McLean Vision of Excellence Values in Action Award 2012

Arlington School is proud to announce that Ms. Lynne Miller, who is a highly respected and very well liked English teacher, received the Vision of Excellence Award for 2012. One of only 12 recipients per year, we are extremely happy that Ms. Miller is recognized for her work and success at Arlington

School.

The Vision of Excellence Award is a Presidential Award given to an employee who contributes to the overall excellence of McLean Hospital and who exemplifies the longstanding commitment to superior “student” care, research and teaching. Nominees are evaluated on their unwavering Integrity, who demonstrates Compassion and Respect, who embraces Diversity and promotes Teamwork, who achieves Excellence, and continues to be a source of Innovation. Congratulations from all of us at Arlington School.

The Newsletter for Students, Alumni, Parents, and Friends of Arlington School

S p e c i a l p o i n t s

o f i n t e r e s t :

Vision of Excellence Award

Time Capsule

Donation of Decorative Table

by Parent

SISAL Artwork and Award

Presentation

Arlington School students

show their talents

SCOR Events and Photos

Congratulations to the

Class of 2012

LOOKING IN AT

ARLINGTON

Friends of Arlington School

As you will see as you peruse this newsletter, we have had a very busy and

productive spring – hence, the publication of this edition of Looking in at Arlington

has drifted into summer. Inspired by our teacher, Lynne Miller, who won the Vision

of Excellence Award, I am amazed by the broad talents of so many members of the

Arlington School. From the talented students to the generous parents, from the

creative teachers to the compassionate clinicians and staff, we are all truly

fortunate to be part of this community. So, as the summer begins with the largest

class we have had in years, we welcome all the new students and families and wish

everyone a relaxing and rejuvenating summer.

Suzanne Loughlin, Director

ARLINGTON SCHOOL SPRING 2012

McLean President and Psychiatrist in Chief Scott Rauch, MD,

presents Lynne Miller with the VoE Award.

Looking In At Arlington Spring 2012

Decorative Glass Table Philip Bird, Sasha Bird’s father, is a talented sculptor/furniture maker. When he looks at empty spaces they seem to cry out for his works. He was magnanimous enough to create a wonderful table for our school’s foyer. Elegant, meaningful and playful, it is admired by all who see it.

Arlington School Fundraiser

2011-2012

News from the Arlington School Fund

For years, our student families and friends have shown their gratitude to Arlington School by stopping by, writing notes, and making gifts. This outreach means more to us than words can say. We thank you so much for helping to shape the lives of very special students! With urging from alumni parents, we formalized the Arlington School Fund last December. Your response to our first appeal was wonderful! We plan to use contributions to purchase iPads, cameras and software which are so important to every aspect of our program – from core academic subjects to drama club to media and studio arts – and to supporting the individualized learning styles and needs of our students. On our wish list for the future are physical education equipment and a garden shed and tools to expand our outdoor activities. Philanthropy provides important resources to enhance education.

Ronna Woodward, McLean Development Officer III Member, Arlington School Advisory Board

Arlington School Time Capsule

One could argue that the first time capsule would be the Egyptian Pyramids or even the concealed fossils that are found within layers of prehistoric rock. But, the 1990 Guinness Book of World Records has deemed that the first successful modern day attempt to bury a record of this culture for any future inhabitants or visitors to the planet Earth goes to the Crypt of Civilization Project which is located at Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven, Georgia (USA). After four years of preparation, the time capsule was buried in 1940 and is scheduled to be opened in the year 8113 A.D.

In connection with Arlington School’s 50th Anniversary, the students decided to create their own time capsule. The items are being collected and the details are being ironed out. Our target date for the time of burial will be this summer during the month of July. ‘X’ will mark the spot on a Treasure Map for future Arlington School students to open and marvel at the items selected. Such items include: current technology, a 2012 yearbook, photos of the school, music, newspapers, and other elements that we believe describe today’s world and how current students live in it.

July 2062, 50 years from now, will be the official opening of the 1st Arlington School Time Capsule.

Thank you to all who contributed to this endeavor ...... now and in the future.

Looking In At Arlington Spring 2012

So, what is SISAL? SISAL is the Small Independent Art School League, and since 1992, SISAL has

held an annual juried show of student work from independent schools in Massachusetts and Rhode

Island. The show was started by Falmouth Academy to give students in small independent schools a

venue for critiquing and exhibiting their art.

