This morning, after first long block classes, our two calves Boulder, and Bignette were taken away from there mothers to live with the sheep for the winter. The calves have had a few months of their mother’s milk and are ready to be weaned away from them to start eating grass and hay. The next few days are sure to be filled with loud moos from the mothers and babies across campus. Its funny to see the sheep and cows together at first, but after a while the cows almost become part of the flock. Come summer time the baby cows will be bigger and ready to join the heard again and hopefully (knock on wood) will be successfully weaned from their mothers milk. It has happened in the past that a mother allows her calf, after a winter of being weaned, to continue drinking her milk. When that happened there were many techniques to try to stop the baby from nursing, but only keeping them apart really worked.

Olivia, one of our seniors, announced that she created a Wikipedia page for the school, and that we should all add to it. Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia that allows everyone to edit and add information that’s reviewed by users. The school’s page currently has a brief history and some of our Philosophy and Purpose on it. Not being a Wikipedia user myself I’m not sure how to go about adding information, but if those people who know The Meeting School well (alums, parents, current students faculty, and former faculty) were to add more to the page it would help others understand what our school is all about. Olivia says its hard to add something because other users correct grammar meticulously. Give it a try!

Monday night is no longer just the beginning of another week at school now. No, on Monday’s there are regular trips to the contra dance in Nelson, NH. Our head of school, Jackie, has spearheaded the movement to go to these dances by offering to drive. The contra dance in Nelson is said to be one of the oldest dances in New England, and is becoming popular with a younger generation of dancers. The school has taken trips to Nelson here and there in years past, but this year its becoming a regular activity on Monday night. After dinner everyone piles into a van and goes dancing for the night, usually getting an exception to be late for curfew (the dance goes until 11:00). The dance in Nelson is over 200 years old, and there are some relatively famous people playing music for the dancers. Bob McQuillen(inset) plays the piano and accordion, and has done so for the past 50 years. This picture is significant because, as Bob is explaining, its the first time he's worn a tie to a contra dance in his life! Mr. McQuillen is also an internationally recognized contra dance musician for his songs and style.

The Biology class has finished collecting data from their observations at the bird feeder in the woods and concluded that the male Red Breasted Nuthatch will store its food higher up, about 10-15 feet, whereas the female stashes her food at about eye level. There wasn’t a conclusion to why they store food at different heights though. Do you know?

This years parents weekend was a great success. We had an impressive turnout of friends and family, who came from all over the country. Work on the famous Thanksgiving Meal began in the morning with two turkeys, and picked up after lunch with Work Study. The baking of over 20 pies, and several side dishes including stuffing, mashed potatoes, squash, green beans, cranberry sauce, and rolls were all completed. The tables were set with decorative centerpieces made from pine bows, pumpkins, and high bush cranberries. Soon parents had arrived and food came out of the ovens. Everyone made there way to the dinning hall ready to feast on the fall harvest. The meal was well received, however dessert stole the show once again with several different pies to choose from including apple, pumpkin, a cheesecake, and tollhouse. When clean up finished from the meal, which is no small task, Coffee House began. This years performances were highlighted by a group of faculty and staff singing rounds, Mark’s dad clogging (inset), and a post Coffee House sing along led by former faculty, and parent, Ron. Many parents participated in this years coffee house, some by surprise, which added to the fun of the entire night. We look forward to graduation weekend in May when we’ll all get together again for the next dinner, and Coffee House.