Bard School

Parents, students and visitors who enrolled in the first “Knowledge College” at BHSEC on Saturday, Feb. 6, have given the program high marks.

The four-hour afternoon event, offered as an innovative fundraiser, featured seminars and classes on topics ranging from solid waste disposal to creative writing to teen psychology. BHSEC principal Ray Peterson described the event as “an exciting opportunity for the public and the BHSEC community to join one another in the inquiry of ideas and knowledge.” Despite the cold and snow, Florence Nash, one of the Knowledge College organizers, reported that 137 people paid $50 a ticket (in advance; $60 at the door) for two courses, selected from a total of 12 offerings.

“ I did not think it would be THAT good,” said the father of a BHSEC applicant. “This event exceeded my expectations by far.” Other attendees described the classes as “engaging and intimate,” as well as “inspiring and thought-provoking.” One noted that it was particularly interesting “to see the teachers in action.”

Another of the coordinators for the event, Suzanne Rauffenbart, said one goal was to give the school’s “exceptional faculty” an opportunity “ to showcase their passions.” Faculty for the day included BHSEC faculty, parents of current and former BHSEC students, and a current student. One Knowledge College attendee singled out the Film Noir course: “I really enjoyed the comparison between old films and TV.”

Jean Chan, Operations Coordinator, assembled an enthusiastic group of volunteers to provide plenty of food and snacks to fuel the conference-goers, who filled the school’s halls and classrooms from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Knowledge College not only helped to showcase BHSEC, but also gave parents the opportunity to meet and mingle. Prospective parents also weighed in: “This is the perfect event for this particular school,” one said. “What a showcase of talents.”

Article contributed by: Moira Bailey, parent of Liam, 9^th grader.

PS: The PTA raised $8,015, a success for the event’s first year.