January 4, 2006

Dear Friends,

In River City, selling boys' band equipment, Professor Harold Hill raises the agonizing question: "How are we going to keep the kids moral after school?" the pool hall being the presenting temptation. At The Bay School, we ask the question a little differently: "How are we going to do our part in forming ethical leaders of tomorrow-as well as encouraging high ethical standards among current students and staff?" I have had the opportunity to address three different adult forums on this topic over the last four months, and thought I would share some of my thoughts with you.

First, in all humility and realism, we need to recognize that the four years of high school are not the only, indeed may not be the critical influence. Our parents' and grandparents' values when we are very young, what we learn from stories and films and songs and poetry, the general pulls of society, all have a huge effect. Equally, the fact that most teenagers are honing their consciences largely on a horizontal basis, i.e. from each other, makes us cautious in our claims for the adult role.

This does not mean that adult and institutional roles do not exist, however. Here are some suggestions:

1. Much of what happens in the school's program can be a great laboratory of ethical discovery. Bay School science teachers can join the humanities division in probing the ethical implications of their subject matter. Coaches can stress respect and truth-telling, as well as team-work and loyalty. Book groups can bring fictional life into immediate perspective.
2. We can keep ethical issues on the front burner. While reciting and commenting on the precepts is our marquee method of doing this, we can stress the carry-over from religion to ethical and moral behavior, and point out that practicing the ethical life is a life-long learning experience.
3. We can be scrupulously ethical ourselves, as parents and teachers, being transparent when we fall short. Furthermore, we can follow the example of the surgeon in the medical school operating room, who painstakingly relates what he is doing step by step to his students.

Most important of all, we can keep our eyes on the prize. Of course we want our children and students to be well-behaved, polite and law-abiding now. We also want them to push the envelope, make mistakes, and learn the external and internal consequences within a safe environment. We want them to reflect on their actions, positive and less so, and to go deep in analyzing their choices.

And we really want, twenty and thirty years from now, to know that we sent out into a morally confused world sixty to a hundred well-taught people a year who habitually tell the truth, are kind in their speech, are respectful to others and their environment, and who avoid grudges by practicing compassion and forgiveness. Our graduates must become the yeast in the dough of society, small in numbers but disproportionately powerful for good.

Like all of our ambitions: wildly optimistic, perfectly within our grasp.

Happy New Year to you all!

Fr. Malcolm

What Mathematicians "Do" At The Bay School

Read the title of this article again, and notice what it does not say. The title purposely refers to mathematicians, not math students. Here at Bay, we aim to treat our students as true mathematicians rather than as students who "study" math. There is an important difference. The Bay School mathematics program enables our students to learn mathematical content and skills in the context of being trained to think and act like practicing mathematicians thus raising the seminal question:

What exactly do mathematicians do?

Mathematicians struggle with unfamiliar problems and concepts, often for extended periods of time. Authentic mathematical insight and understanding do not come quickly or easily. Gaining a meaningful foothold on a concept requires looking at an issue from multiple angles during the course of days, weeks, or months. Students studying mathematics at The Bay School build their understanding by working hands-on with their peers in small group investigations. Our students actively explore mathematical ideas, create conjectures based on their exploration, and then proceed to test the validity of their conjectures. Thus, mathematical insights, approaches, and understanding evolve organically. This approach is in contrast to many traditional high school mathematics curriculums in which students are handed and focused on "end results" with little consideration for, or participation in, how those results were achieved.

Math students often need several days to complete a single investigation as they are asked to explore concepts from increasingly complex perspectives. This requires patience, discipline, and resilience. As teachers, we see our role as encouraging students throughout this process - guiding them back on track when needed, and helping them to clarify or formalize the ideas that they are struggling to articulate. In the end, students achieve a depth of comprehension which can only come through true ownership of the mathematical process.

Mathematicians share and discuss their work with each other, verbally and in writing. Important mathematical results rarely come from a single person working in isolation. Rather, they typically require the collaborative efforts of several mathematicians working together. At The Bay School, the investigations that form the heart of the mathematics program ask students to engage one another in just this sort of interactive dialogue on a daily basis. Students create conjectures and discuss solutions with their partners in a blend of verbal and written discourse. At the end of every investigation one work group is chosen to lead the class in a "checkpoint discussion" focused on the main ideas that have been explored. Students quickly learn that in order to be effective collaborators within their work groups and with their class as a whole, they must communicate with one another clearly and concisely. They must learn to disagree with someone else's ideas without being disagreeable. They must learn to look at their own ideas objectively and critically and be willing to amend or reject them in the face of compelling evidence.

