NFTH: September 16, 2019
- From the Head of School
- All-School
- Upper School
- Middle School
- Lower School
- Fine Arts
- Athletics
- Chapel Corner
- Healthy at the Hall
From the Head of School
From the Head of School
Dear Saint Mary's Hall Community,
As a school, we've already celebrated some exceptionally strong outcomes! Consider:
Upper School
Congratulations to our five National Merit Semifinalists from the Class of 2020, a distinction based on truly exemplary PSAT results! This is the largest group of Semifinalists from any independent school in and around San Antonio. In fact, the City of San Antonio only has 28 named Semifinalists, 18% of whom are from Saint Mary's Hall. There is only one very large public school in the area that can that can claim more Semifinalists than SMH; a testament to our exceedingly strong academic program, committed and expert faculty, and the determination and talent of our students. Well done, Aidan Campbell, Shilpa Gunuganti, Sam Hernandez, Victoria Kim, and JD Walls! In addition to being highly distinguished scholars, these five students also lead our school through arts, athletics, and service.
Middle School
This summer, two Middle School teams each spent a week on the road competing at national tournaments. The Middle School Latin team, headed by Middle School Latin Teacher Raoul Nicoll, attended the 2019 National Junior Classical League Convention at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, where they competed against 1,100 students from 29 states. Our students placed 1st - 5th in multiple events and 6th-10th in many more. This team was also named the Texas State Junior Classical League champions in April for the third year in a row. The Middle School Speech Team and their coach, Middle School Speech and Drama Teacher Rachel Warnecke, traveled to Dallas to compete at the Speech and Debate Association’s National Tournament, after being named the Texas State Junior Forensic League champions in April. The team was awarded the Speech and Debate School of Excellence honor as one of the top three speech and debate teams in the nation! Both teams were competing against public and private schools from across the United States for these high honors.
Lower School
Saint Mary's Hall had five - count 'em! - five students named as National Youth Storytellers! Two weeks ago they traveled to Utah to perform in front of crowds larger than 1,000 people at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. Public speaking and poise in front of an audience is a precious skill that is instilled throughout Saint Mary's Hall, even beginning with our youngest students!
Continued success!
God bless Saint Mary’s Hall, our students, and their families.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Eades
Head of School
All-School
All-School
Meet Our SMH Community
Throughout the school year, we will profile a member of the Saint Mary’s Hall community in every edition of News From the Hall.
This week, we asked Karl Sanjana (Form 11), brother of SMH students, Ferzine (Form 9) and Mazreen (Form 6), to tell us a little about himself.
I joined Saint Mary’s Hall in Form 4. From the time I was little, I enjoyed all the opportunities that this school has given me.
After learning about Greek and Roman Mythology with Mrs. Queen in Form 4, I developed a passion for the Latin language and Roman culture. I went on to pursue Latin and I am still learning new things from it every day. I won multiple awards in Latin, both on campus and during Certamen tournaments and Latin Area and State Conventions. I won awards for Latin Mottoes and Abbreviations, Pentathlon Exams, and Nation Latin Exams. Latin has definitely been a positive aspect of my life.
In Lower School music class, I loved to play with the large congas and plastic tubes, which eventually convinced me that I should join Beginning Band in Middle School and rock the drums. Since Form 6, I have played in Beginning, Concert, and Jazz Band, playing amazing pieces all under the instruction of Mr. Docwra. I have travelled with Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra to San Francisco and Boston, where I saw amazing sights and made great friends and memories. In Form 8, I won the Jazz Band Award. Jazz Band has been the rhythm in my heart, and I thank the Fine Arts Department and Mr. Docwra for such a fantastic program.
As a member of a priestly family that follows the Zoroastrian religion, I spend a lot of time outside of school practicing my faith. In Form 7, I took a leave of absence for the month of December to become ordained as a Zoroastrian priest. In order to be ordained, I stayed in a fire temple, also known as an agiari, to purify the soul, body and mind. In the agiari, I was in total isolation from the world and restriction from family interaction. After weeks of preparation and praying, I performed a two-hour ceremony in which I recited numerous prayers. Following this, I was officially ordained. Since I have attained priesthood, I have officiated two marriages and performed two thread ceremonies, in which my dad and I introduce a new member, in this case my sister, into the Zoroastrian faith. For the San Antonio tricentennial, my father and I were invited to speak about the faith itself, and to pray for our city's prosperity and wellbeing.