This year Dedham Country Day hosted the twentieth annual exhibition featuring more than 400

pieces of student art from some nineteen area independent schools: Arlington School, Bancroft School,

Brimmer and May, Carroll School, Cape Cod Academy, Chapel Hill-Chauncey Hall School, Dedham

Country Day School, Dexter-Southfield Schools, Falmouth Academy, The Fenn School, The Fessenden

School, Lincoln School, Newton Country Day School, Portsmouth Abbey School, The Rivers School,

The Roxbury Latin School, Victor School, and The Winsor School. There were 14 categories divided

into two sections of students in Grades 10 through 12 and Grades 7 through 9: oil, acrylic, watercolor,

ink drawings, pencil drawings, pastel/charcoal/crayon drawings, mixed media, printmaking, graphic

design, fiber arts and textile design, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and metalsmithing, photography, and

furniture. The Awards Ceremony was held on April 29th. The jury chose 22 pieces from Arlington

School for exhibit!

Congratulations go to Jay, Jack, Madison, Sarah R., Kristyn, Sarah L (3), Brianne, Briana Sarah P,

and Rebecca. In various categories they were awarded 4-Honorable Mentions, 2-Third places, 3-

Seconds, and 2- First Place Awards! You'll see many of the works adorning the walls of Room 106.

Sarah L.

Looking In At Arlington Spring 2012

She Kills Monsters ……

This spring, drama students at Arlington School staged the Massachusetts premiere of a brand new play. Qui Nguyen’s She Kills Monsters takes place in Ohio in 1995, where Agnes, a 25-year-old high school teacher, learns about her recently deceased younger sister Tilly, through playing a Dungeons and Dragons module that Tilly created before her death.

The real world and the fantasy world of D&D blend as Agnes meets the key people in her sister’s life. The play addresses bullying, sexual identity and the importance of fantasy and family. There was plenty of role-playing, action and humor as monsters were killed and the nerds and geeks triumphed.

Players include: Rebecca, Nora M, Donnie, Cael, Sarah P, Melanie, Patrick, Sarah R, Kate R, Ryan, Keegan, and Sofie.

Behind the Scenes: Jordan S, Jen, and Megan.

A special thanks to Ms. Jeanne Garrison for this action packed yet insightful rendition of …..She Kills Monsters.

She Kills

Monsters !!!

Charles River and Boston Harbor Boat Trip by Charles Riverfront Company: Student’s enjoyed a harbor cruise with friends, music and food. Senior Class Field Trip: Graduating seniors enjoyed SkyZone Trampoline Park, lunch and ice cream to celebrate their achievements.

Canobie Lake Park: Student’s attended the all school field trip to New Hampshire’s legendary theme park. Graduation 2012: June 8th marked the 51st year of the Arlington School. Congratulations to the graduates !!!

END OF THE YEAR ACTIVITIES

\

my daughter is the phoenix

I have a second heart a second chance

a second me a second life.

she burns beneath her skin.

my daughter is the phoenix,

the girl who rose, bare and bright my ashes in a scattered cloud around her feet

she will follow them

as the air whisks them away.

she will run with the wind her hair a crimson whip

crackling like fire spitting sparks

as it flares out behind her in the starlight

her flesh will glow like gleaming iron, hot and white

and frighten the darkness back into the gnarled trees that shelter it

her eyes will smolder and flash and with one last burst of speed

her lightning legs will set alight the path a flaming road

for her daughter and her daughter and her daughter

so they will follow each other into glory.

~Rebecca Leigh

Looking In At Arlington Spring 2012

7)

6)

8)

10)

12)

11)

13)

1)

2) 3)

4)

5)

9)

Students:

1) Sarah L. 2) Sarah R. 3) Rebecca 4) Brianne 5) Sarah R. 6) Kristyn 7) Patrick

8) Sarah L. 9) Jack 10) Jay 11) Jack 12) Patrick 13) Jack

Creativity Corner

Artwork by Students

Looking In At Arlington Spring 2012

The S.C.O.R. Report

Since the last newsletter, S.C.O.R. participants have been very active in the community: In December, we were given the opportunity to work with Toys for Tots at their Burlington Warehouse. Our van was stuffed with toys that families, students, and staff generously donated. Eight students sorted toys for three and a half hours for kids, ages 1-14. Students expressed great interest in going

back next year. In January, six students returned to Cradles to Crayons in Brighton. Here we sorted clothing for boys and girls, ages 1-16 for two hours. In February, five students returned to the Greater Boston Food Bank to volunteer for three hours. We labeled and packaged frozen soups. We also sorted canned goods and household items off of a conveyor belt. In March, we held a fundraiser at Mclean entitled, “Pies for Parker”. Parker is the cousin of a student; he is a three year-old who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. This fundraiser was held on March 14th (3.14), “National Pi Day”, and we sold slices of homemade pie for $3. each. We were able to raise over $800. and the proceeds were sent to Children’s

Hospital at Dartmouth. In April, we took seven students to Waltham Fields Community Farm. We planted 74,000 fava beans over the course of three hours. As a group, we discussed Community Supported Agriculture and the impact of our work on neighboring communities. In May, we took our first volunteer trip to Drumlin Farms. We mucked out the sheep stall and then enjoyed a tour of the farm in the pouring rain. We appreciate the positive spirit of our hardy crew !

Along with staff members Megan and Jennifer, SCOR participants pictured above include:

Gregor, Katie I, Sarah L, Patrick, Raf, Emilie, Diana, Sarah L, Kate R, Donnie, Rebecca, Jay

Arlington Archives: A look at the history of Arlington School and its’ surroundings.

Between 1908 and 1944, McLean enjoyed the fruits of its labor,

literally. During that period, in addition to carrying out the work of

patient care, McLean also operated a fully functional, almost

completely self-sustaining farm on 85 acres of land located on the

west side of Mill Street.

In its “hay-day”, McLean’s bustling farm, and those hired to run it,

produced nearly enough food to save the hospital as much as $15,000

annually. “Beyond fish and some meat and dairy products bought

during two weekly trips to Boston’s Quincy Market, all food was

produced on the grounds,” according to a 1976 McLean Hospital

publication titled “A Vision, A Spirit, A Way — McLean Hospital, 1811

-1976.” Farm-raised pigs were slaughtered each spring and fall, with

up to 2,000 pounds of pork prepared each week; the hospital’s 150-

cow dairy herd supplied 500 quarts of milk daily; vegetables were

grown; and pear and apple orchards bore enough fruit to require cold

storage during non-productive months, while still producing 250 pies a week.

The demands of World War II produced a labor shortage that ultimately led to the farm’s eventual demise

in 1944. The old farm lay dormant for more than 20 years, until the Town of Belmont purchased it in 1968

for conservation purposes. Today, it is known as Rock Meadow Conservation Area. A few years back, a

group of open space advocates and historic preservationists mounted a campaign to revive and reuse the

last standing barn remaining from the days of the McLean Farm.

Today you can still see the remnants of the apple orchard on the Arlington School grounds. Every June,

the numerous apple trees provide a lovely setting for the annual graduation celebration.

Historical Information provided by Mr. Terry Bragg, McLean Archivist

Looking In At Arlington Spring 2012

Modeling for McLean

Our own Sarah L. was chosen to model for the cover of the 2010 McLean Hospital Annual Report.

Just for Fun ……… Ana L.

PLANKING (or the Lying Down Game) is an activity consisting of lying

face down in an unusual or incongruous location. Both hands must

touch the sides of the body and having a photograph of the

participant taken and posted on the Internet is an integral part of

the game. Players compete to find the most unusual and original

location in which to play. The term planking refers to mimicking a

wooden plank. Rigidity of the body must be maintained to

constitute good planking. (Photo of Arlington School Student)

The apple orchards of the McLean

Farm circa 1930 were plentiful

enough to fill crates to overflowing.

115 Mill Street

Belmont, MA 02478

www.thearlingtonschool.org

www.thearlingtonschool.org

Looking In At Arlington Spring 2012

Congratulations to the….

Class of 2012

Contributors: Leo Abbett, Julie Baratta, Jennifer Boyle, Jeanne Garrison, Suzanne Loughlin, Lynne Miller, Megan Moran

“Learn at least this: What you are capable of. Let nothing stand in your way.”

~Tony Kushner, playwright

“Dwell in possibility.” ~Emily Dickinson, “Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.”

~Lorraine Hansberry, playwright

“It’s good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” ~Ursula K. LeGuin, writer