In addition, it is important that mathematicians master the skills to document and clearly communicate their ideas in writing. Through a variety of written assignments, our students learn that precision, clarity, and depth of explanation are a critical part of the study of mathematics. At Bay, a complete solution involves more than arriving at a numerical answer; it requires a clear explanation of the thought process involved and a justification of why the answer makes sense.

Mathematicians draw on a variety of conceptual tools to solve problems. In order to achieve breakthroughs, mathematicians must be able to consider problems from a variety of angles, connect previously unrelated ideas, and create new approaches to familiar problems. In Bay School mathematics classes, we focus on helping our students develop flexibility and perspective. They are asked to examine problems from a variety of directions, using graphs, tables, algebra, and recursion to get to the heart of concepts. In Math 2, our students have developed four very different methods for examining systems of intersecting lines. The study of matrices, inverse operations, graphical analysis, and algebraic manipulation have been combined - all within the context of linear systems. If "getting the answer" were the ultimate goal, one approach would have been enough. However, using four different approaches allows students to practice multiple skills, to see the problem from many angles, and most importantly, builds connections among different areas of study. With this kind of practice, our students become creative and elegant problem-solvers, able to think as critically about their methodology as they do about the mathematical content itself.

Bay School core mathematics courses take students through an integrated program replacing separate traditional courses in Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and Precalculus - integrating the three major content strands: Algebra and Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, and Statistics and Data Analysis. Upon completion of the final core course, students are prepared for the study of Calculus. Juniors and seniors may also choose to take advanced math electives in addition to or instead of Calculus.

Students at Bay do more than learn mathematical content; they learn to become independent thinkers, strong communicators, and creative problem-solvers. In other words, they learn to be true mathematicians.

Andy Shaw and Dave Wang teach mathematics at The Bay School.

Considering the True Meaning of Diversity

From December 1st through December 3rd a delegation of four Bay School students, Anna Ortiz-Aragon, Jazmine Collins, Kelsey Ross, and Gaby Gucho-Oliva , accompanied by teachers Julie Taufa'asau and Shellie Banks, attended the 12th Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and 18th People of Color Conference (POCC) held in Dallas, Texas. Both conferences were organized and sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). More than 2,700 students, teachers, and administrators from independent schools throughout the U.S. and around the world gathered to celebrate, nurture, and discuss ways to build and sustain inclusive multicultural school communities. All of our Bay School delegates returned feeling incredibly inspired by the conference dialog and committed to sharing their insights with the entire Bay School community - encouraging the growth of multicultural awareness and inclusiveness in our school culture.

Julie Taufa'asau, Spanish Teacher

In early December I was given a wonderful opportunity to be a member of The Bay School delegation that attended the People of Color Conference (POCC) sponsored by NAIS in Dallas. During the three day conference, Shellie Banks and I listened to several inspirational speakers, attended professional workshops, and networked with a diverse group of educators, administrators, and scholars from independent schools around the country who all brought their own perspectives and experiences to the forum.

Key note speaker, acclaimed actor James Earl Jones

As a language teacher, it was encouraging to hear several of the workshop presenters and speakers emphasize the importance of learning languages in order to live in and positively contribute to the increasingly diverse and interconnected world community of this century. Because languages provide openings to understanding other cultures they help a community to evolve from merely being tolerant of the differences of its minorities to truly understanding and embracing these differences. James Earl Jones emphasized how so much of one's cultural values are conveyed through language and if you don't understand the language, then you will not understand the culture. Another presenter, a language teacher from Chicago, reminded us that as language teachers we are not just responsible for teaching the mechanics and vocabulary of language but should also be cultural educators whose goal is to create a new generation of adults who are able to understand those different from themselves. Through working closely with my colleagues at The Bay School during the past several months, I know that we share a commitment to the ideal of being cultural educators in addition to being teachers of our own specific languages and disciplines.

Julie Taufa'asau teaches Spanish to freshmen and sophomores.

Student Reflections on their Student Diversity Leadership Conference Experiences

Jazmine Collins, Anna Ortiz-Aragon, Gaby Gucho-Oliva, Kelsey Ross and Friend at the Conference

Gaby Gucho-Oliva
Class of 2008

"Attending the Student Diversity Leadership Conference really broadened my horizon. I never knew that there were so many different ways that make a person diverse. It is not always about just the color of your skin or what country you're from. There is so much more to be accounted for in diversity. Some of the ways people identify themselves are by race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and even by social class. I had never thought that someone who is Caucasian would be considered diverse. Even though I live in a big city with many different kinds of people it's easy to just get stuck doing the same things and seeing the same people because of the way the city is kind of segregated. Now I have gained this knowledge and awareness from the conference and I hope to share it with my peers. I hope to bring to our school community a better understanding of what diversity really is."

