Prep Talk

Our much-loved BUDEE program (Be Understanding, Dedicated, Empathic, and Enthusiastic) features a monthly theme for the community to focus on, and for November, the theme is Gratitude.

When the BUDEE classes met this month, students were eager to share the contents of the Gratitude Bags they made at home. The objects they chose reflected their diverse personalities and families. Some included family photos. Some brought treasured stuffed animals. One brought a tennis shoe to represent a love of sports. Students of all ages embraced the opportunity talk about the people, places, and things for which they are grateful. Teachers had a choice in how they extended the lesson. One teacher created a gratitude jar for both groups while another took students to pick up trash around the school.

What is clear at each BUDEE class is just how much the children appreciate the time to be together. The classrooms come alive with laughter and conversation. Older students are grateful for the opportunity to lead, and the younger kids love hanging out with the “big kids.”

Click here to see our Facebook post with BUDEE pictures and here for 10 ideas on how to raise grateful kids.

 

Admission season is in full swing, and our next Open House is on Sunday, November 18 at 2 p.m. in the Gymnasium. Word-of-mouth is our most powerful marketing tool. Why? Because at a smaller school like ours, the joy experienced here every day can best be shared by your stories. Stories like the tiny kindergartener bringing down the house at the Talent Show with her adorable rendition of “This Little Light of Mine.” Or the capable Middle School students leading younger classmates through the exciting games and exhibits at Spooky STEM Night. Or Head of School Eddie Mensah slipping away from his desk to play a few minutes of soccer during fourth-grade recess. Continue reading “Share Your Story”

Last summer, Head of School Eddie Mensah recommended the Prep community read Unselfie. Today, in the latest “Two Minutes with Eddie” video, he talks about why it matters.

By Kelly Crum, Communications Manager

One of the many blessings of a smaller school is the ease with which teachers can collaborate. Middle School Language Arts teacher Katherine Slayton and Music and Band teacher Katie Kilroy recently teamed up to provide fifth grade English Language Arts students an engaging lesson to cap off their study of Appalachian literature.

“As part of this study, we explored the context of Appalachian history and culture, and we also listened to bluegrass music and analyzed lyrics to some classic country music such as ‘Country Roads’ by John Denver and ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ by Loretta Lynn,” Mrs. Slayton says.

She worked with Ms. Kilroy to expand this lesson by inviting two local musicians, guitarist Greg Clarke and fiddler Phil Dowis, to come and tell about their instruments and perform classic bluegrass. Ms. Kilroy, a talented and versatile musician in her own right, joined the visitors to play the banjo. Continue reading “Beautiful Bluegrass”