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DESERT ACADEMY 2

E-NEWS March 31, 2017

EndingsMatter

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DesertAcademyisdedicatedtoacademicandpersonalexcellence.Weprovideaqualitycollegepreparatoryeducationinadiverseschoolcommunitywhichvalues

individuality,buildscharacter,promotesself-confidence,andfostersglobalunderstanding.

Table of Contents:

Raffle Ticket Sales The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later Wildcat Speech & Debate Team Square Dancing Parent Association Meeting Regional Science Fair Mark Kane Art Exhibit at SFCC News from Admissions NHS/NJHS Induction Host an International Student International Trip Lunch Program and Menu Athletics On the Calendar

Dear Families,

“If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.” - Orson Welles

As we head into the final stretches of the year, I always remind faculty and students about the importance of good endings. At this time of year, with the flowers and trees blooming, the sun setting later and later, summer plans taking shape, it can be a challenge to stay focused or find the motivation to finish those large assignments or study for major exams. For seniors, especially those who have already received their university acceptance letters, it can be daunting. Senioritis, “a supposed affliction of students in their final year of high school, characterized by a decline in motivation or performance,” is definitely in our midst!

But endings do matter. Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman distinguished between “the experiencing self” and “the remembering self” when it comes to happy endings. Kahneman asserts that the ending of an experience determines memory, much more than the actual experience. The peak-end rule states that the way an experience ends determines the happiness we ascribe to it.

This is true in schools. It’s the last push at the end of the track race that results in a first place or second place finish, or a better time. The final touches on a painting that bring it all together. The gallery show, ceremony, or performance with family and friends to celebrate our achievements. The ending of a movie, book, or play that either makes it great or a disappointment. Our final goodbyes leave a lasting impression.

The upcoming weeks will be busy with sporting events, performances, exams, and ceremonies. Let us enjoy these moments to their fullest and make the ending of this school year a memorable one, because, as noted in this week’s Connections: “In our conversations, relationships, work projects, meetings and community interactions, endings matter.”

Dr. Yann

Letter from Dr. Yann Lussiez Assistant Head of School

Cover:JakobKaare-Rasmussen,finalpainting

ofaseriesofthree.

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Did You Know… Desert Academy Annual Raffle Ticket Sales Extended – Raffle drawing postponed to Tuesday, April 4th!! Like the auction, our raffle raises funds for the provision of tuition assistance – which supports over 40% of our families. It also helps us send teachers to IB trainings, which are often out of state. The winner of the raffle will choose between three amazing trips, hotel and airfare included. There are also cash prizes for second and third place. There's a flier at the end of this issue of the e-news with descriptions of each of the trips. Raffle tickets are $25 each or $100 for a book of 5. Your student was given an envelope with tickets to sell, and you can help by purchasing tickets or encouraging your friends and relatives to do so. You may also purchase tickets by going to our website homepage (desertacademy.org) and clicking on the raffle tickets button there. The top seller gets a cash prize, and the top selling advisory will also have the chance to choose among a few fun activities. Tickets are on sale until Monday, April 3rd, and the drawing will be at school on Tuesday, April 4th during our weekly 2 pm assembly. Winners need not be present to win. The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later – Don’t Miss It! In 1998, 20-year old Matthew Shepard was brutally beaten, tied to a fence and left to die on a freezing hilltop overlooking Laramie, Wyoming. “The Laramie Project” was written shortly thereafter and had a profound impact in the national conversation about homophobia and hate crimes. Ten years later, some of the same writers returned to Laramie to observe what, if any, changes had taken place. “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later” witnesses a community still emotionally divided and examines the painful process of healing and the continued presence of hate. Desert Academy Performing Arts is presenting “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later” on Wednesday, April 12th and Thursday, April 13th at Warehouse 21 at 7pm. Our students will also perform for other students from our community at 11 am on Tuesday, April 11th. Tickets at the door are $10 for adults and $5 for students. PG-13: This production contains some language and themes that might not be appropriate for young children. Wildcat Speech & Debate Team Bound for Nationals! Emily Buxengaard competed over spring break in the District/National Qualifier Speech and Debate tournament at Albuquerque Academy. She qualified in TWO events - Congressional Debate and Original Oratory. This is a huge accomplishment! Emily has to choose one of these with which to compete at the national level, and she has decided upon her Original Oratory piece called "The Art of Solitude." She will be competing with the top students from around the country at Nationals in Birmingham, AL in June. Congratulations, Emily! Next month, the Speech & Debate Team will be having an organizational meeting about next year. Stay tuned for date and time. If you would like further information, please email Coach Lisa at llincoln@desertacademy.org. Something Completely New and Fun! If you and/or your teens are looking for something to do on Friday evenings, consider joining a square dance club! This is not the old fashioned square dance we all remember. This is new and contemporary music and dress. Our own Lisa Lincoln is the caller for the only group in Santa Fe and guarantees a ton of fun. This Friday, March 31 there will be a free open house from 7-8PM and April 7thlessons begin! If you want further information, go to squaredancesantafe.org or email llincoln@desertacademy.org. Or just show up this Friday at 7PM! Directions are on the website.

