GRADE 9 – Special Reminders
Grade 9 Class Dean: Tucker Sowers (301.767.2338)
- Freshman Fall Activity Requirement
- Freshman Fall Activity Day (for all 9th graders not playing a fall sport) – August 31
- Grade 9 Parent Orientation – August 31
- Orientation for all returning and new grade 9 students – September 1
- Baseline concussion testing for all students in grade 9
Freshman Fall Activity Requirement: In order to provide an opportunity for every grade student to forge relationships with students in her grade beyond the classroom, each student participates in one of several activities during 1st quarter. Choices of activities include fall athletics (cross country, field hockey, soccer, tennis, or volleyball), the fall drama production (acting or tech), the Great Outdoors or community service. Each grade 9 student selected a Fall Activity either at a grade 8 class meeting or at New Student Placement Testing. Please ask your daughter which activity she selected; if she is unable to remember, you may call or email Adriane Anderson, Upper School Administrative Assistant (301.365.6045).
Thursday, August 31: Freshman Fall Activity Day
Grade 9 students who are not playing a fall sport will participate in an all-day shared experience with other students in their chosen fall activity: the Drama Discovery Day (for the Fall Drama Production), on the Great Outdoors, or a Community Service project. Your daughter should receive specific information from faculty leaders of their fall activity in mid-August. Please contact or email Grade 9 Class Dean Tucker Sowers (301.767.2338) if you have any questions.
Thursday, August 31: 9th Grade Parent Orientation to the Upper School, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
We hope that all Class of 2021 households will be represented at the Ninth Grade Parent Orientation on September 3 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Eacho Lecture Hall. At the meeting, Upper School Director Chris Lynch, Dean of Students Lisa Craig, Grade 9 Class Dean Tucker Sowers, and Guidance Counselor Annette Levitine-Woodside will conduct an orientation to the Upper School specific to the interests of parents whose daughters are moving into high school. Peer Counselors and student leaders will be on hand to speak about the Upper School experience as well.
Grade 9 students, who have been on campus for fall sports practices or Freshman Fall Activity Day, are invited to enjoy pizza and a movie.
Friday, September 1: ORIENTATION for all 9th Grade and New Students, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
All returning and new grade 9 students must arrive, in uniform and with laptop, by 8 a.m. Students should enter through the FRONT ENTRANCE to check in before hearing up to the third floor to receive their locker number and combination. The purpose of Orientation is to help make the transition to Upper School as smooth as possible. Students will receive their planners, schedules, and locker assignments with combinations, and will have time to get acquainted with the facilities, their classrooms, and their Peer Counselors.
IMPACT TESTING (BASELINE FOR CONCUSSIONS) - All grade 9 students will take a brief baseline impact test at school either during pre-season (for fall athletes) or in early September. The tests will be administered under the supervision of Maureen Siburt, Athletic Trainer, and Lori Herringa, Director of Student Health. Students will complete the computer-based test during their free periods. Test results will be used only in the event that a student has sustained a possible concussion. Should a student suffer a concussion (whether during a school activity or elsewhere), the school will follow Holton's Concussion Policy to ensure a safe and stable recovery period.