During the entirety of my Upper School, I have served on the Community Service Council. My passion for giving back to the community inspired me to run for the council, and all three years I've been elected by my peers. On the council, we create various projects for the students of the school to partake in, helping students to achieve the hours they need to graduate. My service for the community, such as helping take care of the elderly at Season's Alzheimer's Center, has enabled me to win Gold Presidential Service Awards from Form 8 to Form 10.
However, not all my service projects are outside the school. As a member of Boy Scouts in Troop 496, I have been on track to achieve the Eagle Scout rank. To become an Eagle Scout, one must demonstrate great leadership qualities, earn multiple merit badges and create a project that benefits the community. To give back to the school that has given me so many opportunities, whether it be the amazing teachers, the jaw-dropping expeditions, or the friendships made, I decided that my Eagle Project should be to refurbish the entire Lower School basketball court. I remember the thrills of playing Knock-Out in Lower School. Because of Lower School recess, I began to enjoy the sport of basketball, both on and off the court. To accomplish my goal, I gathered my SMH friends and family, and over a weekend during the summer, we power-washed and painted the court. Seeing the Form 1-5 students play using the lines gave me a great sense of appreciation of the school and its values.
I prioritize my workload and activities. While extracurricular activities are important, academics come first. I’ve learned not to procrastinate harder tasks. By prioritizing harder classes and assignments, I have the time after school to go and talk to teachers if I need help. Office hours at SMH help us in a way that no other school would. Our teachers are here to help us learn, succeed in life, and will do anything to ensure we grow and prosper. Going after school not only saves time on difficult assignments, but also provides us a leg-up for the next day! Everyone should take advantage of our resources and utilize Office Hours after school. Office Hours are also very helpful for students without a free period. They have been very beneficial for me.
As a junior, my time at Saint Mary's Hall is almost over, and I look forward to cherishing every moment I spend with my friends, teachers, and coaches. Being at Saint Mary's Hall has been an incredible journey, and I want to thank the school for helping me flourish to become the person I am today.
Baron Reflections: Top 10 Things I Learned in High School
Baron Reflections is an educational blog dedicated to providing a plethora of valuable advice from our community of experts on topics such as parenting, academics, technology, and wellness.
In our most recent blog post, SMH is excited to feature one of our alumni from the Class of 2017. Margaret Clement reflects on how what she learned in high school has helped her succeed in college. Read her blog, Top 10 Things I Learned in High School.
If you like this blog, be sure to subscribe to Baron Reflections by visiting www.smhall.org/news/baronreflections. Instructions to subscribe are located on the right-hand side of the web page.
Upper School
Upper School
AP Bio Students “Spud-Y” Cell Membranes
Upper School Science Teacher Dr. Jamie Holbrook’s AP Biology students studied transport across the cell membrane using potato cores.
They had a mission to figure out the actual carbohydrate concentration of the potato by using various sugar solutions and graphing the percent gain or loss of water from the potato. They also investigated a scenario involving a sailor stranded on an island who had access to sugar water and salt water. Students had to figure out which would dehydrate the sailor the fastest by observing how water behaved in the presence of salt and sugar solutions. Super cool and colorful lesson!
Cell Biology Studies … Well, Cells!
On September 9, Upper School Science Teacher Kristen Polito’s Cell Biology students conducted a lab investigation where they practiced their skills using light microscopes to examine various cell types to identify structural similarities and differences. Students examined both commercially made slides, as well as wet-mount slides they made themselves. They practiced specimen preparation and stain application of wet mount slides to better view internal structures. They then provided sketches of their findings, with appropriate structure labeling and further analyzed their results. Some of her students used their cell phones to snap pictures through their microscope lenses. The photos above are courtesy of Fletcher Spear (Form 11) and Sean Mulrow (Form 11).
Supporting Reverend Gunnin’s Deployment
All-School Chaplain Rev. Dr. Cameron Gunnin and the team of Chaplains working with him are carrying out the distribution of care packages each week in their location. To let Cameron and his teammates know we are holding them close in thought and prayer, we are holding a Support Our Troops drive today through September 20. We invite you to drop off donations in the Upper, Middle, or Lower School Offices or at the reception desk in the Administration Building.
Rev. Gunnin says these items are particularly helpful:
- Individual, small size, laundry detergent packets are really needed. Many people don’t realize that after basic military training, service members must buy their own uniforms, laundry detergent, etc.
- Personal hygiene items, especially soap, toothbrushes, dental floss, shampoo, tissues, disposable razors, cotton swabs, etc. Travel size items are best. No aerosol cans please!
- Protein/energy bars are a huge hit.
Other helpful items are:
- Cotton socks and underwear. Make sure the garments are made of 100 percent cotton rather than a cotton blend. Items for men and women are both appreciated. White, black, or olive drab green are best.
- Powdered drink mix, such as lemonade, tea, or a sports drink.
- Hard containers of chips, pretzels, or nuts. Nothing that will melt. Bagged treats are not as stable as items in boxes and tins.
- Writing materials: notepaper, envelopes, pens, pencils, and stamps.
- Reading materials: paperback books, current magazines, and comic books.
- Word games and puzzles: crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles.
Personal notes and cards for Rev. Gunnin, or general ones addressed to whomever may receive the gift, may also be dropped off for inclusion in the packages.
Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation towards the postage of these items is welcome to contact me directly at sdouglas@smhall.org or (210) 823-7020.
Election Results
Congratulations to the newly elected council members and lead ambassadors for the 2019-2020 school year. Special kudos to new Student Body President Yash Pamar (Form 12). Click here to view the full election results. Prior to the elections, Director of Student Activities Mark Remington spoke to all of the candidates, reminding them of campaigning rules. Students got creative with the signs they posted around the Peggy Pitman Mays Dining Hall prior to the elections.
2020 Global Trips Still Open for Registration!
Interested in travelling in 2020? Grab your passport and join SMH for unique travel opportunities this coming year:
- Cultural Exchange in Japan 2020 – Come join us as we travel to Tokyo to visit SMH’s sister school, Keimei Gakuen, and experience all that Japan has to offer! This trip falls during part of spring break (trip dates are March 4 – 10, 2020) and is open to all current Upper School students Forms 9 – 12.
- Arts and Languages in Italy, France, and Spain 2020 – Put your language skills to work and pack your bags for what promises to be an immersive cultural experience! With Rome, Nice, and Barcelona as home bases, SMH will participate in hands-on arts and cooking workshops in all three countries as well as visiting amazing sites and getting a view of daily life. This trip will take place June 6 – 19, 2020 and is open to all current World Language and Cultures and Fine Arts students in Forms 9 – 11.
SMH will host an informational meeting for both of these trips on Thursday, September 26 at 6pm in the Prichard Classroom. We hope to see you there, and if you have any questions, please reach out to Prentice Huntington Miller & Reid Huntington Miller Endowed Chair in World Languages and Cultures Laura Renard at lrenard@smhall.org.
Form 11 Students Dive Into Interdisciplinary Research
New this year for students in Upper School English Teachers Breanne Hicks’ and Megan Soukup’s American Literature and Composition course is an Interdisciplinary Evaluative Argument Essay. In the spirit of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay, Self-Reliance, students are charged with evaluating “an American individual who ‘stun[s] and astonish[es] the intruding rabble of men and books and institutions’ by ‘insisting on [himself/herself].’’ This deep dive research and exploratory education requires students to examine their subject from at least three separate disciplines. It is also exactly the type of assignment they will see in college, especially in courses requiring a thesis. Ms. Soukup and Ms. Hicks have proudly displayed students’ projects on the glass wall in the upper level of the Marrs and Verna McLean Library Complex.
The Week Ahead
For a look at everything that's happening in the Upper School this week (including college visits to SMH, varsity and JV games, important assemblies, meetings, and upcoming birthdays), please read The Week Ahead.
Faculty Spotlight
We have four faculty spotlights from the Upper School this week. We hope you enjoy getting to know us a little bit better through these informal, quick interviews.
Upper School Science Teacher Justina Vidal (Chemistry - AP and Honors)
Justina (pronounced like “Hoo-Steena”) Vidal came to SMH from Johnson High School in 2012. Before that, she earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at Austin in Human Biology with an emphasis in Pathogenosis and Immunity. She also got a Bridging Disciplines Certificate in Social Inequality and Health. Never one to feel she has learned enough, Justina is currently in the process of wrapping up a master’s degree in chemistry and life sciences from the University of Maryland.
Justina met her husband Joey while taking Capoeira classes (that’s martial arts, folks), and she hopes to travel to Brazil someday. Her favorite restaurant in San Antonio is Guajillo’s where she enjoys the bistec tacos and fideo. One thing Justina hopes to never repeat is the weeks of mouth pain she and her then fiancé, Joey, endured (including the days leading up to their wedding) after bleaching their teeth for two hours.
Upper School English Teacher Megan Soukup (Rhetoric, Composition, Literature, and AP English Literature)
Megan Soukup grew up in an Air Force family, so she does not claim anywhere in particular as home, but San Antonio feels like home now. She went to the University of Houston for her undergraduate degree in political science with a minor in Italian, and then got a Master of Arts with a concentration in poetry from Texas State University. Megan joined SMH in 2008, which is also the year of her favorite SMH memory. At the end of that first year, her students surprised her by transforming her classroom into a tropical paradise, perfect for a party.
Megan’s favorite book is Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. Her dream job apart from being an English teacher would be a makeup artist, which jives perfectly with the fact that, apart from her students and English Department colleagues, none of them would know that each year she goes to a horror movie fest in Dallas called Texas Frightfest … and usually dresses up. One thing that Megan hopes to never do again is to eat a 100-year-old egg.
Upper School 2D Drawing & Design Logan Blanco (Drawing and Painting)
Logan Blanco grew up in the Netherlands, but now he considers San Antonio his home. He went to The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) for his Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art & Drawing and Painting, and he earned a minor in Art History. He went to Penn Academy of the Fine Arts for his master’s in painting. He started at SMH in 2014 and chose his best SMH memory to be the Drawing Marathon since it brought students from all divisions together. However, Logan also claims “being a fan of the absurd at lunch” as one of his best experiences.
Two things you might not know about Logan are: “I’m a great ping-pong player” and that he played baseball at UTSA, where he batted .275.
Logan’s favorite artist is Paul Cezanne because he was an “authentic, honest artist,” and Logan’s favorite book is Belarmino y Apolonio by Ramón Pérez de Ayala. When asked what he did during spring break of his senior year, he answered that after graduation he went to Italy where he carved Carrara marble, just like Michelangelo.
Upper School Social Studies Teacher Jane Mannock (AP U.S. Government, Psychology A, and Psychology B)
Jane Mannock is a San Antonio native and a graduate of L.E.E. High School. She attended Trinity University for her bachelor’s degree in history, but kept going to get seven teaching certificates in English, history, psychology, sociology, economics, political science, and geography. She parlayed her training and many interests into several different long-term substitute positions at SMH beginning in 1999: Advanced Topics in Composition, World Religions, Global Studies, British Literature, and U.S. Government.
Her best SMH memories stem from her annual Dead Psychologists Dinner wherein students research different contributors to the field of psychology, then adopt their personalities (along with one required prop, though many take it further and dress the part) and enjoy a round-table dinner with one another. The creative costumes along with hilarious portrayals make Jane laugh and appreciate her position every year.
Those who aren’t her students or Social Studies Department colleagues may not know that she’s an avid mountain biker, that her dream alternate job would be in public health, that her first car was a candy apple manual Volkswagon (bought that beauty for $1,700), and that what she hopes to never do again is to eat Vegemite.
Middle School
Middle School
French Discovery Class Celebrates French Culture Around the World
On September 9, Middle School World Languages Teacher Kristen Villalvazo’s French Discovery class invited parents and faculty to celebrate French-speaking countries around the world.
They presented their research on colorful display boards and brought in a delicious variety of foods from all around the world. Vive le Français!
Form 6 Social Studies Create Hieroglyphics
While learning about writing in the ancient world, Middle School Social Studies Teacher Joe Karpman’s Form 6 Social Studies students studied what was necessary for ancient cultures to create systems of writing and delved deeper into Egyptian hieroglyphics and the Rosetta Stone. To get hands on, students wrote messages in hieroglyphics on pieces of papyrus using charcoal ink and reed pencils.
Supporting Reverend Gunnin’s Deployment
All-School Chaplain Rev. Dr. Cameron Gunnin and the team of Chaplains working with him are carrying out the distribution of care packages each week in their location. To let Cameron and his teammates know we are holding them close in thought and prayer, we are holding a Support Our Troops drive today through September 20. We invite you to drop off donations in the Upper, Middle, or Lower School Offices or at the reception desk in the Administration Building.