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Did You Know… Parent Association The year is almost ended and the PA would like to give you an update. First, we are hosting free coffee and donuts from 8:00 to 9:30 am on campus on Thursday, April 13 and 27 and we hope you will join us. Second, we need new officers for 2017-18 school year. Please consider volunteering. Some of the meetings can occur in the evenings. You get to meet and know great people! If you are interested, contact Rachel at okeeferachel@icloud.com. Third, our final meeting will take place Wednesday, April 5 at 8:30 am in the Library. Any and all parents are welcome.

Regional Science Fair On March 11th, two middle school students attended the Northeastern New Mexico Science Fair at Highlands University. Sixth grader Erin Kennemore earned an Honorable Mention in her category of Physics and Applied Energy. Eighth grader Ben Timm earned 2nd place in the category of Environmental Engineering. Both appeared to field the judges' questions with detailed expertise and confidence. Congratulations, Erin and Ben! ~Mr. Neuwirth Art Exhibit at SFCC “Ancient Memory,” a very special exhibit of photographs and paintings by the late Mark Kane (Senior Lia Kane’s father) will be on display at Santa Fe Community College in the main building from March 23rd through April 14th. Informational meeting re: International Trip 2018 London, Paris, Barcelona & Rome Come find out more about Desert's 2018 trip itinerary, excursions, and fundraising. When: Tuesday April 18th 3:30-4:00pm. Where: Ms. Masoni’s C8 classroom in the Lamy Building. Who: High school and current 8th grade families, past travelers who wish to share their experiences, prospective travelers, and those already enrolled. Meanwhile, if you wish to sign up with EF Tours or simply investigate our program before the meeting: Online www.eftours.com/1676487MZ Calling 1-800-655-5364/Tour Number 1676487MZ Contact Gabriella Masoni if you have any questions: gmasoni@desertacademy.org

Reminders:

NEWS from Admissions Dear Families, we are working on finalizing re-enrollment, so please return your contracts at your earliest convenience! Thanks so much, Jen Warren School Hours and Homework Club Homework Club meets Monday through Friday and ends at 4:30 each day. Desert Academy closes at 5pm, Monday through Thursday, and at 4:30pm on Fridays. Please arrange to pick up your students before closing. Thank you. NHS/NJHS Induction Ceremony Tuesday, April 11th at 6 pm The ceremony will take place in the atrium at Desert Academy.

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HOMESTAY FAMILIES NEEDED FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS! In order to have as diverse a student population as possible here at Desert, we annually accept from 3 to 10 international students. We rely on our families to host them, so I am looking for any families that might consider doing this. Hosting an international student is a wonderful & enriching experience - just ask the families hosting this year (Browne, Washburn-Kelehann, Desmond, Warren, Huertas & Passalacqua). We have already received applications for 6 potential students from Spain, so now we just need host families. It truly is a wonderful experience, so please contact Jen Warren as soon as possible if you are interested: jwarren@desertacademy.org or 660-9021. Thank you! LEOS Club Help us support the LEOS Club’s commitment to the village of Desab in Haiti with money for school supplies, medical treatment, and teachers. We are organizing an Auction on April 22nd (it is also Lia Kane's CAS project). Please share the information with your friends, family and the community. Quick info: entrance fees will be $8 for single, $12 for couples. Food will be provided by students and it will be delicious as always. There will be a presentation on last year’s trip. We welcome donations of goods and services for this event. Please contact Isabelle Thiebaut if you have donations or questions. We hope you will be able to join us!

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Athletic Announcements: Athletic Announcements: VARSITY Track and Field: Please have your student add his or her name to the track and field email list at the Front Desk if you would like to receive information on a regular basis. The coach will not be posting practices in the e-news. Or contact lgildes@desertacademy.org if you have questions Upcoming Meets: Saturday, April 1st: Penasco Relays April 4th and 5th: Golden Spike Classic at SFHS Saturday, April 8th: Mario Martinez and Jaguar Meet Middle School track has started: Please email lgildes@desertacademy.org if you would like to get on the track email list. Wednesday, April 5th: Pecos Middle School Meet 6th-9th Grade Baseball: Please contact Natalie Passalacqua if you would like to get on the baseball email list to receive baseball practice and game information: npassalacqua@desertacademy.org Basketball players: Please return your clean uniform to the front desk ASAP or you will be charged. Thank you. On the Calendar: Monday, April 3rd: Raffle tickets due Tuesday, April 4th: Raffle ticket winners pulled at assembly, 2 pm Wednesday, April 5th: PA Meeting 8:30 am Wednesday, April 5th: CAS Presentation Night Tuesday, April 11th: NHS/NJHS Induction Ceremony, 6 pm Friday, April 14th: Good Friday, No School

