Northwood Life – The Mirror

Students Come and Learn Mindfulness (CALM)

January 20, 2020 by Mirror Staff

Come and Learn Mindfulness (CALM) introduces students to a variety of mindfulness techniques to help them bring these practices into their daily lives. Each daily session approaches mindfulness differently and taps into the diverse expertise of our faculty. Scholarly research confirms that mindfulness practice decreases stress and anxiety, increases attention, improves interpersonal relationships, strengthens compassion, and confers a host of other benefits.

“Over the past several years we’ve noticed that teens seem to be coming under increasing pressures. To help our students learn a variety of techniques to manage their stress, we’ve created CALM. We’re excited to be able to offer these daily opportunities for our students’ well-being,” says John Spear ’88, Assistant Head for School Life.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Northwood Honors MLK

January 20, 2020 by Olivia Paul

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Dr. Martin Luther King (Photo: Wikipedia)

Today is the annual observation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King was the most prominent leader of the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. He lived from January 15, 1929 until April 4, 1968 and was a Baptist minister and activist whose speeches and writing about justice, equality, and freedom were the foundation of the movement for racial and economic justice that King led from his arrival in Alabama in 1955 until his assassination in Memphis in 1968.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, King is best known for advancing civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience, a philosophy inspired by his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi and American Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau. In 1955, King led the Montgomery bus boycott, and in 1957 he became the first president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). With the SCLC, he led an unsuccessful 1962 struggle against segregation in Albany, Georgia, and helped organize the nonviolent 1963 protests in Birmingham, Alabama. He helped organize the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which is widely considered one of the most inspiring and influential speeches of all time. This speech is still quoted by many people to this day.

This spring, a group of Northwood students and faculty members will have the opportunity to walk in King’s footsteps and learn about the Civil Rights Movement up close and personal. As a part of the school’s LEAP program, they are going to the cities of Selma, Birmingham, and Montgomery in Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia for one week. They will visit King’s birthplace, sights of his most important acts of protest, and the churches where he worshipped, preached, and organized. It is going to be an enlightening and educational experience for all of the students.

In recognition of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, two Northwood students Angelia and Adelia Castillo, both juniors who are the President and Vice President of the Multicultural Students’ Club (MSC), have organized a viewing of King’s famous speech followed by a discussion. It will be held today at 5:00 pm in the Multicultural Affairs Office in the Student Center.

Martin Luther King died a hero and we need to make sure his legacy lives on and that he is never forgotten.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World, Top Story

Northwood Launches Dance Program and Partnership with Local Studio

January 19, 2020 by Mirror Staff

In a statement released to the press and on its social media feeds, Northwood School yesterday announced new programming in dance for the 2020-2021 academic year. The program will be distinctive among high school programs, the statement says, as a result of having both a performance-based and an academic component. It will have options for students wanting a high-level dance experience to further their opportunities at the collegiate level and for students with limited or no dance experience who are looking to experiment or strengthen as an athlete.

The new dance program is in partnership with Dance Sanctuary founders, Mandi Maiore and Vanessa Pillen. From their Saranac Lake location they have has been instilling the skills and technique of dance as an art form and teaching classes since opening their studio in September 2016.

“The new partnership with the Dance Sanctuary builds on our existing partnerships in our growing visual and performing arts program,” states Michael Maher, Head of School. “We see the Adirondack region as an extension of our campus and we are fortunate to have organizations like the Dance Sanctuary, Lake Placid Center for the Arts and others, that help us expand the opportunities for our students.”

Dance infused into Northwood’s schedule will provide the flexibility of being able to layer dance and academics simultaneously allowing students to push themselves to higher limits. This will provide Northwood students with first-hand learning experiences to help develop and deepen their interests in specific subject areas while being able to perform and dance at a high level.

“During the school year, the Northwood dance program will allow students the time to dive into several different kinds of genres of dance, and really build that good foundation in all those genres while also pursuing to study the art of dance,” states Mandi Maiore.

The dance programming through agility training will also benefit the ski racers, hockey players, soccer players, and more. The foundation of dance will integrate flexibility, strength, agility, and core strength into all athletics benefiting different athletes. Whether experimenting and taking a course to see how it develops their flexibility or core strength or becoming a serious dancer at the collegiate level, offering these courses is going to benefit them all.

“It may surprise some athletes to know that dance actually benefits all athletes,” states Vanessa Pillen. “That includes soccer players, hockey players, and skiers. The foundation of dance, especially when you’re talking about flexibility, strength, and agility, carries over into all athletics and this program will benefit all different athletes.”

Northwood will host an information session for dancers interested in this new partnership. The event will be on Saturday, January 25 at the Dance Sanctuary studio on Main Street in Saranac Lake.

