm in the Commons.  They will also take the show on the road to the Lawrence Public Library (for Century School students) and will perform at Seabury on Wednesday afternoon for Raintree students and our Seabury student body.  We hope you can come out to enjoy our terrific young actors on Monday night!

Final reminder for dinner this Sunday 19th: Morningstar Pizza will donate a portion of the proceeds they receive on Sunday, February 19, 4-8 pm. Identify Bishop Seabury when making your order: morningstarsnypizza.com.   Location: 4931 W 6th St or +1 (785) 856-6973.  The seniors thank you!

Congratulations to Chelsea Walden for her great showing at the Douglas County Spelling Bee!

Congratulations to all the 7th, 9th, and 11th graders who completed History Day projects this year!  On Tuesday students were interviewed about their projects by a team of judges.  For the first time ever, all the 11th-grade U.S. History students interviewed 9th-grade participants, and 9th-grade students interviewed 7th-grade participants.  Seniors Elizabeth Allen, Martin Hill, Pancho Metz, and Edie Patterson judged alongside parents Karen Willey, Anne Brockhoff, Elizabeth MacGonagle, and (grandparent) George Ulbrick. We honored the very best of student projects with awards this morning for "Best In Show":

Vivenne Pro -- Junior Individual Exhibit
Mateo Sherwood -- Junior Individual Documentary
Gabe Rinnert -- Senior Individual Documentary
Owen Koederitz -- Senior Individual Website
Aiden Najafizadeh -- Senior Individual Exhibit
Riku Hickman, Xavier Carrasco-Cooper, and Ben Patterson -- Senior Group Website
Mia Rasmussen -- Senior Individual Documentary

Congratulations to Helena Gutierrez-Gibbs, Aidan Page, and Jace Smith for being recognized at the Big XII Conference on Black Student Government at Kansas State University last night!

I hope well-rested students can come out tonight to cheer on their upper school basketball teams and celebrate our senior athletes.  It is going to be a full weekend.

Yours respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 10th: NO CLASSES
BBall vs. Cair Paravel Latin School @ BSA: JV 4:30, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm

* Sat 11th: Forensics @ Rock Creek HS
Powerlifting @ Iola

* Mon 13th: Vision & Hearing Screening
BSAP Meeting @ 23rd Street Brewery, 5:30 pm

* Tue 14th: BBall vs. KC Christian @ BSA: JV Boys 4:30, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm
BSA History Day

* Thurs 16th: MS BBall vs. Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy @ BSA: Girls 4:30, Boys-B 5:30, Boys-A 6:30 pm

* Fri 17th: BBall vs. Maranatha Christian Academy @ BSA: JV 5, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm
Sports Senior Night: 7 pm

* Sat 18th: Auction Preview in Commons, 11 am to 2 pm
Forensics @ FSHS
MS BBall @ Heritage Christian Academy: 6th Boys 9, Boys-B 10, Boys-A 11, Girls noon
Casino Night 6-9 pm

Dear Parents

I hope you enjoyed Parent-Teacher Conferences.  This semester is going fast!

Your children (who are copied here) will not be happy on Monday regardless of the results from the Superbowl.  An intrepid junior student posted a petition in the commons urging me to consider a day off if the Chiefs win.  Believe me, I would be happy to reward their enthusiasm and "can-do" attitude, and I could certainly use a day of work without distraction!  However, they do not understand that I also have an obligation to parents who pay tuition for their children to actually be educated.  So we will have class on Monday (following a 4-day break...I mean, come on!).  Hopefully, Sunday's outcome will allow celebration as well as indignation...I can accept that.

You should have your Auction catalogs in hand.  Live and silent auction items will be revealed each day.  On Friday, the 17th, silent auction items will open for bidding!  Don't miss the Auction Preview on Saturday, the 18th where items will be displayed in the Commons from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. The Advanced Art students have created ceramic "rock stars" that will be for sale for $25 each and are going to go fast!  (Pictures attached.)  Tomorrow is the deadline to order your "Tour" t-shirts, so get those orders in!  Rock On Seabury

I have been sitting on a 2023-24 Academic Calendar for a few months, but I have not published it because I am waiting for USD 497 to publish theirs.  Since a number of our parents also have children in public schools, I try to align certain breaks as much as possible, and changing dates after publishing the calendar can be really messy.  I promise to get you those dates as soon as I can, but if you are making vacation plans for next year, please do contact me, and I will happily offer some guidance.

Families of seventh and ninth-grade students are welcome to view projects from 1:00 to 4:00 pm during the BSA History Day Fair on Tuesday, February 14th.  We ask however that visitors avoid approaching students and judges while they are conducting their interviews.

Don't forget to sign up for the Feb 18th Casino Night here.  Parent volunteers often tell me how much they enjoy the experience.  A special thanks to Doni Mooberry, Dennis Hill, and Julie Smith for their hard work in making the event happen!

Earlier in the week, we announced a summer opportunity for rising 6th-9th graders called Seabury Adventure Camp (one part of our forthcoming Summer at Seabury program).  This is a week-long, multi-activity experience.  Mr. Nelson and his team will take students outdoors for canoeing, fishing, and exploring nature in the morning, and students will come indoors in the afternoon for art, science, and theatre with Ms. Porter, Ms. Schrader, and Mr. Weaver.  The adventure culminates in a showcase and reception for parents at the end of the week.  Check it out and register your child here.  Due to limited enrollment, the camp is open to Seabury families first until March 3rd--but friends of Seabury students are also welcome to sign up.

Congratulations to sophomore Jace Smith who was chosen for the All-Tournament Team in the Baldwin Invitational Basketball Tournament!  And we hope you can come out to enjoy our Senior Night next Friday 17th at 7 pm (just prior to the Varsity Boys game).  This is our opportunity to celebrate senior athletes from all of this year's Seabury sports.

Congratulations to our Math Counts team--Aidric Bernd, Zoe Huebner, Michael Liu, and Charlie Maples--for placing 2nd in regionals last weekend and qualifying for state.  And congratulations to 8th grader Charlie Maples for his third year in a row of winning the whole competition!  Great job!

Good luck to our Forensics squad as they begin their season of competition!

Help support the senior class and enjoy a Sunday evening pizza dinner! Morningstar Pizza is kindly donating a portion of the proceeds they receive on Sunday, February 19, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Just tell them you are with Bishop Seabury--either at the restaurant or over the phone--when making your order. Website: morningstarsnypizza.com.   Location: 4931 W 6th St
Phone: +1 (785) 856-6973.  The seniors thank you!

In our 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, one initiative under the goal "An Excellent Education" reads, "Create a task force to research alternative models to scheduling, and develop a new schedule to reinforce the integrity and success of individual courses and the overall college-preparatory program."  This initiative has its roots in years of discussion about the limitations in our daily schedule.  After a year of in-depth work, we have developed a new daily schedule for next year that we believe will provide significant benefits to the work of students and teachers.

Quick background: early in my tenure as Head of School, we changed the existing 7-period schedule to an 8-period day in order to allow more student/teacher meeting time outside of classes and more elective opportunities, among other benefits.  The downside of having an 8-period schedule is the short duration of classes (roughly 42 minutes), which is not conducive to science labs, in-depth discussion or exploration in various subject areas, or larger independent projects.

Last year, I formed a task force to analyze the strengths and challenges of our existing schedule and to research alternative schedules at other independent schools.  After considerable reflection and a lengthy drafting process, we arrived at a schedule that satisfied our needs.  The new schedule keeps our important morning traditions of all-school meeting and altera familia.  Monday is a typical 8-period day, but the remaining four days alternate with a T/Th & W/F schedule with all upper-school classes and many middle-school classes extended to 75 minutes.  (The middle-School schedule is adapted slightly to allow for certain courses to be shorter and for those students to have P.E. each day.)  Each day culminates with what we call an "X-Block," a 45-minute period that will allow for study hall and teacher contact time, as well as more flexibility for older students, off-campus appointments, and miscellaneous activities such as student club meeting time.  Homework loads should not change and may even decrease.

This new schedule should allow for all of the benefits of our existing schedule while also enabling teachers to better achieve learning outcomes.  The new schedule is a catalyst for teachers to double down on good teaching, as we employ an array of instructional strategies in the classroom.  It is easy for students and parents to make the mistake of thinking that a longer class period means long teacher lectures, but a straight lecture--what you might find in a large college classroom--is not an effective teaching strategy even for 45 minutes.  Our focus is to keep learning student-centered--that is, students should have agency in the classroom and should be active participants throughout the learning process, not passive recipients of information.  As a teacher, I am very excited about the opportunities this changed schedule will afford us.

I cannot find any flaws or downsides to this new schedule.  However, I have often observed that despite the frequency that students request something "new," they tend to be creatures of habit and do not take well to change.  We are going to give the new schedule a practice run with a pilot week at the end of the month.  This will be an opportunity to get a feel for this new schedule and for the teachers and administration to identify any changes that need to be made.  We will all need to be positive and intent on seeing the effective nature of this schedule so that we can reap its benefits.  There may be a little confusion for the first day or two, but students will get the hang of it pretty quickly.  

Yours respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang
 

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 3rd: BBall vs. Heritage Christian @ BSA: JV 4:30, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm

* Sat 4th: Forensics @ LHS
               Powerlifting @ Emporia
               Chess @ Ottawa

* Mon 6th: DEADLINE FOR CONFERENCE SIGN-UP: MIDNIGHT

* Tue 7th: MS BBall @ Pembroke Hill (Phillips Gym): 6th Grade 4:30, Boys-B 5:30, Girls 6:30, Boys-A 7:30 pm
BBal @ Bishop Ward HS: JV Boys 4:30, Girls Vars 5:30, Boys Vars 7 pm

* Wed 8th: Parent-Teacher Conferences 6-9 pm

* Thurs 9th: NO CLASSES
Parent-Teacher Conferences 1-4:30, 6:30-9 pm
MS BBall @ Cair Paravel Latin School: Girls 4:30, Boys-B 5:30, Boys-A 6:30 pm

* Fri 10th: NO CLASSES
BBall vs. Cair Paravel Latin School @ BSA: JV 4:30, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm

* Sat 11th: Forensics @ Rock Creek HS
Powerlifting @ Iola

Dear Parents,

Parent-Teacher Conferences are next week.  The cut-off for signing up for conferences is MONDAY at midnight to provide teachers enough time to prepare for those meetings.  You can sign up here: Parent/Teacher Conference Sign-Up  As always, Betsy will send out a list of Google Meets links for you to join your online conference.  (And don't forget that you must actually download that document with links--and not just open the preview in your email--in order to activate those links.)

I had the honor of sitting in on an auction planning meeting this week, and I am very excited!  This is always a great opportunity to socialize, enjoy drinks and dinner, dance, and more than anything--support our students and teachers by buying cool stuff!  Get your tickets now and click the link to join us for Rock On Seabury.  Friday, February 24 is right around the corner!  Look for auction catalogs soon as well as periodic announcements about auction items.  This is going to be a lot of fun!

As we enter the heart of enrollment season, we always remember that Word-of-Mouth is the best way to recruit new and exceptional students to Seabury.  If you know of any students or families who would thrive at our school, please refer them to Lisa Leroux-Smith at lisalerouxsmith@seaburyacademy.org.

