Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder Programs

Applications are now live for Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder field study programs for the summer of 2027. In these programs, Thayer Upper School students travel to Panama, Peru, Costa Rica, Kenya, and Nepal. They work alongside local nonprofit partners and arrive as guests and teammates, not tourists. The students live and work in small, tech-free groups with close mentorship; collaborate with community leaders on real-world challenges; build character, empathy, and leadership and a broader perspective on the world; and earn meaningful service hours through authentic community engagement. Click here to explore 2027 programs and apply. 

Thayer and Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder have worked together since 2014. For more information, contact Ms. Dunne. 

Upper School Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences 

Upper School Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences will take place via Zoom Thursday, Nov. 12, and Friday, Nov. 13. An email with important details — including how to sign up for individual conferences — was sent to Upper School families earlier this week. To view that email, click here. A reminder: the Upper School (only) will have no school on Nov. 13 because of the conferences. 

Public Purpose Afternoon Program 

Public Purpose is an afternoon program at Thayer composed of Upper School students committed to civic engagement and contributing to the common good. Participants spend three afternoons each week volunteering at local partner organizations, gaining hands-on experience addressing community needs. One afternoon each week is dedicated to fieldwork reflection and exploration of civic action as students examine broader social challenges connected to their service learning. The program empowers students to see themselves as agents of change in their community. To apply, please complete this form by Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. To find more details about this opportunity, please refer to the slide deck from this week’s assembly. Those interested may also email Ms. Gilmore with questions.

Thayer Academy Semiformal Is Nov. 10

The Thayer Academy Semiformal will take place Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Boston Quincy Marriott (1000 Marriott Drive, Quincy, 02169) from 7 to 10 p.m. All Upper School students are invited and encouraged to attend. Students should dress in their best!

Students must be at the dance by 7:30 p.m. and will not be allowed to leave before 9:30 p.m. Dinner is included. Transportation is not provided. Please contact Ms. Gately or Ms. Pena with questions.

Senior Yearbook Ads Now Available; Deadline Is Nov. 15

Attention, parents and guardians of the Class of 2027: The Black & Orange yearbook offers an opportunity for families to purchase an ad to congratulate the graduating senior in their lives. The deadline for these senior yearbook ads is Nov. 15; the purchasing process takes place online. For detailed information, including ad sizes and pricing, click here. 

College Visits Next Week

The Pulsifer College Counseling Center reminds seniors and the families of seniors that college visits to Thayer's campus are underway. Please note: Sign-up is through Scoir, and visits take place during the school day. Seniors should remember to discuss attending a visit — at least 24 hours in advance — with any teacher whose class will be affected by the college visit. Juniors may attend if they have a free period. Seniors can see all pending visits in Scoir. Remember: Colleges want to meet you! 

Monday, Nov. 9 

1:15 to 2:20 p.m.: Ithaca College 

Tuesday, Nov. 10

8:50 to 9:55 a.m.: United States Naval Academy (Please note: All grades can attend the Naval Academy visit; however, underclassmen must have a free block to attend.) 

Thursday, Nov. 12

1:15 to 2:20 p.m.: Salem State University 

Middle School Early Dismissals

The following dates will see a 2:45 p.m. dismissal time at the Middle School: 

• Today (Thursday, Nov. 5) 
• Friday, Nov. 6 
• Thursday, Nov. 12
• Friday, Nov. 13
• Thursday, Nov. 19
• Friday, Nov. 20

Please note: Buses remain at their 4 p.m. arrival time; a study hall is available in the Middle School until buses arrive.

The Middle School’s Grand Night Out: Dinner and a Show!

Join Middle School organizers on Wednesday, Nov. 18, for a pizza party and a viewing of the Upper School's open dress rehearsal of Les Miserables: School Edition. 

A note from the director: "Les Miserables: School Edition is based on the classic novel and contains some adult themes and language, including depictions of poverty, prostitution, and death in battle. Please conduct your own research to decide if this musical is right for your family."

For those who plan to join, organizers will meet in the Forum at 4 p.m. for a pre-show pizza party. The show begins at 5:30 p.m. and will end around 8 p.m. Please RSVP by Monday, Nov. 16, to Ms. Hancock.

Yearbook Ad Deadline Extended Until Thanksgiving Break

Attention, Grade 8 parents and guardians: Don't miss out on the chance to place an ad in your child's 8th grade yearbook. Click here for information regarding how to make, place, and pay for your ad. And please note: The deadline for all ads and payments has been extended until Thanksgiving Break.

Please help to make this year's Evergreen yearbook one to remember. This is always a favorite section of the yearbook for our departing eighth graders. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Middle School Science Department Head Natalie Young, the yearbook’s advisor.

First Middle School Science Cafe Is Nov. 12

The first Middle School Science Cafe is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, with Harel Gadot (and associates), founder of Microbot Medical. Microbot Medical has developed a small, fully disposable robotic system to assist in accessing endovascular procedures and help with stroke management and cancer treatment. Interested Middle School students should sign up and submit questions for Gadot via Google Form by Monday, Nov. 9. Space is limited. Students will be able to eat lunch together in the science room while meeting with the presenter. If there are any questions, please contact Middle School Science Department Head Natalie Young. 

