This week, I am reminded that our year's theme is curiosity. As a school, we are committed to harnessing the power of inquiry and wonder all over campus. We've all asked ourselves what causes wide-eyed toddlers, curious about everyone and everything, to become less so over time. Why does that inquisitive nature fade for some while others keep it for life? Encouraging curiosity in older students is not always easy, but it is crucial if we hope to capitalize on the academic experience fully. As I walk the Upper School halls and visit classrooms, I am always proud of the work and learning I see. Educators are responsible for encouraging questions, exploration, and critical thinking. Doing so empowers older students to continue asking questions that lead to deeper understanding and lifelong learning. Our teachers are masters of their craft and strive to encourage students to do much more than memorize a set of facts or follow a series of steps to solve a math problem.

This week, Mrs. Webster's AP Environmental classes traveled to Lawson's Fork Creek (see photos below) to collect samples for examination and research. Dani Brauer, a student in the class, shared, "The experience at Lawson's Fork Creek fueled my passion for the environment. The point of the field trip was to study the macroinvertebrates that live in aquatic ecosystems around us. We saw mayfly nymphs, hellgramites, and even a crawfish. Also, I, along with a few other classmates, picked up all of the trash we saw to make the creek a better place for the previously mentioned macroinvertebrates." Thanks to Emma Bridges for sharing her photos.

Mrs. Shepard's Creative Writing students met with visiting artist and poet Vera Gomez. Ms. Gomez interacted with students in a workshop format to explore the world of poetry by reading and responding to works that defined the different boundaries sometimes faced in life. 

Above are just two examples of the continuous work of the caring and skilled Upper School faculty who strive to harness the power of curiosity and experiential learning. These rich experiences happen daily in and around Presnell, and I hope your children are sharing with you at the dinner table.

The Milliken lobby was abuzz today with bake sale activity. Interact raised funds to support their ongoing food pantry project. 

Next week, we begin with Picture Day on Monday and end with an SGA-sponsored Movie Night on Friday. The days in between are filled with college rep visits (please see the College Counseling Corner for the dates and schools) and athletic events. We will continue our preparations for the digital PSAT (October 11). Useful practice tools can be located here from the College Board.  Khan Academy also offers useful study tools here. 

Progress reports (all new to SDS students and any student with a grade of 76 or below) will be viewable in Renweb on Monday. Feel free to reach out to individual teachers with questions or concerns.

A reminder about available help sessions...

MAC Periods

Meetings Activities and Clubs period [MAC] are times when students can meet with clubs and complete missed work. Most importantly, MAC periods allow students to receive extra teacher help. There is a MAC period every morning before school and every day after school until 4 p.m. There are also MAC periods during the middle of the day on Monday and Wednesday. 

Please note that MAC periods before and after school are not mandatory. Students should make an appointment with their teacher if they wish to see them for a morning session. All teachers are available in the afternoon, barring extraordinary circumstances.

SAT prep continues this Sunday in the Seminar room from 1:00 - 3:00.

We look forward to celebrating with the Class of 2024 as they participate in Paint & Park this weekend. Driving in and seeing the parking space designs on Monday will be fun. Make sure to swing by and take a look at some point soon.

Enjoy the weekend and cooler weather!

Paige

Important Reminders and Upcoming Dates: