NFTH: January 13, 2020

• After my bi-weekly meeting with the Division Heads (which I always thoroughly enjoy as a “think tank” of independent school leaders), I was visited by Form 4 student Myrka Alvarez who was serving as head of Lower School for the day.  Throughout her day, Myrka met with virtually every member of the senior administration team, and she had prepared exceptionally thoughtful questions to ask each of us.  I would now feel good about leaving the leadership of our school in her great care!  Again, what a delight.
   
• During Upper School lunch, I saw a special student recognition:  Senior Thomas Garrett participated in and won the Jefferson Bank Investor Challenge, hosted by the University of the Incarnate Word's H-E-B School of Business and Administration.  The challenge consisted of attending one week of classroom instruction during the summer followed by a 20-week long stock market simulation, during which Thomas was able to nearly double his money (a 94% return!).  In the history of this program, Thomas’s gain was by far the most of any student.

Right before the Christmas Break, Kindergarten Teacher Jenny Graf’s class experienced the thrill of a sleigh ride with Santa and driving a team of reindeer in a snowy scene — all through the magic of virtual reality (VR)! 

With guidance and help from Lower School Librarian and Instructional Technologist Linda Wells, students in Room 6 enjoyed using the Lower School’s new VR glasses and immersion in a virtual world. 

When Mrs. Graf’s students returned to school, they made New Year’s resolutions (pictured in the slideshow on the right).  Here are a few:

• Keep my room clean all day and my toys.
• Build 20 Lego sets and get 40 packs of Pokémon.
• Play with my dog.
• Do things for others, like tying their shoes.
• Run more.
• Stop looking at my iPad.

It looks like Robert Fulghum could have been correct, maybe, all you need to know you do learn in Kindergarten. This marks the 25^th anniversary of his book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things, might be time for a re-read. Happy New Year!

This time of year is when many of us turn to looking at ways to improve our health.

According to recent studies, viewing art may hold the key for improved health, a more focused and creative mind, and as a way to change how one thinks about others. Viewing art also as the benefit of touching one's emotions. A recent article from FoodnHealth.org details the benefits of viewing art, and why attending art exhibitions should be an essential part of our lives.

This week marks the opening of the Upper School Art Show in the Coates-Seeligson Theater/Chapel galleries and the Marrs and Verna McLean Library Complex. The exhibition features the work of our Upper School artists, photographers, and sculptors. The exhibition runs through February 7.

We invite you to attend this exhibition to see how the arts can improve your health, mind, and soul.

At the Barons recent away basketball game against Brentwood Christian, senior Dane Huggins became the fourth member of the 1,000-point club on the Barons men’s varsity basketball team. The Athletics Department would like to congratulate Dane on reaching this tremendous milestone. Keep up the great work, and Go Barons!

As part of the Saint Mary’s Hall Strategic Plan, and the consistent drive to become a hub of education, the Physical Education Department hosted a six-hour professional development seminar for Lower and Middle School coaches. Educators from the 25 different local and area schools gathered in the Alonso Ancira Event Center to hear from one of the leading minds in the physical education field.

SMH flew in National Board Certified PE teacher, JD Hughes, to instruct the workshop. J.D. provides a challenging yet developmentally appropriate physical education learning environment striving for motor-skills and social-skills development, physical fitness and cognitive awareness as recognized by SHAPE America National Standards.

J.D. has published five books and produced four related DVDs including No Standing Around in My Gym, PE2theMax, PE2theMax II, PE², HyPEd Up, and HyPEd Up II. He has been the featured presenter and co-presenter at more than 140 local, state, and national workshops and conventions sharing his ideas and enthusiasm for teaching with thousands of physical educators.

SMH Associate Athletic Director Katrina Benoist said, “Our coaches had a great time learning new concepts and ideas while getting to participate in some very fun activities. It will enhance our PE curriculum as we introduce the activities to our students.”

Saint Mary’s Hall takes pride in offering professional coaches to our community. Having our coaches on campus and participating in professional development is just one way we strive to have best practices on a daily basis.

Check out this video of the day of training.

Health and Wellness starts this semester with the Upper School!

Health and Wellness Educator Amelia Teodosio began the first lesson with a simple activity where students talked about their family values and upbringing, and how that affects their current health. 

One student said, “I’m glad we have this class. You get to learn about each other, and that everyone goes through the same things. Sometimes I see people all happy, and getting As, but I don’t realize they have similar problems like I do.”

We are looking forward to a great year of learning more about ourselves and each other!