Youngest Grades Celebrate Year-End

May 23rd marked the closing ceremonies for the pre-school and pre-kindergarten, as well as the graduation of the kindergarten class. Proud parents, grandparents and friends gathered to celebrate the occasion at an assembly that invoked broad smiles and a few happy tears, as all present observed the strides the children have made this past year. Students from all three grades processed into the auditorium, walking slowly and proudly in their finery. The kindergarten came in last, all the girls in white and the boys in white shirts and ties with boutonnieres. Head of School Kathleen Grove gave the invocation and welcomed the crowd, and kindergarten teacher Kathy Nilan gave opening remarks about the treasures of teaching her class, recounting special moments through out the year. She noted how wonderful it had been to watch as the children learned “everything from consonants to continents, music to matrix, counting to calendar, George Washington to geo-boards, songs to Spanish, diaries to dominoes, and poems to penmanship.” The kindergarteners then each stood in turn and recited the poem they had chosen as their “favorite” during the year. The selections varied widely, and the subjects, whether humorous, serious, spiritual, or whimsical, were each wonderfully presented. Selections featured poets such as Langston Hughes, A.A. Milne, William Wordsworth and John Updike. The classmates each received individual reading awards and diplomas, while the younger students were presented with “leaving certificates.” The program included the pre-school singing “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” the pre-kindergarten’s recitation of the poem, “All Things Bright and Beautiful” by Cecil Frances Alexander, and a jointly sung “Grand Old Flag,” followed by a special reception for all the guests.

The results are in for the 2007 Medusa Mythology Exam, and five WCDS students have won awards: Marguerite Beattie, Taylor Hammelman, and Keenan Sherwood received Laurea certificates (based on 33-38 correct answers of 50), and Katherine Russo and Matthew Wingfield received Olivae certificates (based on 28-32 correct answers of 50).

May 9 — On Wednesday evening, the grade nine English classes performed the play, Antigone, written by Sophocles in 442 B.C. Presented outside on a free-standing stage, the students followed the Greek style, with masks and a chorus, and delivered Sophocles’ lines clearly and enthusiastically. Their appreciative audience applauded this fine endeavor. A film of their production was scheduled for Friday evening, to be followed by a Greek dinner and bonfire for the cast. Congratulations and thanks to WCDS faculty members Mrs. Kristin Hauger and Mrs. Kirsten Youngquist for their leadership of the students, and to Mr. Youngquist for constructing the stage.

A slide show of the production. (3 MB)

May 5 — Saturday evening at the Flint Hill Public House saw a parade of beautiful gowns and handsome tuxedos as the WCDS upper school students arrived for the 2007 Prom. The students dined and danced, talked and laughed, while cameras flashed throughout the evening’s “Casino Royale” festivities. All seemed to enjoy this special event.

Wakefield Country Day School Hosts Annual Art Exhibit and Spring Concert

Friday, May 4th, Wakefield Country Day School celebrated its fine arts program with over 250 family members and guests in attendance. Beautiful new creations by the art students adorned the walls of the school, and the auditorium served as the back-drop for a music concert that was presented later that evening. The art exhibit featured a beautiful mural painted by the studio art class, with help from renowned local artists (and WCDS parents) Tom and Kerrie Mullany. The art show included a selection of self-portraits, still-life, sculptures, and color and design projects, utilizing a variety of media, and each student presented at least one of his or her works.

At 7:00 p.m., the fine arts “feast” continued with the “Menu of Music” concert, featuring performances by students from kindergarten through sixth grade, as well as the upper school show choir. The menu began with “Amazing Grace,” performed by Joy Heddleston, Liz Laslo, Chantel Paul and Katherine Russo, with Alex Shafran on saxophone. Other selections included the second, third and fourth grade classes singing and dancing in the aisles to, “Food Glorious Food” from the Broadway show Oliver, and the kindergarten class had everyone’s attention with their adorable renditions of “Guacamole” and “Bate Chocolate.” First grade followed with “Spicy Hot” and “Animal Crackers in My Soup,” complete with props. Not to be outdone, first, second and third grades presented “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” with great gusto. The audience grew hungry after fourth grade’s “Pasta Song,” fifth grade’s “Cheesburger in Paradise” and were highly amused by sixth grade’s “Pizza Love.”

The concert also included an exciting new addition – instrumental music students who performed several numbers. Instructor Mark Moccio integrated the beginning band students with the advanced band students in pieces such as “Star Wars,” “Boogie Blues,” and “Ode to Joy” and also played several duets with 10th grader Sean O’Connor on violin. The “menu” included several performances by the upper school’s Wakefield Singers, who wound out the show with a rousing “We Go Together,” from Grease. At the end of the evening, special kudos and flowers were presented to music teacher Mrs. Betsy Neph and accompanist Mrs. Emma Sue Amos for a very entertaining “Menu of Music.”

On May 1st, Wakefield Country Day School observed May Day with a celebration on the school grounds. Students from preschool through grade six made a circle around the flag pole, and grade six students shared ahistory of May Day (beginning in ancient times) and some spring poems.Then the preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten sang a May Day song, followed by another song by grades one through three. Next, selected fourth and fifth grade students performed a dance around the May Pole (a.k.a. flag pole) entwining streamers, while grade six provided musical accompaniment. The sun shone down and the breeze whirled the streamers as grade six students delivered flower leis to each student and teacher in the circle. Following the activities, volunteers from grades one through four delivered flower baskets to the school’s neighbors, re-enacting an old British May Day tradition. Grades five and six will deliver cards and read poetry at the Lynn Care Center to continue the May Day celebration next week.