Jazmine Collins
Class of 2009

"Attending the SDLC in Dallas was a really great experience for me. An example of one of the activities that I felt was the most significant was when our group of students gathered around in one big circle. Throughout the activity everyone was required to be silent. One of the adults would ask a certain question like: "If you identify yourself as a female, please step into the center." Then, if you thought that a certain question applied to you, you would step into the center. I think that this activity was meaningful because I had the opportunity to learn so much about the members of our group and the different ways they identified themselves. The activity also made me start to think about how I should never judge anyone before I get to know them because some of the people I knew were stepping in when I didn't think they would."

Anna Ortiz-Aragon
Class of 2008

"I thought that this year's conference was incredible. I had never been to anything like it before. I loved how everyone was so inclusive, even of the white kids. We talked about everything; I left feeling totally and completely understood and appreciated. I was also surprised to find that the conference was not at all about color. It was about sexuality, religion, income, social class, and gender - anything you can imagine. I heard so many kids' views on what it is like at their school to be different, how their school approaches or does not approach diversity, and how they can voice their opinions and have people take them seriously. I think this definitely, without a doubt, was one of the best experiences of my life."

Kelsey Ross
Class of 2008

"I have attended at least three local diversity conferences here in the Bay Area and have taken part in many diversity based discussions throughout my time in school, but the SDLC was an experience unlike any I've ever had. Diversity is such a small word that is meant to encompass such a broad range of differences. The conference in Texas was the most "diverse" environment I have ever been in. What struck me the most was that so many of the youths felt that the space was safe enough to share their personal diversities. To see how brave the students were was inspiring."

For more information about the NAIS conferences visit: NAIS: People of Color Conference

Athletics - A Mid-Season Update
Steve Glass, Athletic Director

It's hard to believe that our girls' and boys' basketball teams are now almost half- way through their respective seasons. All of us here at The Bay School are incredibly proud of how far the teams have come in just one year. The athletes continue to improve every day with the understanding that we have three rules: always give your best effort, never ever give up, and take care of your teammates.

Under the direction of Coach Larry Minnich the girls have posted a record of three wins and two losses, while the boys have three wins and four losses- playing against challenging high school JV teams from San Francisco, Marin, and the East Bay.

"I'm pleased-thrilled even-with the progress my guys have made since November 7," says Coach Dennis Hartzell. "Playing basketball at The Bay School presents special challenges to the boys and their families-remember, most mornings during the week we are in the gym at 6:15 a.m. for practice. The boys' commitment to each other and to building our program is both genuine and inspiring."

The success of our current and future basketball teams here at Bay is directly related to our two outstanding basketball coaches - Larry Minnich and Dennis Hartzell. We are fortunate to have two such passionate, experienced coaches leading our program as we gear up for even more challenging times next year when The Bay School will join the Bay Counties League, Central Division, with our first varsity teams. We are confident in knowing that our basketball program is headed in the right direction.

Bay School students not participating in the basketball program are actively involved in the before and after-school physical activity program four days each week. The schedule this winter includes weight training and fitness at the Main Post YMCA, group games, Hip Hop Dance and swimming. At the YMCA, one block from campus, our students choose between Karate, spin classes, dance, and lifting weights. Out on Presidio fields nearby, students are playing organized games that include soccer, volleyball, flag football, ultimate Frisbee, and capture the flag. On campus in the afternoons, students are learning and practicing the latest Hip-Hop Dance moves. At the Letterman pool several of our "early- risers" get their lap work-out in before morning meeting begins at 8:15 am. That's dedication!

"Rumors" Performed to Critical Acclaim

Ten talented Bay School actors and actresses brought sold-out audiences to their feet applauding on December 8th - 10th during the three night premier run of Neil Simon's comedy "Rumors" on campus.

Dialogue (and laughter) flew fast and furiously as four couples found themselves in the midst of a tenth anniversary dinner party celebration gone seriously awry when the host accidentally shot himself in the head. As each of the guest couples arrived on the scene they found themselves unwittingly entwined in a madcap cover-up involving a missing cook, back spasms, and marital banter -- all capped off by the arrival of police on the scene. Determined to proceed with the festivities despite the chaos, the couples danced, screamed, and madly tried to rescue a crystal from being flushed down the lavatory. It was an evening full of hilarity thanks to the efforts of Director Katherine Riley, Assistant Director Annie Obermeyer, and the superb cast of Bay School students.

Cast List

My Experience At the Stanley "Tookie" Williams Vigil
By Aleks Altberg

At daily morning meetings, in advisory groups, and in all-school gatherings on Thursday afternoons, the Bay School community comes together - often using the time to discuss and consider the many contemporary moral and ethical issues that surround us- both at school and in the broader community. The school's commitment to address topics that often have no easy answers involves exploring complex issues about which members of our school community have a broad range of viewpoints that are expressed and valued.

