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Thetford Academy is gearing up to open the town’s first fully sanctioned mountain bike trail and one of only a few high school mountain biking trails in Vermont. The new, one-mile flow track is slated to open on Saturday, Oct. 19, with a launch event on campus. The new trail, the result of a multi-year planning effort and collaboration, will be the latest feature of TA’s Thetford Outdoor Program (TOP) and open to the public. “Thetford … read moreSeptember 23, 2019 -
On October 10, TA is teaming up with the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) and the Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative to celebrate the many ways local schools are incorporating place-based ecology (PBEE) into their curriculum. The celebration, open to schools across the Upper Valley, will give students and teachers an opportunity to show off the PBEE practices that they have been using in their classrooms. From programs like "Forest Fridays" and "Wednesday in … read moreSeptember 23, 2019 -
If you've signed in at TA recently, you might have noticed a new face in TA's front office. Welcome Alison Davis! Alison joined TA this August and splits her time between the front office and study center. She comes with years of administrative and teaching experience, and has worked in schools both internationally and in Vermont, including at Thetford Elementary. Most recently, Alison taught English and history in Brattleboro after receiving her Master’s from SIT. … read moreSeptember 22, 2019 -
The 2019 Woods Trail Run marks the 29th year of TA's renowned cross country event. On Saturday, Oct. 5, Thetford Academy's campus will transform into a vibrant, buzzing event space and host nearly 2,000 people— including runners, coaches, families, and supporters. Over 100 community volunteers help to execute the event every year, ensuring that it's a seamless success for the high school cross country teams who travel from all over New England and beyond to … read moreSeptember 17, 2019 -
One of Thetford Academy's most iconic traditions falls on the second Friday of every September. Mountain Day was founded 41 years ago by then Headmaster Frederick G. Torrey and quickly took root as an important event in both TA's calendar and culture. On Mountain Day, students gather on Thetford Academy's quad before heading out with their class to one of the six mountains visible from TA's front steps. Each class tackles one mountain per year, … read moreSeptember 16, 2019 -
On Sunday, September 15 at 10am, TA’s new head of school, along with TA's parent and alumni associations, will host the second annual Alumni and Community Mountain Day hike. All are welcome to come along on this relaxed trek through TA’s trail system. Learn more about how TA uses its outdoor resources to enhance the student experience and enjoy some cider in the outdoor classroom after the event. Meet up on TA's quad - hope … read moreSeptember 13, 2019 -
Has your TA gear seen better days? Maybe you just need more Panther blue in your wardrobe? The TA School Store can help! Thetford Academy is excited to announce the opening of a permanent, new school store. The store has both online and on-site locations and carries a wide variety of spirit gear for all of your TA pride needs. The online store will carry only items that have embroidery; screen printed and other spirit gear … read moreSeptember 12, 2019 -
Thetford Academy's annual Back to School Night will take place on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The event is designed to give parents and guardians an opportunity to meet teachers, visit classrooms, and learn more about their student's courses this semester. The program will begin with a welcome assembly in the gymnasium at 6:00 p.m., followed by advisory meetings, and an abbreviated school-day schedule that allows parents to rotate through their child's classes. There is also a special … read moreSeptember 9, 2019 -
https://www.facebook.com/thetfordacademy.vt Fall athletics are in full swing at Thetford Academy, with soccer and cross country teams moving from practices and scrimmages to games and meets. The Boys' Varsity and JV Panthers opened up the soccer season in Randolph with back-to-back wins. The varsity team beat Randolph 2-0, with goals from Ryan Pepe and Elliott Jones. Nathan O'Donnell and Knute Linehan played strong defense and Ryen Wolf had a two-save shutout in the goal. The JV Boys … read moreSeptember 3, 2019 -
The bus pulled up to TA on the first day of Strafford's Newton School's partnership with Thetford Academy. On the bus: 16 Newton middle school students, principal Tracey Thompson, and several teachers and staff members. TA faculty met the bus, excited to welcome the group and help them get oriented to their new afternoon routine. This exciting new partnership between the two schools aims to both build community and provide student opportunity. For the remainder of … read moreAugust 28, 2019 -