Compiled from the Northwood School news release.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Main Street Innovation Hub Now Set to Open in February

January 16, 2020 by Su Hae Jang

The opening of Northwood’s new downtown Lake Placid location, the Innovation Hub at Northwood School, is now set to open after Winter Break. The new academic center, originally scheduled to open in the fall (and then after Christmas break), has had its grand opening date changed due to normal construction delays. As the construction team adds final touches to the new facility, all classes will remain at Northwood’s main campus until classes resume after break on February 24.

This rendering shows what the first floor of the Innovation Hub, slated to include a “maker space” for students, may look like. (Provided photo — Northwood School)

This rendering shows what the Innovation Hub’s porch overlooking Mirror Lake may look like. (Provided photo — Northwood School)

This rendering shows what the upper level of Northwood School’s Main Street Innovation Hub may look like. (Provided photo — Northwood School)

This rendering shows what the first floor of Northwood School’s Main Street Innovation Hub may look like. (Provided photo — Northwood School)

As an extension to the main campus, the Innovation Hub will expand Northwood’s interdisciplinary approach to learning to downtown Lake Placid and beyond. The Innovation Hub will host a variety of programs to foster collaboration within the Northwood community. Student Exchange will encourage Northwood students to share their talents in events including but not limited to poetry slams, open mic nights, and music concerts. Through Alumni Exchange, the alumni will also have chances to further connect with their alma mater. Head of School, Mr. Michael Maher, and the Alumni Council will regularly present virtual town-hall-style conferences to discuss the visions of Northwood.

The Innovation Hub will be an opportunity to open Northwood’s doors to the local community as well. Community Exchange events, such as lecture series, mentorship meetings, and educational workshops, will promote both the student body and the regional community members to share their knowledge and experiences. Hub Talks is another program to look forward to. These events will host top-level speakers and will be recorded for those who cannot attend. Information on summer camps and auxiliary programs will follow.

A Community Open House at the Innovation Hub is planned for Monday, February 24 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Members of the Northwood and Lake Placid communities are welcome to stop by and explore the new space.

Members of the Northwood community with ideas and questions should send a message to innovationhub@northwoodschool.com.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Top Story

Young Alumni Speak to Students About College Life

January 16, 2020 by Miranda Bookman

From left to right: Morgan Broderick ’19, Sarah Coombs ’19, and Sara Donatello ’18 at the young alumni panel on Monday, January 13 (Photos: Michael Aldridge).

At Monday’s school meeting, three young Northwood School alumni spoke to current students about life in college and the transition from Northwood to their current schools. The event was organized and moderated by the College Counseling Office and Mr. John Spear, Assistant Head for School Life.

The panelists were Morgan Broderick ‘19, a first-year student at Goucher College, Sarah Coombs ‘19, a first-year at McGill University, and Sara Donatello ‘18, a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire. All three alumni spoke about how Northwood School prepared them well for college, even if they weren’t aware that they were being prepared at the time.

“The structure of Northwood sets the stage for the transition and the new freedoms and structure of college,” said Sara Donatello ‘18. “Northwood habits transition with you, they are ingrained within you.”

Morgan Broderick ‘19 was excited to get back to her alma mater. “I was really happy when Mr. Spear sent me the email asking to be part of the panel,” said Broderick. “When I got to the auditorium and saw Sarah and Sara it just felt like old times. I got the same little bit of nervousness I did before we went out on stage just like I used to before making an announcement,” she said. Broderick said the discussion at school meeting felt similar to conversations she’s had with friends since starting college. “When it came to the questions students asked, it felt similar to conversations I’d already had with some of my friends who are currently seniors. It also felt similar to the advice that had been given to me. It was nice to be back on the Northwood stage again.”

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World

Hockey Teams Look Forward to Invitational Tournament

January 15, 2020 by Aimee Headland

Over the last forty-one years, Northwood has been welcoming many teams and families across both America and Canada to compete in the Northwood Invitational, and this year is no different. From Saturday until Monday the rinks will be busy with over twenty-nine teams competing for championships in Girls, Showcase, U16, and Prep divisions.

With all three Northwood teams competing in this tournament, it will allow them to support each other, which they have not been able to so far this year. The Girls’ Team will start the tournament against NAHA Red when they hope to set a program record with the 34th win of the season. Following that game, the Boys’ Prep team looks to expand on their four-game win streak when they face off against St. John’s College High School. Finally, the Boys’ Junior team looks to continue their successful start to 2020 as they face off against Upper Canada College.

The Northwood Invitational is the most important tournament of the year for the school and nearly every family will be in attendance. One of the highlights of the weekend will be the sale of the custom-designed Blender Bottles, which is a project of Northwood’s entrepreneurship class.

For the first time in tournament history, Northwood games will be streamed on a dedicated YouTube Channel.

With there being so many games this weekend, it’s a perfect opportunity for everybody in the community to come out and support every team.