Casino Night is scheduled for February 18th.  This is one of the most popular events of the year.  Students of all ages will sit at traditional gaming tables to enjoy blackjack, poker, and other games, and there will be card and board games for others--something for everyone to enjoy.  Parents are encouraged to volunteer time, snacks or drinks, and prizes for students to win.  No experience is necessary to help at the tables!  Trust me, you will have a great time watching the event in action.  And you will meet some savvy young people in the process!  Please sign up here.  

We hosted a visitor today: Mr. Bart Bronk, Head of School from University Liggett School in Michigan.  Mr. Bronk is the Team Leader for the ISACS Visiting Team that will visit our school in April as part of our school's accreditation cycle. Once every seven years, an ISACS school will write a Self-Study Report with the help of various staff members, parents, students, and trustees, incorporating constituency survey results from the entire community.  In the first week of April, a Visiting Team composed of teachers and administrators from various ISACS schools will travel to Lawrence and examine our school in light of the Self-Study data.  At the end of a very busy four days, they will compose their own report which will include their own description of our various school programs as well as commendations for success in various areas and recommendations for improvements.

As Chair of the ISACS accreditation committee and a sometimes visiting team leader, I am a big believer in this process and the value it provides to schools.  I really appreciate Bart taking time from his busy work schedule to fly down for this initial visit, as we set the details for the team visit.  I will remind parents closer to the date when we will have the whole team here.  I always look forward to showing off our school and our students!

I hope you have a great weekend.  It looks to be a beautiful one!
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 27th: HS BBall @ Kansas City Christian High School: Boys JV 5, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm

* Sat 28th: Powerlifting @ Royal Valley

* Tue 31st: BBall @ Veritas Christian School: JV 4:30, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm

* Thurs 2nd: MS BBall vs. KC Christian @ BSA: Girls 4, Boys-B 5, Boys-A 6, 6th Boys 7 pm

* Fri 3rd: BBall vs. Heritage Christian @ BSA: JV 4:30, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm

* Sat 4th: Forensics @ LHS
               Powerlifting @ Emporia
               Chess @ Ottawa

Dear Parents,

With Dr. gone, I got the privilege of hearing first hand how horrible I was for not calling a snow day this past Wednesday. The good news is that we made it through the week safely and managed to navigate the "treacherous terrain." While Dr. did give me permission to pursue a philosophical topic of my choice, I think it best to spare you my thoughts on the benefits of geometric proofs. Instead, I will share some updates and things to consider as you engage in all that Seabury has to offer. Parent, student, and faculty engagement in our community is what makes it special. As a student aptly stated in their reflection on community service, "to be part of a community, you have to put work in for the community to thrive." Our work here is ongoing and I am constantly comforted by the collaboration between parents and faculty that enables our students to flourish.

We are under a month away from our annual auction! Get your tickets now and click the link to join us for Rock On Seabury, on Friday, February 24, at the Jayhawk Club. Catalogs will be in your mailboxes soon and the live and silent auction items will begin to be revealed a few weeks before the auction. This is our most important fundraiser and everything raised goes to support our school. Many thanks to co-chairs, Sarah Hill-Nelson and Meagan Lohmeyer, and the entire auction committee for all of their work - it's going to be a great night!

Betsy has opened the sign-up for the February parent/teacher conferences (2/8-2/9). Use this Spring 2023 Conference Sign-Up to sign-up to visit for 10 minutes with the teachers. I had a parent ask if they should sign-up to see all of their child's teachers. In the spring, many parents opt to visit with just the teachers of the classes that their child may be struggling in. Who you see is totally up to you.

As you may recall, this year we instituted the Evergreen Contract to help save unnecessary paperwork. This means your student is automatically re-enrolled each year for the next academic school year unless we receive word from you prior to 1/31. The enrollment deposit has been billed to your FACTS account and is due by 2/1 and, if you have signed up for automatic withdrawal, it will be deducted from your bank account or charged to your credit card on this date. Otherwise, you will need to bring a check by 2/1. Please contact Cris Denning if you have any questions or concerns.

If you are looking to take on a new challenge or to be one with the birds, please sign up here to pick a week or more to take care of the chickens. Feel free to take eggs home or put in the crate in the fridge. A true steal considering the price of eggs these days! Let Sonja Czarnecki know if you have any questions.

Each year, high school students from Lawrence participate in an exchange with students from Lawrence's sister city, Eutin, Germany. Students on both sides will spend about one month living with their host family and attending school. This past fall, we had three students visiting from Germany after a couple of our students spent time in Eutin last summer. The amount of cultural exchange and impact these students had was felt throughout the Seabury community. If you are interested, the applications are due soon!  For more information, please contact  Lisa Leroux-Smith.

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend. It is truly a pleasure to be a part of this community and I hope that we can all help to make it truly thrive by engaging in a deeper and individually meaningful way.

Sincerely,
Will Whipple

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 20th: Climate Club Movie: Avatar, 3:30-7 pm

* Sat 21st: Boys Vars BBall Tournament @ Baldwin Jr. HS, 1 pm
MS BBall @ Barstow: 6th Grade 9 am, Boys-B 10 am, Boys-A 11 am, Girls 12 pm
Powerlifting @ Leavenworth
Chess @ Rockhurst

* Tue 24th: MS BBall vs. Maranatha Christian Academy @ BSA: 6th Grade 4:30, Boys-B 5:30, Boys-A 6:30, Girls 7:30 pm
HS BBall @ Maranatha Academy: Boys JV 5, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm

* Wed 25th: College Planning Night (Junior students and parents), 7 pm

* Thurs 26th: MS BBall vs. St. Paul's Episcopal Day School @ BSA: Girls 4:30, 6th Boys 5:30, Boys-B 6:30, Boys-A 7:30 pm

* Fri 27th: HS BBall @ Kansas City Christian High School: Boys JV 5, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm

* Sat 28th: Powerlifting @ Royal Valley

Dear Parents,

We held the Seabury Spelling Bee on Wednesday, and it was wonderful.  I am so impressed by the willingness of our young students to get up in front of the whole school and compete, and they did a great job with some tough words.  And the enthusiasm and good-natured cheering (and frequent gasps) of our entire school just make me smile.  After a long battle between our final two spellers, we finally crowned a champion, 7th grader Chelsea Walden, and a runner-up, 8th grader Alice Pulsinelli.  Thanks to new Spelling Bee policies, both Chelsea and Alice will advance to the County Bee.  Good luck to them!

Thanks to the students and staff members who helped put together Monday's morning of service, Tuesday's MLK presentation, and last night's MLK Dinner.  A special thanks to Dr. Tammara Durham for offering the keynote speech last night.  

In the context of this week’s celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I am reminded of the initiative from our 2020-2024 BSA Strategic Plan that we will “engage the School constituency at all levels--board, faculty, parents, and students--in discussion about the nature and importance of DEI goals to ensure widespread support and successful implementation.”  The message that follows here is one step towards fulfilling this objective.

Since 2014, at the directive of the Board of Trustees, we have developed what has become a robust DEI program, involving students, administrators, faculty, parents, and board members.  Like all programs, our DEI initiatives will always be evolving, but I am very proud of what we have accomplished thus far.  I realize this message may be longer than you want to read, but the following message will speak to the Strategic Plan initiative and the related work we do at Seabury.

What is “DEI”?
This is a common acronym for “Diversity. Equity. Inclusivity.”  These words may be defined as follows:
“Diversity”: the range of differences that exist within the larger category of human beings and may include (but is not limited to) age, class, race, ability, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, and religion.
“Equity”: not to be confused with equality, equity is the positive outcome of individuals made possible when attention and resources are directed to each individual’s unique circumstances, opportunities, and challenges.
“Inclusivity”: when the policies, practices, and messaging of an organization or culture create equal opportunities, respect, agency, and support for all of its constituents.  Inclusivity often leads to a sense of “belonging”—that is, a sense that individuals feel equally cared for, protected, and valued.
DEI “work” is the coordinated efforts of an organization (such as a school) to develop, maintain, and improve these objectives for the well-being of students, parents, and families.

What does DEI work look like?
There are many faces to this work.  Organizationally, we have an adult committee composed of administrators, teachers, and board members, and it generates a lot of the school’s DEI activities.  The adult committee oversees the work of many related student organizations at the school and also provides central guidance to activities like the recent service work, morning meeting presentation, and dinner related to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  The school will recognize different identity groups in line with certain national months of recognition (Black History Month, Pacific Islander Month, Women’s History Month, and so forth).  Students have organized area DEI events (sometimes with neighboring high schools) and attended conferences such as the Student Diversity Leadership Conference at KU.  Administrators, teachers, students, and board members have attended national NAIS-sponsored conferences.  BSAP has organized parent education nights around topics such as mental health, gender identity, and race & incarceration.  We also examine the curriculum at department and school levels to gauge how our curriculum represents a diversity of voices/content and considers different student backgrounds and experiences.  Diversification of faculty identity is also an area where DEI conversations and processes have relevance.  These are just some examples of DEI initiatives at Seabury.  Honestly, the most important part of our work may be the facilitation of student conversations on DEI topics.

Why is DEI work important to Bishop Seabury Academy?
A central reason why parents send their children to our school is the belief that effective learning and personal development require a culture that promotes individual support and well-being.  By its nature, DEI efforts aim for such an outcome for all individuals.  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity are essential characteristics of a healthy and enthusiastic learning community and are necessary for the development of global citizens.  They are also key components in preparing students for college and for life.

DEI is not all about race.
Human beings are diverse by their nature, even if they like to shelter under banners.  Although we share a common humanity, we seek to broaden the human narrative to capture a range of life experiences and design an environment that allows dignity and accessibility for as many people as possible.  For instance, as an Episcopal school, we actively promote economic diversity and offer financial support to families who cannot afford tuition, but we would be naïve to believe that economic divisions do not exist in our student body or that all students have the means to afford all opportunities.  Not all minds work the same way, and we provide learning support to students with dyslexia and ADHD as well as developing methods that speak to minds that are either more analytic or creative.  We have international students.  We have gay and trans students.  Physically, human beings are far more similar than different, but our physical, economic, cultural, and existential experiences provide an incredible diversity in identity, consciousness, and relationship to the world and its institutions.  Race is just one element of that experience.

Having said that…
Our country has a challenging racial history that continues to play out in our daily life and informs every aspect of our experience—often silently but with clear evidence.  In the past, it has been tempting to relegate discussions of racism to discrete acts of physical violence, subjugation, or verbal aggression, but such a narrow focus can distract from the foundational roots of inequality that exist in the structuring of our society.  This is why we tend to talk about “systemic racism.”  

The goal is not demographics.  
Having a diverse population is not the exclusive or primary goal, even though it is a really good one.  (Just like the human gene pool, organizations are more likely to flourish when they are diverse.)  Inclusivity, fair treatment, compassion, and the capacity to belong are obviously prerequisites to a community that wants diversity.  Why would anyone want to be in a place where they don’t belong?

