School news
Yoh Theatre performs "Alice by Heart"
Photo by Nancy Nutile-McMenemy
The Yoh Theatre players recently brought the musical "Alice by Heart" to life with performances from December 12-14, 2025. This acclaimed show by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater reimagines Alice in Wonderland against the backdrop of the London Blitz, weaving together themes of love, loss, and the power of imagination.
The story follows young Alice and her ailing friend Alfred as they escape into the fantastical world of Wonderland to cope with the trauma and uncertainty of war. Through Sheik and Sater's evocative music and lyrics—from the creative team behind "Spring Awakening"—the production explores how storytelling and friendship can offer solace in the darkest times.
Over 50 students from grades 7-12 participated in this ambitious production, taking on roles both onstage and behind the scenes as tech crew members. Their dedication and talent brought this complex, emotionally rich musical to our community.
Congratulations to all of our Yoh Theatre players and theatre director Marcia Bender on a remarkable show!
The student group’s next show is Treasure Island. More photos from Alice by Heart are available on the Yoh Theatre website.
Yoh Theatre performing “Elektra”, October 3-5
You are invited to Yoh Theatre's performance of Elektra, by Sophokles, translated by Anne Carson, on October 3, 4, and 5. The production features 31 Yoh Players from grades 7-12.
This Greek tragedy speaks the following through the Greek chorus: "Do not breed violence out of violence." "Evil is a pressure that shapes us to itself." "Justice is coming." "Conviction is strong in me."
"I always love the opportunity to write music," says Marcia Bender, Yoh Theatre Director. For this play, she wrote three-part harmonies for the Stasimon, interludes between Episodes, for a six person core of the chorus (Lia Gugliotta, Tee Miller, Ella Hardy, Jay Allen, Grace Foley and Orly Agin), with dissonant harmonies that reflect the mood of the interludes. The full cast list is available on the Yoh Theatre website.
"In spite of the quotes I chose above, this is Greek Tragedy and does not end well!" notes Bender. "But our learning through this ancient storytelling propels us forward, strengthening our resolve to stand firm in our convictions, without violence."
Exploring climate change through the eyes of middle schoolers
Mrs. Bewick's structured literacy classes will be focusing on climate change. The book, Two Degrees by Alan Grantz is a story based on three different climate scenarios, Wildfires, Melting Tundra and Hurricanes.
Two Degrees explains the three different scenarios of climate change through the eyes of middle school student's. Our poster project is a way for our students to dive into the subject of climate change while gathering some background knowledge before reading the book as a class. Check out our beautiful poster collection in the hallway by the middle school gym.
Mr. Becker brings science to life
Eighth grade science teacher Ryan Becker engages students with his passion for science, turning abstract concepts into hands-on learning experiences. During their recent dry ice experiments, students observed solid carbon dioxide transform directly into gas, creating clouds of vapor throughout the classroom. Dr. Becker has taught in the middle school since 2004.
Library News!
In this week's From the Library Newsletter, learn about the next Young Adult Diverse Books Book Club's next book titled All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir, discover the Middle School Book Club book titled When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary by Alice Hoffman and get ready for the next Faculty/Staff Book Club by reading The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton. Please click here for more information and photos.
Please remember to return your overdue books, renew the books you need more time to read and pick out your new winter reads!
