During a recent field trip to the United Nations (UN), fourth graders expanded their understanding of global citizenship and international cooperation. They learned about refugees, who they are, why people are forced to leave their homes due to war or persecution, and the challenges they face when seeking safety, thus building empathy and recognizing the importance of supporting displaced communities. Students also learned about the history of the UN's founding after World World II, sat in the impressive General Assembly Hall, and explored the UN’s Women's Center.  Ms. Nia Watson, teacher, shared that “students learned why it is important to stand up for fairness and justice, and how each of us has a role in fighting for world peace… This experience ties directly into our annual World Peace Game, where [fourth graders] work together to solve global problems. The game encourages teamwork, collaboration, and compromise, challenging students to develop thoughtful solutions in peaceful ways. Through [these experiences], students see that creating peace requires communication, cooperation, and a shared commitment to positive change.” 

Cheers to our Upper School (US) Odyssey of the Mind Team, which recently competed in a regional tournament and earned entry to the State Finals. Odyssey of the Mind, a student-led competition, bridges STEAM and the performing arts. The team took first place in the tourney’s “Spontaneous” event, where they had seven minutes to collaborate and solve a surprise critical thinking challenge. In the “Style” event, the team earned the highest score in their division, highlighted by a hand-sewn costume and sophisticated viola, keyboard, and vocal trio performance. In the “Long-Term Problem Performance” event, Colleen Larionoff, Innovation Coordinator/ faculty advisor noted, “The team displayed immense grace, perseverance, and accountability. Their ability to support one another despite technical setbacks earned high praise from the judges and was a true testament to their character.” Special shoutout also to Head of School Dr. CW for joining as a team chaperone! To the entire team: good luck at States! 

The Middle School recently hosted its annual Diversity Day, facilitated by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). The program sets aside scheduled classes for the day to engage students in presentations, workshops, and other activities that allow them to explore different cultures, encourage dialogue across differences, and have fun along the way. The goal is to “build community and embrace our diversity,” said Ms. Simone Henry Agblonon, Assistant Director of DEIB (LS/MS). The day began with guest speaker Dr. Mykee Fowlin, who blended humor, performance art, storytelling, and psychology to share personal stories about identity. Next, students separated into their assigned workshops on topics such as embracing your authentic self led by Dr. Fowlin, baking hamantashen cookies as part of the Jewish holiday of Purim, making rainbow bracelets to celebrate LGBTQIA+ identities, sampling cross-cultural rice preparations, basket weaving, yoga, and sports. There was also an Advisory scavenger hunt, a global dance party, and end-of-day snacks provided by Chef Alex and team, representing different regions of the world. Matilda W. ’32, who especially enjoyed the yoga workshop, said the biggest thing she took away from Diversity Day was “hearing about all the different things that people experience, such as bullying” because of their identity. Sadie L. ’32 said that through this program, she learned that “even if you’re different, you still belong.” Our thoughts exactly!