This is a conversation.
I won’t belabor the fact that we live in a time of political fracturing, posturing, hostility, and a lack of humility.  Personally, I think the best way to get ourselves out of this quagmire is not to retreat quietly to our separate corners but to start talking to each other.  Conversations about race, gender identity, citizenship, and other difficult topics are always already happening, and every human being is involved.  A responsible education equips students to navigate those conversations.  These are skills that our students require to be confident and effective in college, in the workplace, and in life in general—but especially so they can become more thoughtful people and can support other human beings to live better lives.

The conversation is not always easy.
Talking about DEI, our personal identity, and how we see the identity of others is almost as scary as telling people we love them.  It makes us vulnerable.  It causes us to articulate things that are so essential to our being that we generally insist on quietly taking them for granted.  People are afraid of the emotional currents of such a conversation, and I think a lot of people fear rejection.  With people of good intentions, I always walk away from these conversations feeling light-hearted, confident, and grounded.  But the further I go from that real, frank, and human conversation, the easier it is to forget that we are working towards a common good.

Students are way ahead of us
I have been impressed by how rapidly students have developed a confident grasp of DEI conversations, and this may be because children and adolescents tend to focus on issues of fairness and justice.  The level of awareness about equity and inclusivity is much higher than it was even a decade ago—and light years ahead of my generation at their age.

Does this have to do with Critical Race Theory?
There has been quite a bit of reporting on what is called Critical Race Theory (CRT), a concept that is purportedly being taught in schools.  CRT is actually a legal theory (developed more than 40 years ago) used primarily in law schools to evaluate social and judicial outcomes based on race.  How this specific theory has become a reference point for the more complex DEI work in schools and other organizations is puzzling, but I can see at least a thematic touchpoint with social and historical analysis.  I am disappointed by the defensiveness and suspicion behind this reaction to DEI discussions, and I definitely think a failure to understand the true nature of this work and its objectives is at the heart of this criticism.  We need to remember that a true conversation is not a lecture.  We are teaching our students to be critically minded and to speak with the authority of their personal experience.  Obviously, certain values are non-negotiable at our school because we believe they are universally valid, and we need to listen to marginalized voices who can reveal the complexity of our world that may get lost in a dominant narrative.  But no one has all of the answers.  There is no authoritative text to show us the way forward.  We figure that out together and with respectful dialogue.

We need to learn to listen generously and have grace for one another.
I marvel at Dr. King’s capacity to engage people who were hostile to his views (and to his person) and to do so with an unwavering strength of conviction but also an emphatic statement of our shared humanity and the belief that we must move together towards a future where we all prosper.  There is a place for indignation and staunch resistance in the face of repression, cruelty, and views that undermine the dignity of others.  However, the conversations that constitute our DEI work are grounded in commonality, respect for different experiences and beliefs, and frankly a love for one another even in our uncertainty and disagreement.  This is the way!

I will be in Chicago for much of next week on ISACS business, and you will enjoy a much shorter Friday Letter from Dean of Students, Mr. Whipple.  

Have a good weekend!
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 13th: BBall vs. Bishop Ward @ BSA: JV Boys 5, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm

* Sat 14th: BBall @ Maranatha Christian Academy: 6th grade Boys 9 am, Boys B 10 am, Boys A 11 am, Girls noon

* Mon 16th: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day--NO Classes
MLK Day of Service, 9 to noon

* Tue 17th: MS BBall @ KC Christian High School: Girls 4, Boys B 5, Boys A 6 pm

* Wed 18th: Spelling Bee
VArs Boys BBall Tournament @ Baldwin Jr. HS, 7 pm

* Thurs 19th: MS BBall vs. Heritage Christian Academy @ BSA: 6th Grade 4:30, Boys B 5:30, Girls 6:30, Boys A 7:30 pm
MLK Dinner @ BSA, 6:30 pm

* Fri 20th: Climate Club Movie: Avatar, 3:30-7 pm

* Sat 21st: Boys Vars BBall Tournament @ Baldwin Jr. HS, TBA
MS BBall @ Barstow: 6th Grade 9, Boys B 10, Boys A 11, Girls noon
Powerlifting @ Leavenworth
Chess @ Rockhurst

Dear Parents,

A true education of students involves different types of lessons and guidance, and an important part of preparing our children for college and the world is personal responsibility.  It is very important that students understand the importance of attending school regularly and in a timely fashion--and I want to stress the importance of parents reinforcing those messages to students.  This morning's tardy list for students late to school (on a day when they are already allowed additional time to arrive) confirmed my suspicion that many students need a reminder about our expectations, and I have directed Betsy to hold a strict line on reporting tardies (followed by corresponding consequences).  We will do our best to reach out to parents if we see a concerning pattern so that we can help students develop better habits.

This is a time of year when we experience a high absence rate and not always because of illness.  I need to remind parents that all planned absences should be reported to Betsy in advance of those absences, and students (with the help of parents, in the case of very young students) are responsible to complete work in a timely fashion prior to returning to school.  Student absences and missing work can become very difficult for teachers to track, and it is not the teacher's responsibility to re-instruct students on missed materials or to remind students of missing assignments.  Students and parents have access to Schoology and should access relevant assignments, materials, and grade reporting on that site.  The more we can reinforce with students their own responsibility for completing and submitting work as well as communicating with teachers in a timely fashion, the better we will prepare them to be competent and successful adults.

We will have various activities next week to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  First, we have invited students to sign up for a voluntary day of service on Monday (starting with a breakfast on campus at 9 am and ending at about 1 pm).  I am extraordinarily pleased with the number of students who signed up.  We will have a presentation for the students on Tuesday at morning meeting.  And we will have a dinner in the Commons on Thursday night with music and speakers, including a keynote address by Dr. Tammara Durham, Vice Provost for Student Affairs at the University of Kansas.  If you are interested in the dinner and did not sign up previously, rsvp to robertpage@seaburyacademy.org.  

For families applying for financial assistance, the application deadline is Sunday, January 15th.  Applications may be considered after that date if funds are available.  This year, we have begun using our existing FACTS financial platform for the aid application process, so you will notice a slightly different look from last year.  You can find our financial assistance policy and the application portal here.  You will be asked to create an entirely separate account (from your FACTS online payment account), log in, and proceed with your application.  Additional documents can be uploaded here as well.  If you have questions, please contact Admissions Director Lisa Leroux-Smith.

By this time, you should have received your rockin' invitation in the mail to this year's auction, which will occur on Friday, February 24th. You can scan the QR code in the invitation or click on this link, Rock On Seabury, to buy your tickets. Don't forget to get your raffle tickets and the commemorative "Tour" t-shirts!

Our annual school Spelling Bee is next Wednesday.  The entire school convenes midday to watch our young spellers compete, and it is one of my favorite moments of the year.  Seeing our older students cheer on their middle school classmates....  That is pretty cool!

A student at lunch today politely asked that I not send the Friday Letter prior to 3:30 pm.  She said it feels like I am taunting them that the week is ending while they are still in classes.  Students, I promise to wait until 3:30 to send letters from now on.

I hope you have a good weekend,
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 6th: BBall vs. Veritas Christian School @ BSA: JV Boys 4:30, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm
Chili Feed, 5:30 pm

* Sat 7th: Powerlifting @ McLouth

* Mon 9th: Middle School Play Auditions, 3:30-5 pm

* Tue 10th: BBall @ Heritage Christian Academy: JV Boys 4:30, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm
Middle School Play Auditions, 3:30-5 pm

* Wed 11th: Upper School Play Auditions, 3:30-5 pm

* Thurs 12th: Upper School Play Auditions, 3:30-5 pm

* Fri 13th: BBall vs. Bishop Ward @ BSA: JV Boys 4:30, Girls Vars 6, Boys Vars 7:30 pm

* Sat 14th: BBall @ Maranatha Christian Academy: 6th grade Boys 9 am, Boys B 10 am, Boys A 11 am, Girls noon

Dear Parents,

It is great to be back to school and enjoy the energy of the students.

Please note that auditions for both the Middle School Touring Play and the Upper School One Act Plays will occur next week.  

Good luck to our Powerlifting team as they head out to their first tournament this weekend!  

Please join us for the MLK Diversity Dinner on Thursday, January 19, 6:30 p.m.in the Bishop Seabury Commons. The dinner is open to any Seabury student and family member and will feature Dr. Tammara Durham, Vice Provost of Student Affairs at The University of Kansas. Please RSVP to robertpage@seaburyacademy.org.  There is no cost to attend.

Although we will not have classes on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday 16th), we will be hosting a voluntary morning of community service for students from 9 am to 1 pm.  Students received a sign-up link from Ms. Czarnecki.  

Watch for auction invitations in your mailboxes soon.  This year's event, Rock On Seabury, will occur on Friday, February 24th. This is going to be a really fun and energetic celebration, and I hope you can attend!  There is even a "tour" t-shirt...

I hope you can come out for the Veritas game tonight.  We are very excited to have students playing on our newly refurbished gym floor!  And a special thanks to our lead donor MCubed Technologies for helping us get that work done!  Picture attached.  If you would like an easy dinner prior to the game, there will be a Chili Feed tonight to support the Senior Trip, and it will happen at 5:30 pm in the Commons.  The cost is $10 per person.

Yours Respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Mon 12th: Stop Day--No Classes

* Tue 13th: Finals
8:15-9:45 am: Social Studies
10:15-11:45 am: English

* Wed 14th: Finals: 
8:15-9:45 am: Math
10:15-11:45 am: Science

* Thurs 15th: 8:15-9:45 am: Languages
Winter Formal @ the Eldridge Hotel, 8-11 pm

* Fri 16th: WINTER BREAK BEGINS!
4-Speaker Debate Regional Qualifier  

* Sat 17th: 4-Speaker Debate Regional Qualifier

* Sun 18th: Celebration of Life for Hayden Koch @ BSA, 3 pm

* Thurs 23rd: Alumni Holiday Gathering @ The Wheel, 4-6 pm

* Tue 3rd: Faculty In-Service

* Wed 4th: Classes Resume

Dear Parents,

As we finish the week, I want to take this final opportunity to thank the Seabury Community for their support for Hayden Koch's family and for our school in recent days.  I have received messages from various independent and public school administrators in the area with offers to support counseling services, and we have received extremely generous acts of kindness from various sources in the form of comfort food for students and teachers.  I want to thank again Bert Nash and the National Suicide Prevention Headquarters for offering counseling services for our students and staff this week to supplement the work of Kalli McClure and Father Rob Baldwin.  

We are working with Hayden's family to host a Celebration of Life event for Hayden at Bishop Seabury Academy on Sunday, December 18th at 3pm. The School and the family believe this event will be a more appropriate venue for Seabury students, teachers, and families to memorialize and celebrate Hayden in a positive, communal atmosphere, in lieu of attending the family services, which will be held later in the week. We will send more information about the Celebration in the coming week.  In lieu of flowers, the family strongly asks that donations are sent to the following: Baldwin Recreation, Bishop Seabury Academy, Lawrence Humane Society, and Lawrence Landsharks.

The family has asked me to convey their appreciation for the Seabury community’s love, support, and kindness during this difficult time.  I know Hayden's family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers, and we send them strength and love.