Thetford Academy launched the new school year with an all-school assembly in the Vaughan Alumni Gymnasium. Head of School Carrie Brennan (Ms. Brennan, to students) introduced herself for the first time to the full student body, welcoming students to the year with a reflection on the school's mission and values, and the meaning and importance of community. Ms. Brennan encouraged students to think about what it means to lead, acknowledging that most leadership opportunities require … read moreAugust 27, 2019 -
Meet and Greet Series Join Thetford's new school leaders, Thetford Elementary School Principal Chance Lindsley and Thetford Academy Head of School Carrie Brennan, at the Cedar Circle Farm Cafe for a coffee and chat on one of the following mornings: Monday, 8/19, 8-9am Friday, 8/30, 9-10am Wednesday, 9/25, 10-11am The community is invited to meet Thetford's new school leaders in an informal setting. Come meet Chance and Carrie, learn about their education backgrounds and their visions … read moreAugust 21, 2019 -
Excerpted Letter to Families from Carrie Brennan, Head of School August has arrived, and here at TA we are busy preparing for the start of the 2019-2020 school year. Every new school year is opportunity for a fresh start - and with those hopes, goals and dreams for a new year often come excitement and jitters. This is true for students and staff alike, whether it’s our first year as a 7th grader, our sixth year … read moreAugust 20, 2019 -
Carrie Brennan arrived on campus last week for her first days as Thetford Academy’s new head of school. The TA community has been looking forward to her arrival. Formerly the executive director at CITY Center for Collaborative Learning in Tucson, AZ, Carrie brings many years of experience in educational and community leadership to her new position. Carrie is nationally recognized for her contributions as an innovator in education, most recently earning Tucson’s “2019 Woman of Influence … read moreJuly 11, 2019 -
During the Bicentennial Senior Class Day and Final Awards Assembly on Friday, June 14, outgoing Head of School William Bugg presented the 2019 Employee of the Year to Science and Social Studies teacher Len Whitaker. Here follows Bugg's tribute to this remarkable teacher: At this time, it is my privilege to announce this year’s Thetford Academy Employee of the Year Award. This award is given annually to a member of the faculty, staff or administration who is … read moreJune 14, 2019 -
TA held its Bicentennial Baccalaureate ceremony for the Class of 2019 on Sunday, June 9, at the First Congregational Church. There was abundant sunshine for the graduates and a palpable feeling of excitement and emotions in the church. Science faculty member Derek Burkins was this year's presenter of the Baccalaureate address. Below is his speech to the graduates. 2019 Baccalaureate Address by Derek Burkins Good evening and welcome: parents, grandparents, family members, friends; colleagues and … read moreJune 11, 2019 -
The fourth annual Arts Night on Thursday, May 23, featured all six categories of art at Thetford Academy: art, design technology, drama, culinary arts, choral music, and instrumental music. The café was transformed into a gallery displaying dozens of student 2-D and 3-D artworks created in Karyn Neubauer's classes. Tabletops were spread with culinary delights—from spanikopita to pastries—prepared by Jennifer Gernhard's cooking classes. Artworks created out of wood—including furniture, turned bowls, and a chess board—were also on display, products of … read moreMay 27, 2019 -
What does it take to be a nominee for TA’s Student of the Month? So few students receive this special award that you might wonder if you have to possess superpowers in order to be considered. As it turns out, our May 2019 Student of the Month does in fact possess a few superpowers – there are witnesses who can attest that as a ski jumper, this student can actually fly, and land in one piece. And on solid ground, throughout … read moreMay 21, 2019 -
The Thetford Outdoor Program (TOP) is offering three amazing outdoor opportunities this summer. Trail Crew, June 17 - 21 The summer Trail Crew maintains and builds trails on Thetford Academy’s 295 acres of woodlands and surrounding forests. A paid work opportunity and a great experience for students to add to their resume, Trail Crew is open to TA students who will be in the 9th– 12th grades in 2019-20. Planned projects for this summer include improving existing trails, developing … read moreMay 12, 2019 -
Thetford Academy's six areas of art will dazzle the five senses during the fourth annual Arts Night on Thursday, May 23. Visual arts, design technology, drama, and culinary arts displays will be on hand at the TA café beginning at 5:30 p.m., with a choral music and instrumental music performance in the Martha Jane Rich Theater to follow at 6:30. A gallery of student artworks—paintings, drawings, prints, and three-dimensional work—will fill the café walls, courtesy of Karyn Neubauer's middle and high … read moreMay 12, 2019 -