For game schedules and more information, visit the tournament web site.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Humans of Northwood: Kira Cook ’23

January 14, 2020 by Aimee Headland

I miss my family and friends. I miss my sister the most. I made the move away from home, Long Island, last September to attend Northwood with two main things on my mind: education and hockey. At my old school, class sizes were very big, and my connection with teachers was minimal. I only saw them for a brief amount of time throughout the day. At Northwood, I can easily make connections with my teachers. Teachers have definitely helped with my experience here. They care not only about my grades but about me as a person. Since class sizes are small and I live with most of the people in the school community, I can get closer to everyone. I love it.

But as much as I love the Northwood community, there are some things about this place that I don’t enjoy as much: the weather in wintertime and the food.

My long-term goal is to become a doctor. But for now, I want to make the most of my time here with my friends that I will never forget. I’ll continue to make memories with them throughout my time at Northwood.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Olivia Paul ‘21

January 10, 2020 by Aimee Headland

I spend more time on campus than any other student, I am here all year round. Born in New Jersey, raised in Saratoga and have been growing up in Lake Placid for the last seven years. I am one of the very few students here that fall under the “faculty children” category.

Most students come here for their sports. I am different because I don’t play a sport. My passions are for theatre, volunteering and traveling. Although Northwood is slowly changing, being outside the norm is the one thing I dislike about Northwood. But with the bad comes the good, and I have made many friends here. I have met people from all over the world. I have learned so much about other cultures. I have been exposed to so many different ways of life and there are many things I will always carry with me and never forget about my time at Northwood.

My mum was instrumental in my decision to attend Northwood, and I always thank her for that. I was going through a lot both personally and academically at the time, and having her close by has meant a lot to me. Northwood is the right fit for me.

Northwood is like a big family to me and leaving that in two years will be very hard but Northwood has and continues to help me grow, making the next step in my life easier. I want to attend university and end up working in the criminal justice field, although I don’t know exactly what I’ll do.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Seniors Impatiently Waiting for College Acceptances

January 10, 2020 by Aimee Headland

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Director of College Counseling Mr. David McCauley worked with senior Matia Valenzuela at a college application workshop earlier this fall.

Northwood’s seniors are becoming anxious, waiting to hear about where they’ll be for the next four or more years of their lives. Several members of the class of 2020 heard good news in December from schools they applied to early, but most seniors don’t know what’s next for them and it’s stressing them out.

The college process is stressful for everyone involved–parents, faculty, and, of course, the students. While some students are done their college search and proudly wearing the sweatshirt to the school they were admitted to early decision, most are applying Regular Decision. Mixed emotions kick in around this time. Elias Fleischman ‘20 said, “Waiting for the schools to get back to me with their admission decision is nerve-racking. There are a lot of uncertainties. The closer I get to finding out, the more nervous I get.”

Some students have already been accepted into colleges. Madison Novotny ‘20 is a recruited hockey player. “I’m relieved that I’m done with the college process. I feel less stressed. Before committing, I played in a reserved way and tried a bit too hard. But now I have more fun playing hockey. Academics-wise, I’m still stressed out because I need to maintain my grades, but I’m glad I don’t have to take the SAT or ACT again,” said Novotny.

The staff of The Mirror wishes the best for all seniors. The efforts you’ve put in over the last four or more years will shine through.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

A Personal Look Behind-the-Scenes on the Musical

December 18, 2019 by Olivia Paul

Olivia Paul ’20 (Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge).

It’s often noted that the majority of Northwood students are athletes. In the past, as a non-athlete, I sometimes felt out of place among my friends who are so passionate about their sports. So this year, I wanted to break out of my comfort zone to try something new. I joined the school’s drama program and took part in the musical “The Good Old Days.” I never thought that I’d be able to dance and sing, let alone dress up as a man in front of the school. But I’m glad I did.

It felt nice being a part of something. I worked hard with people that I had never talked much with and heard positive feedback from the audience. I also got closer to the crew behind the scenes. Without them, we could’ve never put on the show, and I would’ve never found my new passion for drama.

Many of the Backstage Crew were new to drama, just like I was. And all of them were glad that they had tried something new. Sarah Sheridan ‘21 co-wrote the play with Ms. Noël Carmichel, Theater Director, and managed the props. “I was on the edge of my seat for the entire play because I wanted to make sure everything on stage looked right. But ultimately it was a fun time,” said Sheridan.

Ms. Carmichael at a rehearsal of “The Good Old Days” (Photo: Northwood School).

Matthew Brady ‘22 designed costumes with the help of Maisie Crane ‘23. They went to local venues to borrow and order costumes and made a Google Doc to make sure all the actors knew what they were wearing. Brady said, “I decided to be the costume designer for the play because it seemed interesting. I liked hanging out with everyone and learning about the process of putting on a show.”

Chase Ormiston ‘23 was the stage manager. Although she had gotten a foot surgery only days prior to the opening night, she was still able to continue helping out. Ormiston was at every rehearsal, helping the actors by taking notes on all of our dances so we could become better. “It was really amazing to see the show come together in the last week of rehearsals,” she said.

Overall, everyone who participated in the production of the play got closer earned not only knowledge on how to put on a show but also long-lasting friendships. And we are thankful for that.