I want to share two moments from this week that were important to me.  On Tuesday morning, one of the visiting counselors said to Kalli and me that they were amazed by the "emotional intelligence and empathy for fellow students and teachers" exhibited by the children at our school--regardless of age--and later in the day, a separate counselor used the identical language independently, which caused Kalli and I both to laugh.  Despite the challenges of moments such as this one, I am grateful to be reminded of the incredible nature of our children and the impact of growing up in this community.  

Second story.  In today's morning meeting, we projected on the Commons screen the live video of Santa Claus arriving outside the gymnasium.  I had not anticipated the response from the students as they started clapping and chanting "San-Ta, San-ta!" (led ostensibly by the seniors) as he made his way through the building and finally arrived in the Commons.  I cannot express to you how important it was to have that moment.  God bless these kids.

A huge thank you to all students, staff, and parents for their help in pulling off Lessons & Carols last week.  I was grateful to tell Margie Lawrence that the event went very well--and we all know that this beautiful night is the product of her talent and vision.  Thanks again to Janeal Krehbiel for stepping in to help finish up organization and to conduct the event.

As you know, final (or "midterm") exams for the semester will occur on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of next week.  In those few instances where students do not have an in-class final exam, they do not need to come to campus.  If they are only scheduled for one exam, they are welcome to study quietly in the Commons before or after the exam they are scheduled to take.  (Your students should know if they have a final in a particular class, but I have attached a list of all finals with room numbers for your convenience.)  We expect students will be picked up at the completion of the finals periods, and no lunch will be served.

On Monday, we offer a "stop day" prior to exams.  Teachers will be on campus and available from 8:30 am to noon (and by appointment in the afternoon) to assist students, but students do not need to come to campus.  If noon pick-up is a challenge for parents, students may remain on campus through 3 pm, but they will be restricted to the Commons (unsupervised) to study quietly throughout the day and will need to provide their own lunch.

As always, I encourage students to maintain an effective study environment when preparing for finals--namely shutting off phones and avoiding online distractions.  I encourage you to check in on them (especially younger students) to see HOW they study, which is just as important as the duration of their work.  (Distracted studying is ineffective and always takes longer.)  They also should get appropriate sleep the night before exams (as their brains do a lot of work while they are snoozing).  Hopefully, this will be a good opportunity for students to wrap their arms around their course material and see the "big picture."

The Winter Formal is Thursday night at the Eldridge Hotel.  The cost for this event is $25 if checks payable to BSA or cash is delivered to Mr. Whipple or Betsy by 10:30 am on the 15th.  After that, the cost is $30 at the door.  As I note every year, the students are more comfortable when parents are not "parked" in the lobby, but I hope you will be able to get a look at the finery when you drop off and pick up the kids (and many parents enjoy refreshments at the Jayhawker, Global Cafe, or other nearby establishments).  If you have any questions about the Formal, please contact Mr. Whipple at williamwhipple@seaburyacademy.org.

Good luck to our Debate squad as they head to Regional competition next weekend!

We will have various events planned to commemorate Martin Luther King Day in January.  Students are invited to sign up for morning service work (see the attached flyer).  And mark your calendars for our MLK Living and Leaving Legacy Dinner on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 6:30 pm in the Seabury Commons.  More information will go out prior to the date.

I am very happy to announce the arrival of Baby Hank Richmond.  Congratulations to both Shane & Jessica Richmond.  No doubt, little Hank will be able to do complex math and lift very heavy objects in the crib.  

Finally, a big thank you to Ellen Chindamo, Lisa Lereoux-Smith, Eric Nelson, and other staff members for masterminding a festive and somewhat mischievous stream of frivolity over the last few weeks.  And to Seabury alum Lane Zaremba for talking Santa Claus into visiting today.  And if you have enjoyed the Christmas lights on our building this year, they were kindly donated and installed by Mr. Allen Erber.

This is my last Friday Letter prior to the holidays.  I wish you all Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas!

Yours respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 2nd: Lessons & Carols @ Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont, 7:30 pm  (doors open at 7:10)
Debate @ Lawrence High School

* Sat 3rd: Rios Marvel Movie Night, 4-10 pm
Debate @ Lawrence High School

* Mon 5th: MS BBall vs. Summit Christian Academy: 6th Boys 4:30, B-Boys 5:30, Girls 6:30, A-Boys 7:30 pm

* Thurs 8th: MS BBall vs. Cair Paravel Latin School @ BSA: Girls 4:30, B-Boys 5:30, A-Boys 6:30 pm

* Fri 9th: End of 1st Semester

* Mon 12th: Stop Day--No Classes

* Tue 13th: Finals
8:15-9:45 am: Social Studies
10:15-11:45 am: English

* Wed 14th: Finals: 
8:15-9:45 am: Math
10:15-11:45 am: Science

* Thurs 15th: 8:15-9:45 am: Languages
Winter Formal @ the Eldridge Hotel, 8-11 pm

* Fri 16th: WINTER BREAK BEGINS!
4-Speaker Debate Regional Qualifier  

* Sat 17th: 4-Speaker Debate Regional Qualifier

Dear Parents

I hope to see you at Lessons & Carols tonight.  Please remember that the event is located at Plymouth Congregational Church.  I am sorry that Ms. Lawrence cannot be with us tonight, but I know this event is very important to her, and she knows the students have put a lot of work into it.  I hope you can come out to enjoy their talents and the results of Ms. Lawrence's efforts.  She always does an impressive job with the students.  A big thank you to Janeal Krehbiel, Director of Lawrence Children's Choir, for stepping in and helping our accompanist Jen Hosler in finishing preparations for tonight's production.

I am very pleased and grateful to announce the success of our annual Seabury Fund.  Over Thanksgiving Break, we reached a pledge total of $152,233.  What a tremendous achievement.  Thank you to all of the parents, trustees, faculty, alumni, and friends who helped make this happen.  And a huge thank you to all of our Class Captains and to our Fund Chairs Michele and Jerry Hammann for their leadership.  The success of the Fund has a direct correlation to the health of the school, and your support has a real and tangible impact on the work of our students and teachers.  As with every year, we typically continue to receive gifts through December, so please don't hesitate to send an end-of-the-year gift if you haven't done so already! Thank you!

Saturday night is Rios Marvel Movie Night.  I estimated about 60 students indicated in morning meeting that they would attend.  We will be helping Mr. Rios to enjoy his first viewing of Avengers Infinity War & Endgame.  I encouraged students to bring blankets, pillows, or other lounging devices if they like.  I will provide some snacks and drinks for the first movie and then pizza at intermission (roughly 6:30 pm).  I am happy to figure out something different for any students who have gluten or dairy allergies....just let me know.  As I noted before, we would welcome any cookies or other desserts from parents who might have time to contribute.  Feel free to send it with your children--and thank you!  I very much enjoy watching movies with the students (and Mr. Rios...and any parents who want to stick around), but I also appreciate having a little time to decompress at home afterward, so I would appreciate having students picked up on time at 10 pm.  

Four students were selected to receive the Learfield Sports HS Student Leadership Award to support their attendance at the Big XII Conference High School Black Student Government Program: Aidan Page, Helena Guiterrez-Gibbs, Kajana Price, and Jace Smith.  Congratulations to these students!

For new parents, our core academic subjects include graded exams or projects that serve as the culmination of the semester coursework.  Some teachers find that out-of-class papers or projects are more fitted to their courses, but many teachers need extended time for a sit-down exam.  To accommodate those exams, we provide a schedule of final exam sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday following the end of the semester.  The exam dates & times are published at the top of this letter according to subject.  Your students should know whether they will have a scheduled exam, but I will also share with you next week the full exam schedule by course so you can verify whether your child needs to come to campus and at what time.

On the day prior to finals, we build in a "stop day" for students to get work done at home or receive guidance from teachers.  Students are free to contact teachers remotely throughout the day for general guidance (and teachers will discuss availability with students in class).  For students who would benefit from in-person assistance, teachers will be on campus from 8:30 am to noon on that day.  If noon pick-up is a challenge for parents, students may remain on campus through 3 pm, but they will be restricted to the Commons (unsupervised) to study quietly throughout the day and will need to provide their own lunch.

Winter Formal is the premiere student event of the year.  Please see Mr. Whipple's emails for details.  I will include much of that information in next week's letter.  For now, please note that students need permission to bring a guest and must complete the attached guest pass and submit it to the school office by 3:30 pm on December 15th.

Mrs. Porter, Giselle French, and Beck Oldridge are responsible for creating the Seabury entry for the Festival of Trees, an annual program that supports the Shelter in Lawrence.  The Festival of Trees auction occurred this week at Liberty Hall, and the Seabury tree sold for $3,300--the second-highest bid of the night!  I have attached pictures of our entry.

Per Seabury tradition, I took the senior class on a trip Monday morning to hunt down, cut down, and bring back a school Christmas tree.  They spent the morning decorating the tree in the Commons while enjoying homemade cookies, hot chocolate, and Christmas tunes.  They did a great job with the tree, and a picture is attached.

Have a great weekend, and I hope I will see you tonight!
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 18th: Late Night, 7 pm 
Chili Feed 6:30 pm

* Sat 19th: Sleep Outside
Items Drive Ends

* Mon 21st: Heritage Day, 8 am to 12:30 pm (early dismissal; no lunch)

* Tue 22nd: Bishop Seabury Academy Convocation Ceremony, 9-10 am (students arrive by 8:30 am; singers 8:10 am)

* Mon 28th: Classes Resume
Senior Christmas Tree Hunt

* Wed 30th: Girls BBall @ Billy Mills MS, 4 pm

* Thurs 1st: Boys BBall @ St. Mary's Academy: MS 4:30, JV 5:30, Var 7 pm

* Fri 2nd: Lessons & Carols, 7:30 pm  (doors open at 7:10)
Debate @ Lawrence High School

* Sat 3rd: Rios Marvel Movie Night, 4-10 pm
Debate @ Lawrence High School

Dear Parents,

Convocation is next Tuesday morning and the final event before students and faculty begin their break.  All parents, alumni, and friends are welcome to attend the event on Tuesday morning.  Our speaker this year will be Dr. Shiv Subramaniam, Seabury Alum (Class of '07) and Assistant Professor at Emory University.  Once again, appropriate dress for students will include dress pants/slacks, jacket and tie, dress shoes, dresses, and so forth--basically "business appropriate" for an office.  (Please check what they are wearing before they leave the house!)  The students always look very impressive on this day.  I hope they (and you) will enjoy the ceremony.

I hope you will be available to attend Late Night with the Seahawks tonight.  In lieu of an admission cost, we simply ask that you bring a few items to help with our Seabury item drive (see attached list).  Be prepared to see student antics, a spirited cheer squad, and our first view of the basketball teams!   And good luck to our basketball teams (who have worked HARD this week!) and thanks to our cheer squad as they all begin their seasons.   There is also a pre-event Chili Feed prior to the game, so feel free to come at 6:30 pm for dinner ($10 per person to support the senior class trip).  If you cannot attend tonight, remember that many of our upper school students will be camped outside in front of the school Saturday night to collect items for community members in need.  They will be at school collecting those items from noon to midnight on Saturday.  They will be grateful to see you, but please remember that there is a 10-minute visitation rule.  Thank you!