TA Presents "Once Upon a Mattress" The Thetford Academy Drama department is getting ready for its spring performance—the musical comedy Once Upon a Mattress. Opening night is Thursday, May 16, with encore performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings. All performances will begin at 7 p.m. in the Martha Jane Rich Theater. Once Upon a Mattress is a modern take on the fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea,” produced in agreement with Rodgers and Hammerstein … read moreMay 10, 2019 -
It's almost here! Thetford Academy's second annual Day of Giving is coming on May 8, 2019. This year, in honor of our 200th birthday, we are celebrating #200ReasonsWhy Thetford Academy is important to YOU. We each connect to Thetford Academy for both universal and personal reasons. We support education, but we also have a teacher or staff member who has made a profound impact on our lives. We love the wide variety of course offerings … read moreApril 22, 2019 -
TA juniors Morgan Busby, Joseph Dunn, Olivia Limlaw, and Bethany Maxfield were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at the River Bend Career and Technical Center. Shannon Hayes ('19), a 2018 inductee, administered the oath. The National Technical Honor Society honors the achievements of top career and technical education students, provides scholarships for higher education, and cultivates excellence in today’s competitive work force. Busby and Hayes are studying Health Science Technology, … read moreMarch 28, 2019 -
In February, Thetford Academy’s Elle Dixon ('20) was among the more than 10,000 international scientists who flocked to Washington D.C. for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2019 Annual meeting. Elle was there to present her own scientific research at a special American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) poster session. Elle’s poster session was the culmination of weeks spent on data gathering and analysis that began last summer when Elle joined the … read moreMarch 26, 2019 -
Eloise Silver Van Meter placed third in the Vermont Poetry Out Loud State Championships held at Vermont PBS Studios in Colchester on March 18th. To reach the championship, Eloise first won TA's contest, then advanced from the semifinals at the Barre Opera House, and finally performed at PBS. Pictured: Eloise reciting Lani O'Hanlon's "Back up Quick They're Hippies," while delivering the line "long-haired men and women / curled around each other like babies." Eloise also … read moreMarch 20, 2019 -
In his over 44 years of service in the United States Senate, Vermont’s Senator Patrick Leahy has played a role in many iconic moments in American history. A prolific photographer, Senator Leahy has often used the lens of his camera to capture his personal perspective of these events. In an intimate evening in the Martha Jane Rich Theater at Thetford Academy, Senator Leahy will share some of his favorite photographs and reflect … read moreMarch 18, 2019 -
Scott Shipman, MD, MPH, will speak at Thetford Academy on Thursday, March 28, as part of the school's Bicentennial Speaker Series. Shipman, who serves as the Director of Clinical Innovations and Director of Primary Care Initiatives at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), also holds faculty positions at Dartmouth Hitchcock and the Dartmouth Institute. Shipman's talk, titled "The Future of Primary Care: Transforming to Meet the Needs of Our Communities" will explore the challenges … read moreMarch 13, 2019
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Congratulations to the cast and crew of "Who Am I This Time" for their performance at the Regional Drama Festival on Saturday, March 9, at Mill River High School in Clarendon, VT. Their production was selected to advance to the State Finals on April 5 and 6 at Essex High School in Essex, VT. Individual awards for Excellence in Acting were given to Alden Nichols and Morgan Gaffney. The One Act Club would like to thank everyone who attended the community performances and offered such … read moreMarch 11, 2019 -
At the Vermont Semifinal Poetry Out Loud contest, held at Barre Opera House on March 7th, Eloise Silver Van Meter advanced to the State Championships, along with nine other students. Thirty-one school winners recited two poems each. Eloise recited Lani O'Hanlon's "Back Up Quick They're Hippies" and Brenda Cárdenas's "Zacuanpapalotls" (which means "Butterflies" in ancient Aztec). Eloise is now the third TA student to move on to the championships in the ten years that TA … read moreMarch 8, 2019 -
TA parent, Thetford resident, author, and soil health expert Didi Pershouse gave a presentation to Mr. Whitaker's Horticulture class about the "soil carbon sponge." With a simple experiment, she demonstrated the importance of healthy soils in our ecological communities. In the experiment, Pershouse invited students to "rain" onto flour (a stand-in for degraded soil) and then onto bread (a stand-in for healthy soil). Pershouse then showed them a photo of a rain simulator (below), demonstrating … read moreMarch 14, 2019
