Upper School Division News: Nov. 14, 2024

November 14th 2024

By Mr. Chris Ames, Upper School Division Head

Dear Winston Families,

In a little over three weeks, I will take The Winston School Senior class on their trip to Boston, Massachusetts. This is a program that I started almost 25 years ago as a History and Government teacher. To this day, it is still one of my favorite school adventures. I have always planned the itinerary myself and led the trips in order to provide a very tailored experience for our students. One of the days is devoted to Salem and its history with the witch trials. It is also home to The House of Seven Gables - an early home of Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author of a book by the same name, as well as The Scarlet Letter and many others. I recently came across one of his quotes:

Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as in a dictionary, but how potent for good or evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to use them.

I bring this to your attention following Dr. Milam’s note from an earlier newsletter this fall. We continue to struggle with students using offensive language towards their peers and behavior that seeks to isolate members from the community. While the method of delivery has changed quite a bit from the days of Nathaniel Hawthorne, words still carry a lot of weight, and when used “for evil” they continue to have the power to tear someone down. The entire ethos of The Winston School is just the opposite - we seek to build every single student up, no matter where they currently are in their academic and personal journeys. As a school for learning differences, it is inherent in our nature to celebrate the uniqueness of our students and build a strong community with an aggregate of the individuals.

I ask for your continuing partnership at home with your student to reinforce our community standards and know that we will be consistent and fair in the application of our student handbook rules. Our goal, as always, is to provide a welcoming and safe environment in which ALL of our students can find success.

I wish you all the best as we enter the Holiday season!

From the Upstairs,

Chris Ames

A LOOK AHEAD

Thursday, November 14 - Middle School Social Event, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Friday, November 15 - Lord of the Flies Mock Trial, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Randall K. Murphy Theater in the N. Best Center for the Arts

Wednesday, November 20 - World Culture Academy Field Trip: Meadows Museum, 12:20 - 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 21 - Admission Coffee & Tour, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Tell a friend!

Thursday, November 21 - Senior Lunch (12:20 p.m.) and Home Basketball Game (1:30 pm)

Friday, November 22 - Grandparents & Special Friends Day

Upper School: 12:15 - 2:45 p.m.

RSVP YOUR GUEST HERE

Saturday, November 16 - AURORA BIENNIAL 2024: FuturePresentPast

The largest free art event in Dallas is BACK this Saturday, November 16! The AURORA Biennial transforms Dallas into an expansive outdoor art experience, with art by regional and international artists. Get ready to experience large scale video projections, performances, interactive art, and more!

Saturday, November 16, 2024, 7 p.m.-1 a.m.

Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla St.

Monday, November 25 - Friday, November 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break

Sunday, December 1 - TUITION ASSISTANCE APPLICATION CLOSES

For current families

Monday, December 2 - Classes Resume

Wednesday, December 4 - PTO General Meeting, 8:15 a.m.

LOCATION: Board Room

Wednesday, December 4 - Soaring Up Series: 8th Grade Visits Upper School, 8:15 - 10:30 a.m.

Friday, December 6 - PTO Family Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 5 - Sunday, December 8 - Senior Trip to Boston, MA

Tuesday, December 10 - Middle & Upper School Band Concert, 6:30 p.m.