Monday's Heritage Day is an event originally founded by students when we first moved to the Clinton Parkway campus.  It was originally named "Founder's Day" and included morning community service and an afternoon of presentations by seniors to remind students of the school's history and its mission.   Eventually, we reduced the presentations to a morning video by the seniors and focused our attention on service work and rehearsal for our convocation ceremony.  This will be the format for Monday.  Students need to be in their seats in the commons by 8 am (a little earlier than usual) and will be released at 12:30 pm.

Our annual Lessons & Carols will occur at Plymouth Congregational Church (925 Vermont Street) next Friday night, December 2nd, at 7:30 pm.  If you have not been to one of our Lessons & Carols productions, you really should.  Parents often comment on how glad they were that they came out for this beautiful evening to hear our students sing us into the holidays.  Please feel free to attend "the loveliest night of the year" regardless of whether your child will be participating.  

I want to put out one last reminder that we have an 8th grade South Korean boy who would like to join our school starting next semester, but we do not have a home for this student.  Based on our interview with him, Ms. Leroux-Smith and I agree that this is a great young man who would add a lot to the school community.  If you are at all interested in hosting this student, please reach out to Ms. Leroux-Smith (lisalerouxsmith@seaburyacademy.org) by December 1st.  We hope we can make this work!

We have a lot of Marvel movie fans in our students body (and our faculty).  Mr. Rios came to the Marvel narrative late and by last January had watched all of the movies up to Infinity War and Endgame.  (For those of you who are superhero-adverse, please stay with me...)  Most of the school knows that I am very passionate about movies, and I felt it was important for Mr. Rios to watch those two films (and experience all of the surprises therein) with a big audience.  The students have expressed interest in being that audience.  SO...on Saturday, Dec 3rd, I will host a Rios Marvel Movie Night with a double feature of Avengers Infinity War & Endgame.  We will start at 4 pm and end at 10 pm.  The event is free, and I will provide dinner for all who attend.  I will very happily accept donations of cookies or other desserts from parents, as I know we have some impressive bakers out there.  I will remind students next week when we are back from break.

And finally, one of my favorite Seabury traditions is to take our seniors on a field trip the day back from break so we can retrieve a Christmas tree for the school.  The seniors will cut down the tree and decorate it throughout the morning.  I will be sure to send pictures!

Yours Respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang
 

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 11th: Leaving Iowa (Upper School Play), 7:30 pm
Debate @ Shawnee Mission East
Fall Items Drive Begins

* Sat 12th: Leaving Iowa (Upper School Play), 7:30 pm
Debate @ Shawnee Mission East

* Mon 14th: Winter Sports Practices begin

* Tue 15th: BSA High School Curriculum Night (8th Grade Parents), 6:30-8:30 pm

* Thurs 17th: High School Visit Day for 8th Graders

* Fri 18th: Late Night, 7 pm 
Chili Feed 6:30 pm

* Sat 19th: Sleep Outside
Items Drive Ends

* Mon 21st: Heritage Day, 8 am to 12:30 pm (early dismissal; no lunch)

* Tue 22nd: Bishop Seabury Academy Convocation Ceremony, 9-10 am (students arrive by 8:30 am; singers 8:10 am)

Dear Parents,

With the drop in temperatures and the early appearance of dusk each afternoon, I always feel an interior change related to the approaching winter and holiday season.  School life takes on a different tone, and we have an array of traditions and events that ornament the November and December calendar: the Items Drive, Sleep Outside, Heritage Day, Convocation, the Senior Christmas Tree, Lessons & Carols, Final Exams, and the Winter Formal.  I will do my best to keep you updated in my Friday Letters!

Break-a-Leg to our Upper School Performers as they open their production of Leaving Iowa tonight.  Come out to see the show and enjoy our performers!

We officially launch our basketball season with Late Night with the Seahawks next Friday night, an event that includes skits, commentary, and a scrimmage, all aimed at creating enthusiasm and support in our student and parent community.  As always, "Late" doesn't mean "too late," as the event will end around 8:45 pm.  Admission is free with a donation of items to our November item drive.  There will also be a Chili Feed at 6:30 pm prior to Late Night to help raise funds to offset the cost of this year's Senior Trip in April.  (See attachments.)  Please come out and support our basketball players and our seniors!  

Our annual Seabury Items Drive launches this weekend.  The items collected will be donated to the Ballard Center, the Lawrence Community Shelter, the Willow Domestic Violence Center, Family Promise, and Trinity Food Pantry.  Items can be dropped off at Late Night or at Sleep Outside next Saturday--and, of course, you can drop off items in a marked bin inside the main office airlock any weekday during school hours through Friday 18th.  Please see the attached list of items

Our upper school students are gearing up for their annual Sleep Outside event next Saturday--where our older students volunteer to fast and do community service throughout the day and then encourage Seabury community members to drop off donated items at the school that night.  And then on Monday, all of our students and staff will be involved in Heritage Day, a half-day of school that will include community service and rehearsal for Tuesday's Convocation.  (Don't forget proper attire for Convocation: dress pants/slacks, jacket and tie, dresses, dress shoes, and so forth--basically "business appropriate" for an office.)

Have a great weekend and get those fireplaces working!
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 4th: Debate @ Blue Valley

* Sat 5th: Debate @ Blue Valley

* Sun 6th: Daylight Saving Time Ends

* Mon 7th: Be-a-Seahawk Visit Day
BSAP Mtg, 6:30 pm

* Fri 11th: Leaving Iowa (Upper School Play), 7:30 pm
Debate @ Shawnee Mission East

* Sat 12th: Leaving Iowa (Upper School Play), 7:30 pm
Debate @ Shawnee Mission East

Dear Parents,

I regret that we had to cancel the Nine Miles @ Night event, as this evening's rain would put a literal damper on the occasion.  However, I know Mr. Nelson is eyeing a date in spring, and we will send out details when we have them.

I am hoping we can hit our Seabury Fund goal by next week.  This is the final push!  If you haven't sent in your pledge, please do so by mail or online here.  Thank you!

Congratulations to Josie Kim on coming in 32nd out of 89 runners at last week's KSHSAA State Championship Cross Country Meet!  Good job!

Next weekend, the Upper School actors will produce their play Leaving Iowa, a comedy exploring the highs and lows of a family's epic vacation trip in a station wagon.  (I am sure no one has ever experienced such a thing.)  Mark your calendars!

As Election Day approaches, students from Ms. Czarnecki's U.S. Politics class have been hosting a Seabury daily "voter registration" booth for a mock election next Tuesday.  They are also hosting a series of informative press conferences in morning meeting to provide our students insight into the voting process and information on some of the candidates who will show up on next week's ballot.  I appreciate the efforts of these students as they focus on an important part of our mission: to help students become "engaged citizens."  

New families will note in the academic calendar on the website that we have two events scheduled for the week of Thanksgiving: Heritage Day & Convocation.  Heritage Day was originally founded by our elder students when we first moved to the Clinton Parkway campus in 2003.  Originally conceived as a student-led celebration of the School's mission, Heritage Day has changed over the years into a half-day event focused mainly on community service, and on Monday, 21st, students and teachers (in advising groups) will help various organizations such as Trinity Food Bank, Just Foods, Salvation Army, and Lawrence Parks.  Then students will return to school for a short practice for the Convocation ceremony before being released to the rest of the day prior to lunch.

The Convocation ceremony (known at many independent schools as Founder's Day) is a celebration of Bishop Seabury Academy and its mission and occurs on Tuesday 22nd at 9 am.  We will recognize junior and senior Seabury Scholars, hear from a guest speaker, and enjoy a performance by our Upper School singers.  The event is required of all students, and they will be released to Thanksgiving Break at its conclusion (around 10 am).  Parents are also invited to the event.  Our guest speaker this year is Dr. Shiv Subramaniam, Assistant Professor at Emory University and Seabury graduate class of '07.  I will send more information about Convocation closer to the date, but I want to remind parents that appropriate student dress for that event includes dress pants/slacks, jacket and tie, dresses, dress shoes (no sneakers), and so forth--basically "business appropriate" for an office.  The students always look very impressive on this day!

Sunday is the beginning of Fall Daylight Saving, so don't forget to put your clocks back an hour when you go to bed on Saturday night.  

Yours respectfully,
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 28th: Camelot & Camelittle (Middle School Fall Play), 7:30 pm

* Sat 29th: Fall Carnival, 6:30-8:30 pm
Senior Haunted House, 7:30-9:30 pm
Vars XC KSHSAA State Championship Meet @ Wamego, 9 am

* Mon 31st: Halloween!

* Fri 4th: 9 Miles @ Night
Debate @ Blue Valley

* Sat 5th: Debate @ Blue Valley

Dear Parents,

Halloween festivities are underway here at Seabury.  We had a tremendous pumpkin display this morning, and I continue to be impressed by the creativity of the students (and the endurance of our faculty and staff!).  Tomorrow night is the Fall Carnival.  The event is open to all Seabury students & families, and students are welcome to bring a guest but will be responsible for those individuals.  Please remember that the Senior Haunted House ends later than the Carnival, and since the Haunted House tends to run behind, please coordinate with your child about pick-up time.    

Our Seabury Fund pledge total sits at $125,989.  We are so close to our $150,000 goal, and every gift counts!  We have 100% participation from both faculty and trustees, and our parent participation continues to grow.  A big shout-out to Seabury Fund Chairs Michele & Jerry Hammann for their leadership and to the class captains for all of their hard work.  Please send in those pledge forms or go online.  Thank you!

Break-a-Leg to our Middle School actors for tonight's performance of Camelot and Camelittle!  Based on the children's book by Stacey Lane, the comic play involves a young protagonist Ruth who--when denied a spot at King Arthur's round table--endeavors to create a kingdom that will outdo Camelot.  Our students have been working very hard on this production, and they are excited to have an audience.  I hope you can come out to see them!  We are excited to have concessions open again!

Congratulations to our fall sports teams--cross-country, soccer, and volleyball--as they end a strong season characterized by hard work and talent!  We send Josie Kim off to competition at KSHSAA State Championship cross-country meet this weekend.  Good luck Josie!  Parents of athletes, fall sports uniforms must be turned in by next Friday, November 4th.  COLLECTING UNIFORMS IS A SIGNIFICANT PAIN FOR MY ATHLETICS DIRECTOR, SO ON HIS BEHALF, PLEASE MAKE SURE UNIFORMS ARE RETURNED BY THE 4TH.  Thank you!

Lace up your running shoes and grab your headlamp!  Mr. Nelson’s annual Nine Miles at Night Run happens next weekend. The evening run (or brisk walk) happens on Friday, November 4th at 7 pm.  Join fellow students and parents as they make the 3-mile run (yes, I know...but it feels like 9 miles!) that starts at sunset and ends in the dark.  Water, Gatorade, and glow sticks will be provided.  But please bring hiking boots or running shoes!

We have a talented Korean student who is enrolling in our eighth grade, and we are looking for a family to look after him.  A stipend is provided to offset the costs of hosting a student.  If you are interested in hosting this international student or have any questions, please reach out to Lisa Leroux-Smith at lisalerouxsmith@seaburyacademy.org.

