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Third Form

Mathematics - Third Form

Third Form Mathematics is a full year course. Students are introduced to problem solving and students review basic math vocabulary and skills: whole number skills, fractions, decimals, percents, customary and metric measurements, multiplication and division, addition and subtraction, ratios, proportions, perimeter, area, volume, number lines, operations with signed numbers, and rational and irrational numbers. Once they have demonstrated mastery of these skills, they study beginning algebra which includes: algebraic vocabulary, expressions, variables, solution of linear equations algebraically and graphically, order of operations, exponential forms, and inequalities.
History - Third Form

Third Form History is a full year course and covers three topics: Eaglebrook history, and the ancient civilizations of both Greece and Rome. Students read from texts and supplement those texts by reading works of fiction that relate to the time period. Students are asked to draw connections between the material they are studying, their Eaglebrook experiences, and their personal lives. Class discussions often center on current events that help students understand the connection between studying history, their own lives, and the historical importance of geographical place and physical space. Students take notes, do nightly written homework, and take frequent tests based on their notes and reading. By the end of the year, the goal is for Third Formers to be able to analyze historical texts, trace cause-and-effect relationships, and generally develop the level of inquiry and academic focus necessary for lifelong learning and academic exploration.
English - Third Form

Third Form English focuses on developing the skills to write clearly, read literature effectively, use grammar correctly, and expand one’s vocabulary. Novels, plays, poems, and short stories are read and discussed. Students learn to annotate literature to help improve reading comprehension and an emphasis is placed on active reading. Throughout the year, students write journals, paragraphs, poems, and short stories with a focus on improving each student’s understanding of grammar, mechanics, and syntax. Vocabulary is studied through literature-based words and the Wordly Wise program. Literature, both fiction and nonfiction, is studied in connection with the era being studied in history as well as the topics learned in science.

Texts used in the Third Form during the past few years

Tangerine by Edward Bloor

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

The Phantom Tollbooth: A Children’s Play in Two Acts by Susan Nanus

Lost Trail: Nine Days Alone in the Wilderness by Donn Fendler

The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin
Field Trips - Third Form

Field Trips are weekly occurrences for Third Formers and serve to enrich the studies in history and science.
Spanish - Third Form

This course, required for all Third Form students, provides a structured introduction to the Spanish language and culture. Through engaging and interactive activities, students will acquire a foundation in basic vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills to allow them to communicate in everyday situations. This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for further language learning, develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish, and gain cross-cultural awareness and appreciation.
Science - Third Form

Third Form Science is a full year course that focuses on observation and inquiry based learning. Topics of study include: the classification of trees and dendrology, invasive species, exposure to chemistry and physics, and field work in the area to support these topics. At the end of the year, the students’ final project consists of a comprehensive report relating their fieldwork to the topics covered during the year. Students keep notebooks that become both a resource and a record of their studies through the year in science. Being able to clearly communicate one’s thinking, both verbally, in writing, and in diagrams is an important part of Third Form Science.
Woodworking - Third Form

As is tradition at Eaglebrook School, all Third Formers take a woodworking elective. The goal of the course is to introduce sixth graders to the fundamentals of woodworking and assist them in the development of basic skills. Emphasis is placed on the responsible and safe use of both hand and power tools and on proper woodshop conduct. A cooperative atmosphere is maintained and overall good citizenship is stressed. Projects are designed sequentially so that the students are able to build upon their skill set and gain increased confidence in the areas of applied art.

Shappy LaPointe

Assistant Head, Dean of Student Life and Inclusion; Third Form

(413) 774-9165

Sweet Briar College - B.A.

slapointe@eaglebrook.org
Bio
After seventeen years as a Mathematics Department faculty member, Shappy is now one of the lead teachers for the Third Form, with her main subject areas being math and science. She is also an Assistant Head, Dean of School Life. She also coaches the Ski Patrol in winter, modeling alert attention, and the importance of an observant state of mind on the ski hill and assists the Outdoor Program in the spring.

Though much of Shappy’s day is spent with the Third Formers, she makes time for her other responsibilities that serve the entire student body. Her role as a coordinator of the weekend activity lets her apply her master organizing skills. If a faculty member has an idea for a special off-campus trip or on-campus activity, Shappy is the one to check in with.

After living raising her three kids in the dormitories, Shappy and her husband call Shelburne, MA home. The land on which their home sits lends itself to raising various animals while making for a happy playground for their dog. Shappy spends her summers in Maine and during breaks from school she enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends.
Zachary Mandell

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach

Rollins College - B.A.
University of Central Florida - M.A.

zack.mandell@eaglebrook.org
Bio
An Eaglebrook alumnus (2000), Mr. Mandell has been an educator for the past 7 years. He graduated with his Associate of Arts from Bard College at Simon’s Rock, and his Bachelor of Arts from Rollins College. Before becoming an educator, he worked in the film and television industry in several different roles assisting the production. He earned his Master’s of Arts in Rhetoric and Composition from the University of Central Florida and immediately moved to Massachusetts with the intent to pursue a career in independent school education. His interests and hobbies lie in geek culture and a love of gaming (digital and in-person), graphic novels, and film. He is an avid runner, an amateur chef, and an enthusiast of the written word.
Karinne Syers

(413) 774-9217

Brooklyn College - MFA
Hampshire College - BA
Mountain View High, CA
CUNY Graduate Center - PhD

karinne.syers@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Karinne joined Eaglebrook in 2023 and teaches Third Form English and science, serves as an adjunct advisor with Nick Sadnytzky, and co-directs the school's theater program. Prior to Eaglebrook, she taught English, playwriting and theater-making at Amherst College, New York University, Bard Microcollege, and Mount Holyoke College, among others. Karinne earned a B.A. in from Hampshire College, an M.F.A. in Playwriting from Brooklyn College, and a Ph.D. in English with a Certificate in American Studies from the City University of New York. She is an alum of New Dramatists, and her work in performance has been recognized with both OBIE and BESSIE Awards.
Angela Trimbach-Rios

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor, Dorm Head

Occidental College - B.A.
West Virginia University - M.A.

atrimbachrios@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Angela is a member of the World Languages department where she teaches Spanish. She also offers some fun electives, two of which are knitting and Ghosts. Angela lives in Taylor House with her husband Rob and their two daughters, Sophie and Isabella. There is also quite a menagerie taking up residence in their dorm apartment consisting of four cats, three fish, and a frog.

Angela loves to read and particularly enjoys Latin American literature. She also has a passion for repurposing items for use in their house. Angela shared that her repurposing hobby keeps Mr. T-R busy lending a hand, and he may not quite enjoy having lots of projects lined up. Angela claims that while not very talented, she is always teaching herself new crafts. It seems to be contagious in the household because both of her daughters make her proud when they bring one of their own ideas from the design stage right through to completion.
Dylan Weichselbaumer

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor

dylan.weichselbaumer@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Dylan is a member of the History department, where he teaches Third Form classes. After attending Eaglebrook (2016), he graduated from Pomfret School (2019), and then received his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from The University of Rhode Island (2023). Dylan is a dormitory advisor in Taylor House, while also serving as a coach for the varsity soccer and hockey teams. In his spare time, Dylan enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time in Cape Cod.