I’m guessing this: https://www.cee.org/apply-rsi
Yes. RSI is the Research Science Institute @ MIT. Its a free summer program. Takes 80 students worldwide. Major competition to get in- SO 3 from SPS is a big deal- all three of them graduated this year. 2 are going to MIT, one is taking a GAP year by choice. As a side note, one of them is also playing the cello on the Indigo Tapes. Talented kids!
If anyone wants to see the class of '17 President’s Graduation address it’s on their instagram or vimeo page. This is “the class” and I have to say they have handle it well, and come out swinging. My DD only has amazing things to say about the class President. Her speech was amazing and if my child can write and deliver anything like that in 4 years it will ALL be worth it!!!
Here’s the video and, yes, very nicely done: https://vimeo.com/221652481
thanks for attaching that doschicos.
Any idea what proportion of SPS students get testimonials?
@GoatMama What is a “testimonial” in this context? Thanks!
“St. Paul’s School recognizes outstanding work in the classroom through the granting of distinctions called Testimonials. Beginning in 2016-17 the criteria for Testimonials are:
• 1st Testimonials with Honor: SPS GPA of 6.5 or higher for the academic year.
• 1st Testimonials: SPS GPA of 5.5 or higher for the academic year.
• 2nd Testimonials: SPS GPA of 4.5 or higher for the academic year.”
https://sps.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/36/download/download_1765923.pdf
@GoatMama Thank you!
The SPS terminology is so different than what I’m used to. Particularly the grading - calling a “2” “High Pass” seems very odd when it seems to translate to what most schools would consider a D.
What is a reasonable grade expectation? Do the teachers curve to a median - and if so - which grade? My kids do best when realistic expectations are set but I have no clue as to what grade my son should be striving for (presumably a 7 is pretty tough to reach.)
They used to post a list of students, including any testimonials in the school’s annual report but stopped a few years back. Not sure why. I can’t really hazard a guess any longer because with the grading changes, it would no longer be accurate. Back then there was no average calculated. To be eligible for testimonials, you had to have all Hs or HHs depending on level. I’m kind of sad to see they have moved to a GPA calculation.
It seems that in the past, testimonials were earned by a little fewer than 50% of students. Not sure how it will be this year, with the introduction of the new criteria.
Before my kid started SPS, an older parent told me that as long as she avoids getting an HP she will be OK. So I guess an H would be a reasonable grade expectation? I’m just speculating. I know for sure that some teachers are harsher graders than others. And yes, it’s quite hard to get all HHs.
@goatmama She’ll be okay even if she gets an HP. I guess it depends on what your definition of “okay” is. 
But, yeah, I’m not liking the new system of points and plusses, and such. Just puts further emphasis and stress on grading, which IMO, really isn’t needed vs. learning for learning’s sake. Kids at this level feel enough competition and stress, often derived internally or from family sources without adding to it further.
Is there a Facebook (or other social media) group for new students at SPS? I thought I remembered seeing something about it in my son’s welcome email but we can’t seem to find it now and he’d like to join…
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Best to ask PEA. If there is, the link is not allowed here.
@HMom16, last year the new III Form students had Instagram/FB/Snapchat/WhateverLatestFad groups and communicated throughouts the summer, but it wasn’t school-initiated. The several SPS FB pages that I know of and follow are for all. It’s possible that someone has started something new this year specifically for new students. You may want to email Karen Woods and ask.
Do studnets go to home during mid-winter recess (February 2-5)? We live in west coast and wonder whether or not students go home or stay at the school.
Some go home if they live close. Plenty of students stay on campus.
No need to go home if home is too far. There are plenty of activities on campus, and the kids actually enjoy the much needed opportunity to catch on sleep and do nothing for once. My kid spent a day with the family of a local SPS friend, which was fun. Some parents visit their student at that time to spend time, take them shopping etc. That’s nice, because it places the burden of travel on the parent rather than the student, but there are MANY families who can’t afford such trips. Your kid will be in a very good company of you aren’t positioned to blow a couple of thousand dollars on a cross country trip.
Thank you, doschicos and GoatMama. My DD has never tried crew before but interested in trying it. She is taking instructional crew in fall. She wonders if she will be able to join the team in winter. or should she sign up for club crew?Is JV crew for experienced rowers only?
She can sign up for crew as a spring sport, without indicating a specific level. Before the season starts there will be tryouts, and she will be placed according to her skill level.