Ms. Czarnecki made a presentation to students recently about the American Exchange Project.  The AEP is a free, one-week summer exchange program for high school seniors where students from different backgrounds and perspectives come together for a transformation experience at a program site somewhere in the United States.  Juniors can also participate in the hosting process for AEP guests in Lawrence, July 2023.  This is a really great program, and you can find more information here.  You can also join a virtual information session on Wednesday, Nov 9th at 7 pm at https://seaburyacademy-org.zoom.us/j/8814184036.

One last reminder: students may dress up for Halloween.  As always, costumes should be appropriate for school--nothing offensive, too skimpy, or involving real weapons.

And finally, here are some pictures from this morning's Jack-o-Lantern contest.  Many thanks to Betsy for organizing the judging.  Winners are below:

#1 - Ye Olde Seabury (Dr. Eicher)
#2 - Skeleton in Coffin (Mr. Pulsinelli)
#3 - Camping with Critters (Ms. Porter)
#4 - The Kraken (Ms. Czarnecki)
#5 - PumpKiss (Mr. Rios)

Have a great weekend!
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 21st: Boys HS Soccer @ Maranatha Christian Academy, 6:30 pm
Fall Tapestry Concert @ the Seabury Sutherland Commons, 7:30 pm
Debate @ Lansing

* Sat 22nd: Vars Regional XC @ Cedar Hills Golf Course, Washington KS, 9 am
Girls Vars Substate VBall Tournament @ Centillia High School, 3 pm
Girls MS B-Team VBall Tournament @ Barstow, 9 am
Debate @ Lansing

* Sun 23rd: Spain International Trip Potluck @ BSA Commons, 5-7 pm

* Mon 24th: Be-A-Seahawk Visit Day

* Tue 25th: Boys HS Soccer Regionals @ BSA, 4:30 pm

* Thurs 27th: Boys HS Soccer Regionals, TBD

* Fri 28th: Camelot & Camelittle (Middle School Fall Play), 7:30 pm
Debate @ Shawnee Mission South
Advising Jack-o-Lantern Contest

* Sat 29th: Fall Carnival & Senior Haunted House
Vars XC State Championship Meet, TBA
Vars Girls VBall State Championship Tournament, TBA
Debate @ Shawnee Mission South

Dear Parents,

We have great momentum with our Seabury Fund, as we are presently at $110,000.  Our goal of $150,000 is in sight.  On a personal note, I want to thank all of you who have taken the time to make a pledge or send in a gift to the Fund.  I take pride in maintaining an efficient budget, and every dollar we receive is reflected in our daily practices.  As an independent school, we sometimes have our work cut out for us to make tuition dollars stretch, so the higher our Seabury Fund total, the better I sleep at night!  As always, here is the online link for giving.  Thank you!

I hope you can come out to enjoy the talents of our singers and musicians tonight at the Fall Tapestry Concert!  

We hosted 18 visitors for our first Be-A-Seahawk Visit Day yesterday, and I appreciate all of the efforts of our student hosts who helped our future Seahawks have a fun experience.  Our next visit day is Monday.

Good luck to our athletes this week: Middle School volleyball, Varsity cross country, and Varsity soccer players head to regional competition this week--and our Varsity volleyball players head to Substate competition over the weekend!  

Our Fall Carnival & Haunted House will occur next Saturday (29th).  The Carnival involves a collection of games and the Senior Haunted House (which is intended to be scary, so young children should enter at parental discretion).  Admission to the carnival is $10.  The Haunted House costs $10 per patron.  Proceeds from the event help to fund the sophomore, junior, and senior trips in April.

Halloween is a big deal at our school, especially our annual Jack-O-Lantern carving contest.  Advising groups will be working with intensity next week, and on Friday, they will present their pumpkin entries during morning meeting.  Standouts will receive prizes...and eternal glory.  I am always amazed at what our staff and students can pull off in so little time!  We will send you pics!

On Halloween day, students are also welcome to wear costumes to school.  I always ask students to be tasteful in their costumes--nothing offensive, too skimpy, or involving real weapons.  (If they have to ask....the answer is probably "no.")  As always, thanks to parents for accommodating the spirit of this macabre holiday, and I especially appreciate the staff for tolerating a certain degree of chaos during this very busy time of the year.

Have a great weekend!
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Sat 15th: MS/Varsity XC Conference Meet @ Zarda Farm, 10 am

* Mon 17th: Girls MS VBall @ KC Christian: B-team 5, A-team 6 pm
Girls VBall @ Lebo High School: JV 5, Vars 6 pm

* Tue 18th: Girls MS A-Team VBall @ KC Christian HS, TBD
Boys HS Soccer vs. KC Christian @ BSA, 4 pm
Girls VBall vs. Maranatha Christian Academy: JV 5, Vars 6 pm

* Thurs 20th: Girls MS A-Team VBall Tournament, TBA
Be-A-Seahawk Visit Day

* Fri 21st: Boys HS Soccer @ Maranatha Christian Academy, 6:30 pm
Fall Tapestry Concert @ the Seabury Sutherland Commons, 7:30 pm
Debate @ Lansing

* Sat 22nd: Vars Regional XC @ Cedar Hills Golf Course, Washington KS, 9 am
Girls Vars Substate VBall Tournament @ Centillia High School, 1 pm
Girls MS B-Team VBall Tournament @ Barstow, 9 am
Debate @ Lansing

* Sun 23rd: Spain International Trip Potluck @ BSA Commons, 5-7 pm

Dear Parents,

I join our Seabury Fund chairs Michele and Jerry Hammann in thanking you for the early support of $78,285 in gifts and pledges to the Seabury Fund!  We have great momentum halfway through October as we aim for our goal of $150,000.  We already have 100% participation from our faculty & staff, and I am truly thankful for their generosity on behalf of your children.  Earlier this week, you received communications from your Class Captains about the importance of the fund to our annual budget. This is the vital part of the fund drive when we rely on parent gifts to get us to our goal, so if you still have your pledge card sitting on your counter in the sediment of unopened mail, please excavate it and send it in!  As always, here is the online link for giving.  Thank you!

Next Thursday will be our first Be-A-Seahawk Day.  If you know any students who would thrive at Seabury but may not have considered our school as an option, please contact Ms. Lisa Leroux-Smith and let her know!  Feel free to share this link directly with prospective families: https://www.seaburyacademy.org/admissions/visiting-days-form.cfm.  We will also have visit days on October 24th & November 7th.

Ms. Buckner sent out an email last week regarding the community blood drives that we tend to host annually on our campus.  She wants to gauge whether we have enough interest in the community to continue to participate in that program.  Regardless of whether you would participate or not, would you please complete this brief Google Form?  We will use this data to decide whether to host again in the future.

I hope your children enjoyed the Fall Break.  I took advantage of these days without classes to lead an accreditation team to an independent school in Arkansas on behalf of our accreditation organization, ISACS.  In addition to serving as Chair of the ISACS Accreditation Review Committee--which reviews the accreditation process for over 250 schools--I offer to lead visiting teams now and then.  The visits are intense but they are incredibly valuable to the school being visited, and our school will host its own 7-year visiting team in April.  When I visit these peer schools, I always come home with new insights and a fresh appreciation for our community and culture.  There are a lot of great independent schools in the Central States, but there is no School like BSA.

Yours respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang
 

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Thurs 6th: NO CLASSES: Parent-Teacher Conferences 1-4:30, 6:30-9 pm
MS XC Meet @ Eudora HS, 4 pm
Girls VBall vs. Cair Paravel @ BSA: JV 4:30, Var 5:30 pm
Girls MS VBall @ Heritage Christian Academy: B-team 5, A-team 6 pm

* Fri 7th: Fall Break--No Classes

* Mon 10th: Fall Break--No Classes

* Tue 11th: Boys HS Soccer vs. Baldwin @ BSA, 4:30 pm (SENIOR NIGHT)
Girls VBall vs. Bishop Ward: JV 4:30, Var 5:30 pm (SENIOR NIGHT)
Boys MS Soccer @ Pembroke Hill School--Ward Parkway Campus, 5:30 pm

* Wed 12th: PSAT 10th & 11th grades

* Thurs 13th: Boys HS Soccer @ Bishop Ward HS, 4:30 pm
Boys MS Soccer vs. Summit Christian Academy @ BSA, 4:30 pm
Girls VBall @ Heritage Christian Academy: JV 4:30, Var 5:30 pm

* Fri 14th: RAKU Field Trip
Class Ring Mtg 10th-12th grades, 8:15 am

* Sat 15th: MS/Varsity XC Conference Meet @ Zarda Farm, 10 am

Dear Parents,

The billboard in front of the school signals that the Seabury Fund Drive has begun!  As you know, the Fund is the way that our school--and every independent school--closes the gap between tuition revenue and the cost of operations.  We look to the entire community to help us reach our target of $150,000.  Equally important is our goal of 100% participation from faculty, trustees, and parents--supplemented by the giving of extended family, alumni, friends, and a few foundation grants.  Every gift of every size makes an impact and gets us closer to our goal.  You will receive a Seabury Fund brochure and pledge card soon, and you can give online at 2022-23 Seabury Fund.  For the month of October, you will be receiving emails from your Class Captains regarding participation and I will update you on our progress at the top of the Friday Letter, on the Seabury Fund sign (in front of the school), and on the Bishop Seabury website.  Thank you!

We had a great time with Seabury grandparents last week, and I hope they enjoyed their tour and spending time with their grandchildren.  I offered a brief presentation at the beginning of the event and reviewed not only the culture, traditions, and mission of our school but also the benefits of a Seabury education.  Our guests seemed very interested in our standardized test score averages and how we stack up against state and national averages (and, when available, Lawrence averages), so I thought I would share that information in an attachment originally sent by Mr. Patterson last January.  Here are some highlights:

ACT Scores 3-year average:

National 20.3

Lawrence public schools 22

BSA 27

The 3-year average for ACT college readiness benchmarks:

36% Kansas

84% Seabury

PSAT junior (2021) average score:

National: 995

Seabury 1157

The average percentage of juniors meeting all PSAT college benchmarks:

National: 39%

Kansas: 59%

Seabury: 83%

Of course, the most important results of graduating from Seabury are difficult to quantify but are related to our children becoming well-rounded, confident, and principled human beings, and the same culture that helps us develop the development of character also supports academic success.  

I do hope your conferences are going well.  Ten minutes is not a lot of time to meet.  Please remember that teachers are here to partner with you in your child's education and development, and you can always reach out to them if you have questions or concerns.  A big thank you to all of the teachers for their hard work and very long hours these last few days.  And thanks to BSAP parents who spent hours putting together treats and snacks for our teachers.  We really appreciate it!  

I hope teachers and students enjoy a much-deserved fall break!

Yours Respectfully,
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 30th: Debate @ Olathe Northwest

* Sat 1st: Debate @ Olathe Northwest

* Sun 2nd: Grandparents & Family Friends Event @ BSA, 2-4 pm
Chess Kick-Off @ 750 N. 3rd, 6-8 pm

* Mon 3rd: Boys HS Soccer vs. Cair Paravel Latin School @ Sunflower Soccer Complex, 4:30 pm
Boys MS Soccer vs. Maranatha Christian Academy @ BSA, 4:30 pm
Girls MS VBall @ Summit Christian Academy: B-team 5:30, A-team 6:30
BSAP Meeting @ BSA Commons, 6:30 pm

* Tue 4th: Girls VBall @ KC Christian HS: JV 4:30, Var 5:30 pm

* Wed 5th: Parent-Teacher Conferences 6-9 pm

* Thurs 6th: NO CLASSES: Parent-Teacher Conferences 1-4:30, 6:30-9 pm
MS XC Meet @ Eudora HS, 4 pm
Boys MS Soccer @ KC Christian HS, 4:30 pm
Girls VBall vs. Cair Paravel @ BSA: JV 4:30, Var 5:30 pm
Girls MS VBall @ Heritage Christian Academy: B-team 5, A-team 6 pm

* Fri 7th: Fall Break--No Classes

* Mon 10th: Fall Break--No Classes

* Tue 11th: Classes Resume!

