Volume: VI Issue: 4, June 2024 . SHS Home . Alumni Page . Online Giving. On

A Place to Belong is brought to you by Shady Hill’s Advancement Office, Marketing and Communications Office, and the Alumni Board. Now, more than ever, we are committed to sharing news that reminds us all how vibrant and innovative Shady Hill continues to be, while forever embracing the mission and values you hold so dear. 

Graduation Ceremony

As always, Shady Hill graduation was a touching affair, as we bid farewell to the 66 members of the Class of 2024.


Mark Stanek noted from the podium that Shady Hill is a school that loves its traditions -- some dating back generations and others fairly new, like inviting a young alum who is 10 years out to share remarks as part of the graduation ceremony.


This year's speaker was Will Berlin '14, who recounted his distressing experience during his first year of high school when he began to sense that his chosen school was not a good fit. Will talked about turning to trusted Shady Hill teachers for help as he grappled with how to proceed. "Coming back here, to my second home, allowed these confusing thoughts to become okay, and that day gave me a new perspective on my journey," he said. Click here to read the full talk.  


To view photos from graduation, click here.

May Day From a New Student's Perspective

Ever wonder what it's like for a student who enters in Middle School to get the hang of Shady Hill's unique traditions? For the student newspaper, Charlotte Q. ’25, a new seventh grader this year, wrote up her observations after experiencing the May Day celebration for the first time, landing on this conclusion: 


"The 8th grade dance, finally, was honestly the best ending to May Day. The mood became sentimental, united, and when we saw the 8th graders weaving a web out and unweaving it, it was honestly cool. It may be sad to see Madame Horn and others leave, but to see all the 8th graders leave was sadder. Everyone seemed so happy yet crying when the 8th graders picked up the flowers. This is what I mean by full circle. The beginners to the 8th graders, from start to end, May Day was in many ways, emotional, and perfect."


To read Charlotte's full article, please click here.

Science in Action: Shady Hill Experiences the Solar Eclipse

On April 8, the Shady Hill campus was abuzz with excitement as students and faculty alike gathered to watch this rare celestial event. In the afternoon, as the campus darkened with Cambridge experiencing a 93% eclipse, students equipped with specially fitted viewing glasses took to the Green to witness the spectacle. Science teachers took this opportunity to teach students about why eclipses happen, enhancing their understanding of astronomy.

A Peek into Classrooms: Grade I

In March, Grade I students in Ms. Polte’s science class began their unit on cooking chemistry. One of their first projects was making fresh maple syrup by boiling sap gathered in New Hampshire by Ms. Polte’s father. Next, the students learned the science behind cream’s transformation to butter, and each student made their own small amount of delicious fresh butter. The next set of experiments for the students revolved around the chemical reactions that occur when baking. Students looked at flour, yeast, salt, and sugar under a microscope, and then tested baking soda, baking powder, and yeast to see how they produce carbon dioxide and cause items to rise. Finally, the class baked bread and pancakes, with generous helpings of homemade maple syrup and butter as toppings. Such a delicious way to learn!

Pat Horn Speaks at the Evening of Appreciation

In May, Shady Hill held the yearly Evening of Appreciation event, graciously hosted at the home of current parents Kim Henry and Jim Quagliaroli, to recognize and thank donors and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to Shady Hill. The night was a success, with warm weather, clear skies, and over 120 guests in attendance.


A highlight of the night was the speech given by retiring teacher Pat Horn. In her remarks, Pat shared three surprising confessions, as well as the top five lessons she has worked to instill in her students over her years in the classroom. Pat noted that often, the greatest lessons are not about subject matter or skills, but about life itself.


To read Madame Horn’s beautiful, inspiring comments in full, please click here.


2023-24 Magazine

The 2023-24 Magazine will be arriving to mailboxes soon!


Can't wait to dig in? View online here

Reunion

Reunion 2024 was a smashing success, with over 120 guests! We thank all who came to campus, as well as the additional folks opting to get together on Zoom. Remember: On-Campus Reunions are every other June, in even-numbered years.


3rd Annual Black Alumni Event


The Alumni Office invites you to a beach day!


Martha's Vineyard

August 10, 2024

9:30AM group ferry to Oak Bluffs


Build community and celebrate Black culture! 

Shady Hill will host Black alumni and current black students and their families for lunch. 

Hosted by:



BLACK ALUMNI PLANNING COMMITTEE

Kip Brown ’84, Georgiana Chevry ’94, Jeita Deng ’94, Sophia George ’21, Ekua Holmes ’79, Zakia Jarrett ’95, Melinda Margetson ’76, Beth Murrell ’94, Montana Riggs ’15, Bryce Summers ’21, Austin Talbert ’20, Sommer Thomas ’03


and

SHADY HILL SCHOOL 

Mark Stanek, Head of School; 

Daryl Wright, Assistant Head; 

Laniesha Gray, Director of Equity and Inclusion, and 

Devon Wilson-Hill, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations 

RSVP Here

Shady Hill Says Goodbye to Three Longtime Teachers


It is with a grateful heart and a tinge of sadness that we said goodbye to three longtime Shady Hill teachers at the end of this school year. Retiring teachers Suzanne Locke, Susan Kline, and Pat Horn have a combined tenure of over 100 years at Shady Hill, and have played an important role in the lives of our students for the past 30-plus years.  


Longtime math teacher Suzanne Locke has taught at Shady Hill for 37 years. Susan Kline has been a Gradehead and more recently a Learning Resources tutor with the school for 35 years, and French teacher Pat Horn has been with Shady Hill for 31 years. Please join us in congratulating them and wishing them a relaxing and fulfilling retirement.

Give Today!

Shady Hill Fund

To deliver the quality experience Shady Hill is known for, we rely on contributions from our community. Please support the Shady Hill Fund at whatever amount feels right to you by donating today. Gifts of all sizes are all profoundly important. Please, join in at whatever level you can, and know that we will be genuinely grateful!

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