Recently, following a discussion about the issue of capital punishment at morning meeting, sophomore Aleks Altberg attended an 11th hour vigil in support of commuting the death penalty for convicted murderer Stanley "Tookie" Williams. The following article and photographs by Aleks chronicle his experience.

In 1981 Stanley "Tookie" Williams was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of four people in two separate robberies. Tookie was a co-founder of the "Crips", a notorious gang in Los Angeles. Throughout his time in prison he maintained his innocence and managed to turn his life around. In prison, he wrote eight children's books and one book about life in prison. From prison, he became one of most prominent anti-gang figures ever known.

Stanley Williams' execution was scheduled for 12:01 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2005. On Monday, December 12th, I left school early to go home and prepare to attend an 11th hour vigil protesting against his execution. I prepared for the worst, with warm clothes, lots of food and drinks. But I also knew in spirit that the worst was likely to happen. I arrived at the West gate of San Quentin Prison after having to park our car more than a mile away, and I was somewhat surprised at how few people were there.

Read and See More…

From the Stacks - Library News
Claire Escobosa, Acting Librarian

The Bay School library collection is rapidly expanding -- growing into our beautiful space at 35 Keyes Avenue! Consistent with the library's mission, the collection includes books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers and electronic databases selected to support the curricular and recreational interests of The Bay School community. We also have specialized collections which include foreign language and bi-lingual books (French, Spanish and Chinese), a Parents Collection, and an Educator's Collection.

Highlighted below are several new acquisitions of interest

Girl Meets God by Lauren Winner
"A passionate and thoroughly engaging account of a continuing spiritual journey within two profoundly different faiths." — The New York Times Book Review
The importance of a spiritual life in addition to an intellectual and physical one is a core tenet of The Bay School. Winner's book is a thoughtful examination of her own spiritual journey.

The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
Josephine Tey is one of the pseudonyms used by Elizabeth Mackintosh (she also wrote under the name Gordon Daviot), who died in 1952. Hailed as "one of the best mystery writers of all time" by the New York Times, Tey's work is compelling and informed by moral questions. The Daughter of Time is a page-turner, even though our detective is laid up in a hospital bed.

Life in Prison by Stanley "Tookie" Williams and Barbara Cottman Becnel
Stanley Williams' recent execution raised thought provoking questions for us all. One of many books he wrote, Life in Prison is a sobering description of life behind bars.

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
If you have only read the Chronicles of Narnia by Lewis, you are missing out! In this book, one of Lewis' core writings, we are witness to the correspondence between a senior demon as he instructs his nephew in the art of temptation. A funny, insightful, and original way to examine the question of temptation.

The Students' Guide to Colleges: The Definitive Guide to America's Top 100 Schools Written by the Real Experts, the Students Who Attend Them. Edited by Jordan Goldman and Colleen Buyers.
Our Bay School sophomores will soon be juniors, beginning to think about college. One of many college guides, this is a favorite because it is entirely written and edited by students. In addition to the usual comprehensive statistics about each school, there are frank descriptions and opinions given by students.

Admissions News

Ah, January. The New Year has begun, the rain has arrived on schedule, and 8th grade students and their families across the Bay Area are scrambling to meet high school application deadlines. We in The Bay School Admissions Office are preparing to receive the onslaught of mail containing student applications as the January 10th deadline approaches.

This year's admissions season has been busier than ever. Bay School staff, faculty, and students welcomed more than 1200 visitors to the 5 admissions open house events on campus. More than 80 Bay School freshmen and sophomores served as student hosts welcoming over 600 8th grade visitors eager to get a first-hand sense of what The Bay School experience is really like.

We now begin one of our favorite parts of the process. During the fall we were introduced to applicants as they toured our school, we visited theirs, and they joined us for interviews. During the next two months, we will get to know them that much better as we hunker down to pour through applications and start to build our third founding Bay School class.

Beginning in February, according to the common application "Principles of Good Practice", we and other high schools must refrain from contacting applicant families while the admissions decision process is underway. During that time, please contact our office with any questions or concerns and feel free to stop by.

Warm regards,
Nancy and Matt

The Bay School Community Celebrates the Holidays 2005

On Thursday evening, December 15th more than 125 members of the Bay School community — students and their families, teachers, and staff members — all came together for the school's 2nd annual potluck dinner holiday celebration. It was a special evening for us all, full of lots of cheer and enthusiasm, as partygoers shared a sumptuous banquet of family favorite dishes- a truly international selection.