Sept. 17, 2026

Members of the Class of 2027 recently took part in the Senior Experience at TreeTop Adventures in Canton. For photos, click here.

 


The Calendar at a Glance 

  • Today (Thursday, Sept. 17): Middle School Picture Day
  • Today (Thursday, Sept. 17): Middle School Back-To-School Night
  • Monday, Sept. 21: Yom Kippur (NO SCHOOL)
  • Wednesday, Sept 23: TAPA Upper School Coffee
  • Thursday, Sept. 24: Middle School Bring 'N' Share
  • Monday, Sept. 28 Upper School (Grades 9-11) Picture Day
  • Wednesday, Sept. 30: 'An Evening With Lisa Damour"
 

All-School Announcements

No School Monday

A reminder: There is no school Monday, Sept. 21, in observance of Yom Kippur.


Global Speaker Series Events

Thayer’s Global Speaker Series will hold three events on campus this fall. Speakers include:  


  • Lisa Damour, PhD, a clinical psychologist and bestselling author, on Wednesday, Sept. 30. 
  • Arn Chorn-Pond, a human rights activist and musician, on Monday, Oct. 5 
  • Leo Varadkar, the former taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland, on Tuesday, Oct. 20. 


More information on these events will be made available in coming weeks. To RSVP for “An Evening With Lisa Damour" by Sept. 28, click here. 


Register for Private Music Lessons

Registration for the 2026-27 private music lesson program is in progress. Lessons will begin in October. Families interested in their student(s) starting or continuing the study of an instrument should visit Thayer’s private music lesson page and fill out the lesson sign-up form. Lessons are available for voice, piano, guitar, bass guitar, strings, wind instruments, and drums. Weekly lessons meet during an Upper School student’s free period / study hall. Middle School students will meet during their extra-help period, art elective, or study hall. 


If you have questions about the program, including pricing and lesson policies, visit the private music lesson page. For other questions, contact Private Music Lesson Coordinator Steve Skop P ’23.


In Case You Missed It 

Be sure to check out Thayer’s news page to see what’s happening on campus, including: a discussion of Thayer sports culture; a preview of upcoming Global Speaker Series events; a marking of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy; and a new exhibit at Koskores Gallery. In addition, remember that families can access Thayer's photo albums by clicking here.

 
 
 

New Art Display

at Koskores Gallery 


A new exhibit, “Waste to Treasure: An i3C Art Philosophy,” is currently on display in Koskores Art Gallery. The exhibit runs until Oct. 23. 


“Waste to Treasure” offers a timely exploration of themes tied to current environmental and climate crises while also illuminating the optimism that comes from contemplating the beauty of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all species. The eco-minded members of the i3C Collective (artists inspiring Change for the Climate Crisis) transform rejected materials into provocative works that reimagine our relationship with the planet. The exhibit features the work of: Susan Altman, Liliana Folta, Cedric Harper (co-curator), Martha Heller, Rebecca McGee Tuck, Michaela Morse, Jeffrey Nowlin, Anna Pancoast, Adriana G. Prat (co-curator) and Yulia Shtern. 


An opening reception for the exhibit will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, from 3 to 6 p.m. An in-school reception will be held Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.

 
 

Upper School Announcements

 

After-School Robotics 

The Upper School’s after-school robotics program will meet Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Robotics Lab (Glover Building). If you have questions, contact Upper School science teacher Wendy Stallings, the program’s director. 


Senior Yearbook Ads Now Available

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. 


Benelli Writing Center Info

The Upper School's Benelli Writing Center (BWC) is open and ready to help Upper School students with assignments at any stage of the writing process. Students can schedule an appointment online by going to the "Benelli Writing Center Appointments" box on the Resources page in MySchoolApp. The BWC is located in Stacy B. Southworth Library. Appointments are available every day, including the Tuesday 8 a.m. flex block and most days after school. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Jersild. 


Senior Parent & Guardian College Counseling Presentation

The Pulsifer College Counseling Center will hold an information session for senior parents and guardians today (Thursday, Sept. 17) at 6 p.m. in the Tigers Den.


Thayer's college counselors will provide a nuts-and-bolts presentation in which they'll review the college application logistics for the fall. Counselors will cover this same information with students in senior class meetings and via one-on-one meetings, but counselors want to make sure parents and guardians are in the loop as well.


