There are many events to look forward to and prepare for as the end of the school year approaches. In the academic realm, students need to stay diligent about their class work, and prepare for end-of-year exams. US exam week is June 2-6. Students in grades 7-9 will all take end-of-year exams. Each teacher will let students know what topics are on the exam. Our goal in giving exams is two-fold: to measure students’ mastery of content, and to give them practice in taking exams much as they will in secondary school. Exam time should not be one of anxiety for students. Upper School faculty will work hard to make sure that students understand the importance of exams, but do not feel too overwhelmed by them. Please stay tuned for special schedule information regarding exam week.

We will have the second annual Lower School-Upper School Buddy Field Day on May 2. Mr. Gillis, Mr. Whitelaw and the Upper School Student Council have arranged a variety of activities that we will all take part in on the upper fields.

We will also celebrate our students’ accomplishments throughout May and June. The Spring Concert and Art Mentor Show is May 15. Once again we will be treated to the sounds of our sixth grade Band, Upper School Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and the American Music Ensemble. Each time I hear these groups I have to remind myself that the music is being played by such young musicians; the quality is that of students much older!

Upper School students will let off steam and throw heat at the Wiffle Ball tournament May 16 in the afternoon.

Field Day is May 23. PLEASE HOPE FOR GOOD WEATHER! Field day events take place at Montachusett Technical Regional Vocational School, and students compete in a variety of events earning points for their Green and White teams. There are events suited to all levels of athletes and competitors. The day is a blast! There is a noon dismissal.

May 29 and 30 is the sixth grade Shakespeare production. Jen Caldwell is a master of stage innovation and the language of the Bard, and we always enjoy this production.

June holds many celebrations. June 6 is the Eighth Grade Luncheon. After our noon dismissal, eighth graders and their parents gather to recognize the class as a whole, say goodbye to those who are leaving us, and to set the stage for the ninth grade year at Applewild. Students moving on will also be welcomed into the Alumni Association at the luncheon.

The Graduation Dinner and Dance is Monday, June 9. This is a semi-formal event. Ninth graders and faculty have dinner with the Head of School, and then proceed to a special dance hosted by the seventh and eighth graders. We can’t wait to see all the students there!

Recognition Day is June 10. This is a dress up day. The whole community gathers in the Alumni Center for Performing Arts to recognize the academic, artistic and athletic achievements of Upper School students. Ninth graders are the focus of this day, but there are a number of awards given to seventh and eighth graders as well. There is a noon dismissal.

Graduation is June 12. This too, is a dress up day. Students arrive at school as usual; sixth through eighth grade band members report to advisors or homerooms and then head right to the theatre to warm up. Graduation begins at 8:30 in the Alumni Center. This is the day we’ve worked toward all year. It is an honor to send our ninth graders off in grand tradition and style! Dismissal is at 11:00 AM. There will be a graduation luncheon at 11:30 for graduates and their families.