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This Week’s Lunch Menu:

Monday, April 3 -Linguini w/ Zucchini, Pancetta & Parmesan

-Caesar Salad -French Bread

-Cookie

Tuesday, April 4 -Beef Fajitas & Portobello Fajitas

-Cheese, Sour Cream, Salsa & Flour Tortillas -Pinto Beans -Spanish Rice -Whole Fruit

Wednesday, April 5

-Spice Rubbed Pork Chops & Spice Rubbed Tofu -Roasted Potatoes

-Sauteed Vegetables -Brownie w/ Cherries & Coconut

Thursday, April 6

-Sriracha Chicken & Sriracha Faux Chicken (some no Sriracha) -Broccoli -Spinach Salad w/ Strawberries, Red Onions & Pepitas & Poppy Seed Dressing

-Yogurt & Granola

Friday, April 7 -Chef’s Choice Soup

-Grilled Cheese -Mixed Greens Salad w/ Toppings

-Raspberry Bar

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THE LARAMIE PROJECTDesert Academy Performing Arts presents

10 years later

In Memory of Anton GressAPRIL 12TH AND 13TH 7PM AT WAREHOUSE 21

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SamVivian

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Connections

My View: Principle Matters and Endings Matter

By Boyd Matheson, Desert News, Feb 15, 2017, Deseretnews.com I have spent a lifetime learning lessons from my dad. Some lessons came through our conversations as we discussed simple principles and practices such as seeing the best in people, constantly learning, never judging, pursuing excellence, reading and writing with purpose, servant leadership, and how to help others see and reach their potential.

However, one of the most important lessons I have ever learned from my dad is one we’ve never had a single conversation about, but one I watched and witnessed as far back as I can remember. The lesson? Endings matter.

Living in a house with 11 children is a daily experience of organized bedlam careening toward complete chaos. The clamor went even higher when visitors came. There was a never-ending rush of people coming and going, always compounded by the fact that our home was the gathering spot for parties, neighborhood get-togethers, dinners and church events.

My mom made sure everyone felt welcomed with great food, laughter and always room for one more. My dad, on the other hand, was the closer for the Matheson family experience.

At the end of a family gathering, neighborhood party or visit with friends it has never been adequate for my dad to just say goodbye from the living room. A hug or handshake in the kitchen on the way out? Not enough. “See you soon” from the front door? Completely insufficient. Dad always walks you out — snow, rain or sunshine — all the way until the car door is closed. Then he waits, to wave one last time as the car drives away— because endings matter.

Dad always makes sure that the ending of a visit is just as high-impact as the beginning. For the grandchildren he makes sure they stop by my parents’ famous “candy closet” for one last treat. For friends there is always an ask from dad if they want some of the leftover food or dessert for later. For social guests there is always a word of thanks for something they said or did, for what they brought into our home, and a sincere invitation to

please return soon. For us kids, he usually takes us by the arm, tells us how proud he is of us, how much he loves us, occasionally slips some cash into our pockets and then sends us away with an expression of confidence in our ability to endure, overcome or get important things done.

It has taken me half a century just to begin to understand what my dad was really doing and teaching. Endings matter.

Thomas Monson once described seeing a sign in the window of a furniture store in Salt Lake City that read, “Finishers Wanted.” It wasn’t a sign seeking those who could complete a couch or construct a chair as much as it was a call for those who could apply the perfect finishing touches and transform useful objects into magnificent, handcrafted furniture.

It is easy to play the front end. Beginners are many; finishers are few. I remember in Washington there were those who loved to walk into the room with the senator, those who were always at the ready when a TV camera was near, and those who were all too eager to swoop into a meeting with the rich, famous or powerful.

Far fewer were the finishers, those grand souls who were willing to do the hard work and heavy lifting far from the spotlight and well out of microphone range. The caseworker who would stay late to make certain a struggling constituent got exactly what he needed. The legislative assistant burning the midnight oil to complete tedious research so the senator would be properly prepared for an obscure committee hearing. The sleep-deprived communications professional laboring to polish and perfect the speech no one will ever know she wrote. Like my dad, these folks are the finishers — the master craftsmen and craftswomen committed to making sure that the final touches of the ending are what matter, have impact and make a difference.

In our conversations, relationships, work projects, meetings and community interactions, endings matter. A good ending makes the rest worthwhile.