College counselors look forward to seeing you there.


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! 


Tuesday, Sept. 22

8:50 to 9:55 a.m.: The Catholic University of America 

1:15 to 2:20 p.m.: Syracuse University 

2:25 to 3:30 p.m.: Endicott College 


Wednesday, Sept. 23

8 to 9:05 a.m.: Bucknell University 

12:25 to 1:30 p.m.: Colby College 


Thursday, Sept. 24

8:50 to 9:55 a.m.: Trinity College 

10 to 11:05 a.m.: Sarah Lawrence College

11:10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Stonehill College

1:15 to 2:20 p.m.: Sacred Heart University 

2:25 to 3:30 p.m.: Denison University 


Friday, Sept. 25

8 to 9:05 a.m.: Colgate University 

9:10 to 10:15 a.m.: University of Rhode Island 

2:15 to 3:20 p.m.: George Washington University 

 

Middle School Announcements

 

Middle School Back-To-School Night

A reminder: Middle School Back-To-School Night will take place today (Thursday, Sept. 17) from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Middle School.


Middle School Bring ‘N’ Share Is Sept. 24

Bring ‘N’ Share, the Middle School’s community potluck, will take place Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Forum and Middle School Dining Hall. Middle School families are welcome for an evening of cuisine, culture, and connection … and even karaoke! The whole family is welcome, and organizers encourage attendees to bring a dish to share that represents a family’s background or heritage. 


To RSVP by Sept. 22, click here. For more information, contact Middle School world languages teacher Richie Iskra. 


Class Representatives

Tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 18) the Middle School will share with students the opportunity and the process to apply to be a class representative for the 2026-27 school year. The first step in the process will be for interested students to complete a short Google Form which will be shared with them that day. Students will then have time to prepare a short speech that they will share in grade-level meetings Friday, Oct. 2.


Class representative responsibilities include: 

  • Lead Morning Meeting and special events like Recognition Day
  • Meet biweekly at lunch with either grade deans or grade deans and Mrs. Hamann
  • Check and respond to emails daily
  • Assist planning social and service events like dances/socials, Spirit Week, etc.
  • Lead class meetings
  • Bring student opinion and feedback forward to improve the lives of the community
  • Be an exemplary role model for your peers living out all the Tiger values
  • Touring or interviewing faculty candidates or special guests as needed
 

TAPA News

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend Is Oct. 3

Homecoming, TAPA’s largest event of the year, will take place Saturday, Oct. 3. Homecoming is a day of both athletic competition and community building. The day boasts a cornhole tournament, a bake sale, food trucks, a petting zoo, and the sale of one-of-a-kind Thayer merchandise. The day is also coordinated with reunion activities. This year will feature the opening football game on Thayer’s new turf field, part of the recently completed multisport athletic complex.  


If you have any questions about the day, please feel free to reach out to Megan Butow P ’29. Don’t miss this fun day of Thayer Academy spirit! 


TAPA actively seeks volunteers to help make Homecoming a success. Volunteering is a great way to get involved, meet other members of the Thayer community, and be part of this special event. Please click here to view available opportunities and sign up.


Upcoming TAPA Coffees

TAPA hosts a number of coffees for current Thayer families throughout the school year. Upcoming coffees include: 


  • Upper School Coffee with administrators on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 8:15 a.m. in the O’Toole Lobby of the CFA. 
  • Middle School Coffee on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 8:15 a.m. in the Forum. 


Come meet fellow parents and guardians, ask questions, and learn about some of what will happen this year at Thayer.


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 upcoming school year. TAPA still seeks one additional parent or guardian to represent the Class of 2032 (seventh grade). If you are interested in volunteering or would like to learn more about the role, please email tapa@thayer.org. 


  • Class of 2034: Sarah Farrell and Mandy Susi
  • Class of 2033: Alexi Singh and Diane Biga
  • Class of 2032: Dan Cohen and one open position
  • 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 foster a welcoming, connected, and engaged Thayer community.


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 already planning and preparing a variety of great events this year. A list of volunteer opportunities throughout the year is available for review. 


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

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

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

Parent/Guardian Resources

 

What Thayer Is Reading Now

Southworth Library Director Amy Perry is reading Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy.

 

Questions about the TNN? Suggestions? 
Please email: 
TNN@thayer.org.

 

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