Organized by Young, the Science Cafe series introduces STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) topics to interested middle schoolers.

Middle School Winter Team Store Info

The Middle School Winter Team Store is now open. The link and login information are below. The store will be open through Monday, Nov. 9. No orders can be taken after the store closes. All sales are final. No returns or exchanges. All orders will ship to Thayer, and student-athletes will be notified when items are ready to be picked up in December.

Most of the items in the store are customizable, and student-athletes can choose from any of the school’s winter activities. These include: Basketball, Dance, Fitness, Hockey, Rock Climbing, Tech Theater, and Wrestling. Please contact Athletic Equipment Manager Marley Flatley with any questions.

Winter Store Team Link

Username: THAYER

Password: WINTER

Middle School Musical Is Nov. 13

Matilda the Musical Jr., the Middle School’s fall theater production, will take place Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. in the CFA’s Hale Theater. 

The musical is based on the book by Roald Dahl. It follows the story of a girl who dreams of a better life for herself and her friends by teaching adults valuable lessons through a little rebellion. Matilda and her friends use her intelligence and special powers to play pranks on her parents and their mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Matilda also befriends a librarian and her teacher, Miss Honey, revealing an incredible secret about an acrobat and an escapologist that will eventually set things right. This musical celebrates the power of reading and the imagination while explaining why children sometimes need to “revolt!”

The production features 45 performers and 11 tech theater students in grades 5-8. No tickets are required for this event, and seating is general admission (so arrive early!). If you have any questions, contact Middle School drama teacher Sofia Lindgren Galloway. 

Middle School Arts Night Is Nov. 19

The Middle School community is invited to this fall’s Middle School Arts Night Thursday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Middle School. This evening celebrates the dynamic work students across grades 5-8 have created throughout the fall term across the arts. 

As the first Arts Night of the school year, it’s a wonderful opportunity to gather as a community and recognize the creativity, discipline, and growth Middle School students have demonstrated. Families are invited to explore the gallery spaces at their own pace throughout the evening. Students participating in performances will receive specific arrival and call times in advance. Students may remain on campus after sports and study hall. Supervision will be provided, and pizza will be available for those staying. If your child plans to remain at school for dinner and the event, please email IDEA Department Head Destiny Palmer by Wednesday, Nov. 18, so organizers can plan accordingly. In addition, feel free to reach out to Ms. Palmer with any questions. 

Parents' Independent School Network Update 

Please save the date for the upcoming Parents’ Independent School Network (PIN) meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at noon via Zoom. The meeting will feature a panel discussion of “Finding the Right Fit: Supporting Your Student in the Independent Schools and College Search.” The panelists will include: Will Richardson, Richardson Advisory Group; Julie Wadland, director of enrollment management, Buckingham Browne & Nichols School; Andrew Carter, director of recruitment, College of the Holy Cross; and Jane Glazer, parent and admissions volunteer. 

All parents/guardians of PIN member schools are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required and can be done by clicking here.

Invitation to Volunteer

TAPA welcomes all new and returning families to the 2026-27 school year. TAPA’s goal is to support the school through sponsoring various social events and programs, thereby enhancing the school experience for all. TAPA is currently planning and preparing a variety of great events for the coming months. A list of volunteer opportunities throughout the year is available for review. 

Meet Your TAPA Class Parents and Guardians

TAPA is once again excited to support class parents and guardians as they help to strengthen connections and encourage engagement within each grade. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to serve during the school year.

• Class of 2034: Sarah Farrell and Mandy Susi
• Class of 2033: Alexi Singh and Diane Biega
• Class of 2032: Dan Cohen and Shirley Laurent
• Class of 2031: Amanda Smallwood and Kaileen Sanner
• Class of 2030: Caroline Rooney and Susan Saliba
• Class of 2029: Linnea Holmes and Amy Leerink
• Class of 2028: Missy Gaultier and Melanie Yates
• Class of 2027: Ronit Velde and Melissa Cuccinelli

TAPA is grateful to all class parents and guardians for helping to foster a welcoming, connected, and engaged Thayer community.

Here To Help

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at tapa@thayer.org. 

EXECUTIVE BOARD 2026-27

President: Caroline Kuhlman P ’25, ’28

Vice President: Rebecca Baker P ’28

Treasurer: Sandi Petrie P ’30, ’30

Secretary: Sara Torok P ’30

Communications: Jennifer McGuirl P ‘26, ‘29, ‘30

Volunteer Coordinators: Laura Query P ’29, ’31 and Amanda Smallwood P ’29, ’31

Engagement & Belonging Coordinator: Dasan Harrington P ’27 

Middle School President: Kate Nedelman Herbst ’98 P ’31

Middle School Vice President: Maribeth Flakes P '32

Middle School Secretary: Lisa Kazakis P '31, '32

Middle School Engagement & Belonging Coordinator: Ophelia Ardayfio P ’27, ’30, ’33

Middle School Communications: Ashley Fleming P ‘33

Parent Athletics Council (PAC) Coordinator: Kate Bingham P ’27