Dear Parents,

We started this morning with thumping music and surprisingly enthusiastic students (at an early hour) in the commons as the Student Senate provided the faculty & staff with a thank you breakfast.  The gesture and the snacks were all much appreciated!

Don't forget that parent-teacher conferences are Wednesday and Thursday.  The last date to sign up for conferences is Tues, Oct 4th.  Teachers need time to plan for their conferences, so if you miss the cut-off date, you will need to schedule a meeting time with teachers AFTER next week.  Here is the link in case you missed it: Fall conference sign up

Prior to the conferences, Betsy will send out a list of names that serve as hyperlinks to Google Meet rooms, so you will simply need to find each teacher and click on those names when it is time for you to join your conference.  In 2020-2021, we found that online conferences were much more convenient for parents and teachers than meeting in person, so we have continued to run conferences virtually.  However, Zoom no longer allows our teachers to run meetings longer than 40 minutes, and since teachers use one unbroken Zoom virtual session throughout the conference period, we risked the inconvenience of Zoom sessions ending abruptly in the middle of a parent meeting.  For this reason, we will be using Google Meets this year.  For those of you who do not have a Google email account, you will need to create one prior to the session OR plan to join your first conference a few minutes early, as you will be directed to create a Gmail account on the spot when you click the name of your first teacher.  This is a very easy process, but I have attached directions for those who tend to be anxious about tech issues!

A quick reminder: conferences are 10 minutes.  Teachers will admit parents to the online session once they finish with their prior meeting, and they are under strict directions from me not to go over those 10 minutes, so please be on time for your conferences.  We have had very few technical problems with these conferences, but please be patient if you run into an issue, and know that you can always follow up with teachers.  Thank you!

Congratulations to senior Beck Oldridge on being named Athlete of the Week by the Lawrence Journal-World!  

Don't forget that this year's Chess team kick-off party is at 750 N. 3rd on Sunday 2nd.  

Last Saturday was the first day when I felt the start of autumn in my bones, and now colder weather is greeting us every morning.  I hope you enjoy the weekend and take time to embrace the season.

Yours respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Sat 24th: Girls Var VBall @ Olpe HS, 8:30 am
Debate @ Free State

* Mon 26th: Boys HS Soccer vs. Northeast Kansas Homeschool Athletics @ Sunflower Soccer Complex, 4:30 pm
Boys MS Soccer @ Summit Christian Academy, 4:30 pm
Girls MS VBall @ Barstow School: B-team 5:30, A-team 6:30 pm

* Tue 27th: Girls VBall @ Maranatha Academy: JV 4:30 & Var 5:30 pm

* Thurs 29th: Girls MS VBall vs. Pembroke Hill @ BSA: B-team 5, A-team 6 pm
Girls Var VBall @ Veritas Christian Academy, 6 & 7 pm

* Fri 30th: Boys Soccer @ Heritage Christian Academy: HS 4 & MS 5:45 pm
Debate @ Olathe Northwest

* Sat 1st: Debate @ Olathe Northwest
HS XC @ Rim Rock, 9 am

* Sun 2nd: Grandparents & Family Friends Event @ BSA, 2-4 pm
Chess Kick-Off @ 750 N. 3rd, 6-8 pm

Dear Parents,

This is the week when teachers typically send out the first round of yearly progress reports to parents via Schoology. This is the one time of the year when teachers send reports to parents for all of the students in their courses.  Later in the year, reports will go out periodically depending on student progress. This year, Schoology has experienced a programming glitch that has kept us from sending those reports with our usual procedure, so earlier in the week, I encouraged teachers to write up their reports and either wait until Monday to see if the system has been repaired or go ahead and send the messages one-by-one through email (which is a bit more time-intensive).  So you should get reports from all of your children's teachers by early next week.  Keep in mind that the data about class progress may not account for work that has (or has not) been completed here at the end of the week.

We time the first round of progress reports to go out a few weeks prior to October parent-teacher conferences.  Betsy sent the conference sign-up link earlier in the week, and sign-up appears to be going well. The last date to sign up for conferences is Tues, Oct 4th.  Here is the link in case you missed it: Fall conference sign up

For many of your children, their first introduction to our school was a Be-A-Seahawk Day.  These are important recruitment days for our school, coinciding with parent-teacher conferences at local schools, and this year's dates are October 20th & 24th and November 7th.  Prospective students will shadow a current Seabury student and attend classes, have lunch, and participate in the many traditions that make Seabury unique.  Parent word-of-mouth is our best marketing!  If you know any students who would thrive at Seabury but may not have considered our school as an option, please contact Lisa Leroux-Smith and let her know!  Feel free to share this link directly with prospective families: Be-A-Seahawk Day Registration  

Our annual Grandparents and Family Friend Day will happen on Sunday, October 2 from 2-4 pm.  Students can bring their grandparents and/or family friends to school for a brief program followed by ice cream sundaes and a school tour. To help us plan this event, please RSVP by Monday, September 26 to ellenchindamo@seaburyacademy.org with your child's name and the names of their guests.  We want to celebrate ALL of our grandparents, including those who live at a distance, so we will send a special delivery to them in November! If you are new to the school or your grandparent(s) or family friend's name, address, and email have changed, please send Ellen Chindamo any changes.

Picture retakes are scheduled for this upcoming Monday morning. Seniors need to remember to wear black. All others need to remember NOT to wear green.

Next Friday the 30th, representatives from Josten's will talk to Seniors about ordering caps & gowns.  Though we know there will be caterwauling from the group, the Seniors must arrive to school by 8:15 for that meeting!

We open this year's Chess season with a team kick-off party at 750 N. 3rd on Sunday 2nd.  If your child would like more information about our Chess program, have them talk to Shane Richmond or email him at shanerichmond@seaburyacademy.org.  Otherwise, they can plan to show up at the kick-off.

Once again, everyone has done a great job bringing in shoes for the athletics Funds2orgs drive, but we still have a ways to go to hit our quota.  Keep them coming!  Your closets will thank you!

Yours respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 16th: Boys HS Soccer vs. Maranatha Christian Academy @ BSA, 5 pm
Debate @ Washburn Rural

* Sat 17th: Girls Vars VBall @ Hiawatha, 9:50 am
MS XC @ Wyandotte County Park, 1 pm
Debate @ Washburn Rural

* Mon 19th: Boys HS Soccer vs. Maur Hill Mount Academy @ BSA, 4:30 pm
Girls MS VBall vs. KC Christian: B-team 5. A-team 6 pm

* Tue 20th: Var XC @ Tonganoxie-Leavenworth Co. Fairgrounds, 5 pm
Boys MS Soccer vs. Barstow @ BSA, 4:30 pm
Girls VBall @ Bishop Ward HS: JV 4:30, Var 5:30 pm

* Wed 21st: MS XC @ Tonganoxie-Leavenworth Co. Fairgrounds, 3:30 pm

* Thurs 22: Boys HS Soccer vs. Bishop Ward @ BSA, 4:30 pm
Boys MS Soccer @ St. Paul's Episcopal Day School, 4:30 pm
Girls VBall vs. Heritage Christian Academy: JV 4:30, Var 5:30 pm
Girls MS VBall @ Veritas Christian School: B-team 5:30, A-team 6:30 pm

* Fri 23rd: Debate @ Free State

* Sat 24th: Girls Var VBall @ Olpe HS, 8:30 am
Debate @ Free State

Dear Parents,

Thanks to everyone who could come out last Friday to the Homecoming and the first home soccer game.  As the weather vacillates between fall and summer, we should have a nice sunny afternoon if you want to come out and see our boys take on Maranatha today.

Our school has long benefited from a student international program, and I have very fond memories of the various students who have had the courage to leave their homes and native countries and spend their formative years at our school, immersed in a new language.  Generally, we work with organizations that find homes for these students, but this year, we have two Korean girls (grades 7 and 8) who are in need of separate host families.  A stipend is provided to offset the costs of hosting a student.  If you are interested in hosting one of these students or have any questions, please reach out to Lisa Leroux-Smith at lisalerouxsmith@seaburyacademy.org.

Good luck to our debate squad as they head out to their first tournament this weekend!

Everyone has done a great job bringing in shoes for the athletics Funds2orgs drive.  Keep them coming!

On that note, as a rule, I try to avoid any monetary requests on behalf of outside foundations or charities, as I never want parents to feel the "nickel and dimed" effect that can happen despite good intentions.  I also tend to corral product drives as well, for similar reasons, and I try to space them so parents don't feel that we are constantly making requests of them.  Almost all of the drives that occur at the school originate with students, and I try to respect and support their efforts as much as possible.  For instance, I recently received a request from several students to hold a one-week drive this month for a Lawrence non-profit organization called Honor Moon, a group started by Seabury students to normalize discussions about menstruation and to create a local pantry for menstrual products.  Among recipients of these products are women who do not have access to stable homes, and this is where there is presently an urgent need.  Because of the importance of this effort, I am allowing two drives to run concurrently.  This will largely be a drive involving students, but if you would like to support this effort, you can drop off tampons or pads in a container inside the main office entrance or you can reach out to Margaret Mulhern at margaretmulhern@seaburyacademy.org about how you can help.

Have a great weekend!
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri Boys HS Soccer HOMECOMING GAME vs. Heritage Christian Academy @ BSA, 4:30 pm
Seabury Family Field Dedication @ half-time; food, fun, and games after the game!

* Sat 10th: Vars XC Invitational @ Wamego HS, 9 am.

* Sun 11th: Spain International Trip Informational Meeting, 5 pm

* Mon 12th: Boys HS Soccer @ Bonner Springs HS, 4:30 pm
Boys MS Soccer vs. KC Christian @ BSA, 4:30 pm
Girls Vars VBall @ BSA, 5 & 7 pm 
Girls MS VBall @ St. Paul's Episcopal Day School: B-team 5:30, A-team 6:30 pm
Upper-School Play Auditions, 3:30 pm

* Tue 13th: Girls VBall vs. KC Christian @ BSA: JV 4:30, Vars 5:30 pm
Boys HS  Soccer vs. KC Christian @ JCCC, 6:45 pm
Upper-School Play Auditions, 3:30 pm

* Wed 14th: MS XC @ Loose Park, 3:30 pm
Auction Committee Meeting @ BSA, 6:00 pm

* Thurs 15th: Girls VBall @ Cair Paravel Latin School: JV 4:30, Vars 5:30 pm
Girls MS VBall @ University Academy: B-team 5:30, A-team 6:30 pm

* Fri 16th: Boys HS Soccer vs. Maranatha Christian Academy @ BSA, 4:30 pm

* Sat 17th: Girls Vars VBall @ Hiawatha, 9 am
MS XC @ Wyandotte County Park, 1 pm

Dear Parents,

I am looking forward to seeing a host of students and parents at tonight's first truly "home" soccer game, 4:30 pm.  We will have a brief dedication at halftime to celebrate the new Seabury Family Soccer Field, and food, fun, and games will follow the event, and students should be picked up by 7:45 pm.  Good luck to our athletes!

