New STA parent seeking advice, suggestions, or just plain "I wish I had known X" info

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When DS was in middle school a few years ago, I read that he needed to have an indoor pair of athletic shoes that were clean and would not mark up the basketball court floor. I bought DS an indoor pair and an outdoor pair. Then I learned that all the other boys just wear the same pair on the gym floor as outdoors. Boy, did I feel stupid for following the rules.

Might be time to let this go now!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When DS was in middle school a few years ago, I read that he needed to have an indoor pair of athletic shoes that were clean and would not mark up the basketball court floor. I bought DS an indoor pair and an outdoor pair. Then I learned that all the other boys just wear the same pair on the gym floor as outdoors. Boy, did I feel stupid for following the rules.

Might be time to let this go now!

LOL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When DS was in middle school a few years ago, I read that he needed to have an indoor pair of athletic shoes that were clean and would not mark up the basketball court floor. I bought DS an indoor pair and an outdoor pair. Then I learned that all the other boys just wear the same pair on the gym floor as outdoors. Boy, did I feel stupid for following the rules.

Might be time to let this go now!

LOL

No, I just saw that pair of sneakers two days ago, so it's fresh in my mind again.

[Anonymous]

How does 9th grade math placement work?

[Anonymous]

How different is Form 1 from A Form (workload, rigor, athletics, social pressures)?

[Anonymous]

I understand that the lunches are served "family style." How is the food? Is there assigned seating?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand that the lunches are served "family style." How is the food? Is there assigned seating?

The food is okay, not great (far better at NCS)--having to do two separate seatings of family style lunch probably constrains them somewhat. The optional hot breakfast is good and popular. Tables are assigned for something like 3 week periods, then shuffled. So the kids will sit with a different faculty member and a different table of 8-10.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STA is aware of helicopter parents, and knows full well the intensity/speed/persistence of the Beauvoir variety. I dropped off my C Former on the first day of school, made the mistake of trying to walk him into the school, and was practically tackled by the head of school at the entrance, who met me, had a barely perceptible frown, was exceedingly polite but quite firm, explaining that "we'll take it from here." Indeed he did. What a great place. Since then, my helicopter has been grounded. And my DS is much better because of it.

Too funny but so true!

What should I expect, as a parent, on the first day of school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STA is aware of helicopter parents, and knows full well the intensity/speed/persistence of the Beauvoir variety. I dropped off my C Former on the first day of school, made the mistake of trying to walk him into the school, and was practically tackled by the head of school at the entrance, who met me, had a barely perceptible frown, was exceedingly polite but quite firm, explaining that "we'll take it from here." Indeed he did. What a great place. Since then, my helicopter has been grounded. And my DS is much better because of it.

Too funny but so true!

What should I expect, as a parent, on the first day of school?

Just attend the opening Cathedral service, refrain from taking photos in the Cathedral (never permitted during services), and then mingle with other parents over continental breakfast outdoors immediately afterward. No talking to your son at any time, and no chasing him around for a photo -- so uncool. You can talk to him after his first day of school and get the scoop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STA is aware of helicopter parents, and knows full well the intensity/speed/persistence of the Beauvoir variety. I dropped off my C Former on the first day of school, made the mistake of trying to walk him into the school, and was practically tackled by the head of school at the entrance, who met me, had a barely perceptible frown, was exceedingly polite but quite firm, explaining that "we'll take it from here." Indeed he did. What a great place. Since then, my helicopter has been grounded. And my DS is much better because of it.

Too funny but so true!

What should I expect, as a parent, on the first day of school?

Just attend the opening Cathedral service, refrain from taking photos in the Cathedral (never permitted during services), and then mingle with other parents over continental breakfast outdoors immediately afterward. No talking to your son at any time, and no chasing him around for a photo -- so uncool. You can talk to him after his first day of school and get the scoop.

Just so you know, the "no talking to your son" thing is not something the school says, it is just the natural order of things as he"ll be interacting with the other boys. Assuming your son is going into C Form (4th grade), as I recall, a school photographer takes a cute photo of each C Former flanked by his Form VI (senior) escorts before the walk through the Cathedral. Don't stress out, it's a fun ceremony but a low key vibe in its own way--the Cathedral itself is sort of the star of the show.

[Anonymous]

Can the boys wear tennis/running shoes the first day of school? I know there are instructions to look sharp for pictures. But I'm not sure if this means the standard tennis/running shoes are prohibited.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can the boys wear tennis/running shoes the first day of school? I know there are instructions to look sharp for pictures. But I'm not sure if this means the standard tennis/running shoes are prohibited.

They would like leather shoes and long pants but plenty of kids will wear sneakers. Graduation seems to be the only time they all where dress (or at least leather) shoes--the kid in blazer and tie with shorts and sneakers is a funny but common sight on campus.

[Anonymous]

What kind of education is your son getting at STA. We are a incoming family and I keep wondering if the hype is worth it or will DS get the same education at our local public school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What kind of education is your son getting at STA. We are a incoming family and I keep wondering if the hype is worth it or will DS get the same education at our local public school.

You're only thinking about this now? School starts on Tuesday!

[Anonymous]

Depends what grade your DS is in and whether the public school math / science program is advanced.