Coming Soon to an Inbox Near You

• 90 trillion – The number of emails sent on the Internet in 2009.
• 247 billion – Average number of email messages per day.
• 1.4 billion – The number of email users worldwide.
• 100 million – New email users since the year before.
• 81% – The percentage of emails that were spam.
• 92% – Peak spam levels late in the year.
• 24% – Increase in spam since last year.
• 200 billion – The number of spam emails per day (assuming 81% are spam).

These statistics are from 2009, so we can only imagine what the numbers might be in April 2012!

I am, therefore, pleased to let you know that – if you have children in more than one division – you will receive only one Friday email from the school. Starting on April 20, Tower Weekly will provide a streamlined, one-stop location for school news and information. Many thanks to the PA leadership for their input.

This one email – with prominent links to the three current division e-newsletters (Friday Folder, Friday Footnotes, and Upper School Update) and to the Wildcat Week in Review – will also feature important all-school information that would usually be repeated in all three division e-newsletters.

Additionally, you’ll be able to find quick links to recent school news stories and updates, as well as information about the 1:1 Program as it becomes available, among other items.

I hope you enjoy the format. Happy reading!

“Hello, Dolly!” Brings Audiences to Their Feet

“You must see it!”

After seeing the recent Upper School production of “Hello, Dolly!” Rosie Lyons, Head of Upper School, sent out an email to faculty and staff singing the praises of this outstanding performance.

My expectations were raised but I’m delighted to tell you they were not only met but exceeded. Congratulations to our Upper School players and our talented faculty who helped bring this piece to the stage!

Performing arts are an important part of a USM education. Beginning in Middle School, students are required to take drama courses where they learn how to express themselves, build self confidence, and continue to develop their presentation skills. Two shows are performed during the school year; this year, Middle School students presented “Treasure Island” in the fall, and in May “Guys and Dolls” will come to life onstage.

The Upper School drama program adds to this foundation and stages two drama productions each year—in fact, the fall Upper School performance of “The Liar” was named one of the "All-State" shows at the Wisconsin State Theatre Festival at UW-Whitewater and a cast member won an individual Outstanding Acting award.

Whether you had the opportunity to experience the live “Hello, Dolly!” or not, I’m sure you’ll enjoy these photographs on USM’s website and on Facebook.

This will be my last blog post before spring break. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our school families a wonderful two weeks. I look forward to seeing you back on campus at the beginning of April.