Dr. Eicher, Sr. Rowe, and Ms. Meyers held a presentation about the upcoming Spain International Trip in morning meeting.  This is our first trip to Spain, and I hope we will have a full group.  If you would like to know more information about the trip, come out to the parent informational meeting this Sunday the 11th in the Commons from 5-6 pm.  If you can't attend but have questions, reach out to Ms. Meyers at amymeyers@seaburyacademy.org.

Auditions for the Upper School play will occur next Monday and Tuesday at 3:30 pm

The community is doing a great job of submitting shoes for the Funds2orgs program.  Keep them coming!

I was sitting at my lunch table yesterday when a student asked me if I knew Queen Elizabeth had died.  I was surprised at my internal response: not sadness so much as a sudden illuminating sense of being part of history.  As a member of the school's social studies department, I believe one of our objectives is to encourage students to discover and be in wonder of their role in a bigger and increasingly complex fabric of human events.  No doubt there will be some fascinating coverage of the Queen's life in the coming weeks (and I am sure I am not the only one comparing recordings of the monarch to those of actresses Helen Mirren, Claire Foy, and Olivia Coleman!).  

Have a good weekend,
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Fri 2nd: Back to School Dance, 8-10 pm

* Sat 3rd: Vars VBall @ McLouth HS, 9 am

* Mon 5th: Labor Day--No classes

* Tue 6th: MS Play Auditions, 3:30-5 pm
MS XC @ Haskell Indian Nations University, 3:30 pm
Boys HS Soccer vs. Cair Paravel Latin School @ YSI, 4 pm
Boys MS Soccer @ Maranatha Christian Academy, 4:30 pm
Girls MS VBall @ Cair Paravel Latin School, B-team 4:30, A-Team 5:30 pm
Girls Vars VBall @ BSA, 5 & 7 pm

* Wed 7th: MS Play Auditions, 3:30-5 pm

* Thurs 8th: Boys MS Soccer vs. Heritage Christian Academy @ YSI, 4 pm
Girls MS VBall vs. Maranatha Christian Academy, B-team 5, A-team 6 pm

* Fri Boys HS Soccer HOMECOMING GAME vs. Heritage Christian Academy @ BSA, 4:30 pm
Seabury Family Field Dedication @ half-time; food, fun, and games after the game!

* Sat 10th: Vars XC Invitational @ Wamego HS, 9 am.

* Sun 11th: Spain International Trip Informational Meeting, 5 pm

Dear Parents,

I hope your children have a good time at the school dance tonight.  I know they really enjoy this event every year.  Please remember that students should be picked up by 10 pm (except student senators who will help with clean-up).

After students return from Labor Day Weekend, they will enjoy a senate-themed Spirit Week.  If you tend to think that pajamas and spirited behavior are antithetical, you have never been on our campus.  Here are the themes for each day:
Tuesday: Pajama Day
Wednesday: Rainbow Day
Thursday: Tropical Day
Friday: Seahawk Spirit Day

We are looking forward to our first home soccer game in Seabury history.  The Seabury Family Soccer Field dedication will occur during half-time at the Friday game against Heritage Christian, and the Homecoming celebration after the game will involve games and snacks sponsored by BSAP.  We hope everyone has a good time--and a big thank you to all of the parents and friends who made "home field advantage" a reality for our soccer team!

Our theatre season begins next week.  Auditions for the Middle School production will occur on Tuesday and Wednesday at 3:30 pm.  Upper School auditions will occur the following week.

We now have a bin for the Funds2orgs program inside the main office entrance.  If you have shoes to donate, you can drop them off through the month of September.

We were very excited to have Mr. Gerald Seib visit Ms. Czarnecki's US Politics class today.  Mr. Seib is a KU graduate and was a journalist with The Wall Street Journal for 45 years and the WSJ's Executive Washington Editor for 29 years.  While visiting Lawrence as the Fellow in Residence for the Dole Center Insititute of Politics, Mr. Seib graciously agreed to visit Seabury today and will be back to speak with Upper School students again next Friday.  

Now that we have a few weeks under our belt, I hope your children are getting into the rhythm of a new school year.  They are an enthusiastic bunch, but they will no doubt welcome an extended weekend.  (I know the teachers will....)

Yours respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Sat 27th: Senior Retreat, 3:45-9 pm

* Mon 29th: Boys HS Soccer @ St. Mary's Academy, 5 pm

* Tue 30th: Girls Vars VBall @ Cair Paravel Latin School, 4:30 & 6:30 pm

* Thurs 1st: Vars XC @ Wyandotte County Park, 4 pm

* Fri 2nd: Picture Day, 9 am to 1 pm
Back to School Rave, 8-10 pm

* Sat 3rd: Vars VBall @ McLouth HS, 9 am

Dear Parents,

It was a pleasure to see so many of you last night at Curriculum Night!  Thank you for coming out to get a taste of your child's academic program.  Just add adrenaline, laughter, and a sea of children and adolescents to the mix, and you will have an idea of what we enjoy on a daily basis.  

One of our staff thought they detected the smell of natural gas outside the gym yesterday, and out of an abundance of caution, we moved students out of that area of the building as we waited for a representative from Black Hills to arrive.  The concern turned out to be unfounded, but I thought I'd let you know in case your child mentioned it.

School pictures for all students will be taken on Monday.  Because we use senior pictures for graduation purposes, seniors need to wear a dark jacket, a white dress shirt, and a tie or a nice black dress or blouse.  Consult the attached flyer from Jostens--especially the warning that your children not wear green, as the green screen the photographers use will otherwise turn your children into floating heads.  (That actually sounds quite amusing until you have to live with those yearbook photos....)

Our Student Senate will host a Back-to-School dance for all students, Friday Sept. 2 from 8 to 10 pm.  There is a $5.00 entrance fee, and the funds raised will underwrite student events like Palooza and Winter Formal.  Students may bring one guest but will be responsible for that guest's behavior.  We will need several parent chaperones to help out that evening.  If interested, please email Mr. Whipple at williamwhipple@seaburyacademy.org.  The dance will be held in the commons area of the school.  For new parents, our school dances are not the clumsy, unfortunate adolescent mating rituals you may imagine.  Try to picture a collection of sugar-injected students bouncing up and down for several hours...that is a Seabury dance.  Our dance code of conduct form is attached as well as the guest form.  I hope the kids have a good time.

The Seabury Family Soccer Field will be dedicated on Friday, September 9 during halftime of the Seabury game vs Heritage Christian Academy. The game starts at 4:30 pm.  Stay to celebrate our first ever Seabury Homecoming with walking tacos, shaved ice, games and fun on the Megan Reese Edwards Plaza in front of the school.  (Flyer attached.)  There is rumor of a dunk tank....  Everyone in the Seabury community is invited.  Special thanks to all of the donors and everyone who has made this field possible.  I know it will be a source of pride for our players and student body!

At a recent Athletics Booster Committee meeting, a parent suggested that our school participate in the Funds2orgs program.  Essentially, our school would collect worn, used, and new shoes and earn a donation from Fund2orgs in exchange.  The funds will support our athletics program.  More details will be forthcoming, but you can help now by reviewing your wardrobe and deciding which shoes have got to go!  

After these initial weeks of training, our athletes head out to competition next week.  Good luck to them.  And please come out to see them play when you have a chance!

Yours respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang
 

THE WEEK AHEAD:

* Sun 21st: New Parent Orientation, 4-5:30 pm

* Thurs 25th: Curriculum Night, 7-9 pm
(Optional: Parent Mixer, 6:30 pm)

* Sat 27th: Senior Retreat, 3:45-9 pm

Dear Parents,

We are off to a great start this week.  I am grateful to have students and faculty back in the building, and I love the noise and enthusiasm.  Don't be surprised if that energy wanes temporarily, as the first few weeks require us all to adjust to a new sleep and work pattern.  I hope they have had a good first week!

As noted previously, we start the school day with students in their seats no later than 8:10 am on Monday through Thursday.  (Students won't be able to enter through the student entrance at that point and will need to sign in as tardy in the main office.)  I explained to students at orientation we have a "late start" on Fridays (they need to be in the commons for announcements no later than 8:25 am), but I forgot to send out a note to parents about this.  I think students and staff appreciate the extra time, but if a "late start" doesn't work with your adult schedule, no worries--the building is open at the usual time.

This is also a good time to reiterate language from the Community Handbook that students should be picked up by 3:45 pm every day unless they are involved in extracurricular activities or have a scheduled meeting with a staff member.  If parents need more time to pick up students (due to work) we certainly understand, but you should know that students will have no adult supervision after 3:45 pm, and our main office closes at 4:30 pm.  

On Sunday, we will host our New Parent Orientation in the Commons from 4-5:30 pm.  New families, I hope that you can have at least one parent in attendance.  After a presentation from me, we will use an open house format with various tables so you can focus on getting the information you need.  Parents who already have children at Seabury (in addition to a new student) do not need to attend, but you are welcome!

Thursday evening is Curriculum Night. This will be your opportunity to follow your student’s schedule, meet their teachers, and learn about course work. Parents often tell me this is one of the most important experiences of the year, and my favorite comment from parents is always the same: “I wish I had these classes when I was in school.”  We will also have an optional parent mixer at 6:30 pm on that evening, giving you time to have an adult beverage and wander the hallways.  I hope you can attend.  I will send more info next week prior to the event.

Ms. Patti Bartley was named President of our Board of Trustees in 2018 and has served in that role for five years.  Her tenure as President ends today, though she will continue on as a trustee (and parent of a senior).  Patti was responsible for leading the Board of Trustees during a time of considerable change (the campus expansion) and stress (the pandemic), and I have relied upon her support, insight, and good humor through these challenges.  It has been a pleasure to work with Patti, and on behalf of the community, I extend our gratitude to her for her service.  Our new Board President will be Ms. Kay Almanza who first joined the Board in 2007 and had two children graduate from our school.  I have had the pleasure of knowing Kay for 15 years, and I am very much looking forward to having her as our new President.  Thank you Patti and congratulations Kay!

I was deeply saddened to learn that our dear friend and long-time Lawrence educator Dr. Ray Wilbur died yesterday of congestive heart failure.  Ray and his wife Marian were part of Bishop Seabury Academy from the beginning.  Ray taught several math classes and Marian was our librarian for twelve years (1997-2009), and they donated their time and talents to the school, never taking a salary.  Their kindness, generosity, and investment in our school is staggering, and we honored the couple by naming the Wilbur Award after them--an award presented at Stepping-Up in May and which celebrates the senior with the highest GPA.  Ray was a man of uncommon character and goodness, and it is hard to fully comprehend this loss.  The love and good wishes of our community go out to Marian.

Yours respectfully, 
Dr. Schawang

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