Rev. Gunnin says these items are particularly helpful:
- Individual, small size, laundry detergent packets are really needed. Many people don’t realize that after basic military training, service members must buy their own uniforms, laundry detergent, etc.
- Personal hygiene items, especially soap, toothbrushes, dental floss, shampoo, tissues, disposable razors, cotton swabs, etc. Travel size items are best. No aerosol cans please!
- Protein/energy bars are a huge hit.
Other helpful items are:
- Cotton socks and underwear. Make sure the garments are made of 100 percent cotton rather than a cotton blend. Items for men and women are both appreciated. White, black, or olive drab green are best.
- Powdered drink mix, such as lemonade, tea, or a sports drink.
- Hard containers of chips, pretzels, or nuts. Nothing that will melt. Bagged treats are not as stable as items in boxes and tins.
- Writing materials: notepaper, envelopes, pens, pencils, and stamps.
- Reading materials: paperback books, current magazines, and comic books.
- Word games and puzzles: crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles.
Personal notes and cards for Rev. Gunnin, or general ones addressed to whomever may receive the gift, may also be dropped off for inclusion in the packages.
Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation towards the postage of these items is welcome to contact me directly at sdouglas@smhall.org or (210) 823-7020.
Health And Wellness Class – An Update from Ms. Ami Teodosio
Students learned puberty is a normal part of growing up. Homework for these lessons encourage students to talk to their parent or trusted adult about what can be an admittedly awkward subject. We hope that these lessons have spurred important discussions in your home as parents are the #1 protective factor in their children’s decisions to avoid risky behavior. That’s certainly good news!
Parents, if you are wondering what to say to your child, view this helpful resource.
The next lesson will be focused on mental health. Form 6 and Form 7 will focus on peer pressure and healthy, authentic relationships. Form 8 will identify particular mental-health challenges and how to help their friends and loved ones.
As always, feel free to contact Health and Wellness Educator Ami Teodosio if you have questions about the Health and Wellness course at (210) 483-9255 or ateodosio@smhall.org
Math 6 Classes Participate in Digital Scavenger Hunt
After watching a video to review basic fraction concepts and vocabulary, Middle School Math Teacher Missy Northington’s Form 6 Math students were assembled into groups of three or four students. Each group used an app called GooseChase, which can be found on the classroom set of iPads, to send responses to several “missions” assigned as part of the “Fraction Find” scavenger hunt. Examples of missions included taking a photo of exactly half of their group, using objects in the classroom to represent the fraction 7/8, and using all of their group members to represent a fraction of their choice.
Form 6 Field Trip to T Bar M
Form 6 students and faculty headed out to T Bar M Camps for a teambuilding fieldtrip. Students participated in a variety of fun (and sometimes wacky) games that required them to problem solve, communicate, and work on interpersonal skills. Throughout the day, they gained an appreciation for their classmates’ perspectives and got to know each other better.
Timpanogos Storytelling Festival
Form 6 student Sohan Bhakta took the stage at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, representing SMH, San Antonio, and Texas, as an official 2019 National Youth Storyteller. Sohan told a Thai folktale, The Freedom Bird, with a Texas twist, featuring his third cousin twice removed, that Univerity of Texas Longhorn fan, Billy Bob Bhakta. Sohan captivated an audience of 1,400, and professional storytellers were impressed not only with his performance, but also with the caliber of his written version of the tale.
As quoted from Simon Brooks, award winning storyteller, “We had a young man from Texas called Sohan Bhakta who completely nailed it. His timing was impeccable, his humour, wonderful and sharp and I have to say was a little nervous following him. He was brilliant and we need to keep an eye out for Sohan and the other Youth Tellers at Timpanogos!”
Sohan was accompanied by four storytellers from the Lower School who also received national honors. Read more in the Lower School section of News From the Hall.
Lower School
Lower School
Storytellers Receive National Recognition
Four Form 5 storytellers traveled to Utah to perform their stories and receive national recognition as National Youth Storytellers for 2019.
They performed at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, the second largest festival in the U.S., to crowds as large as 1,400. The Form 5 tellers are Divya Beeram, Jacob Kollars, and tandem tellers Saaya Mehta and Max Elmendorf. Sohan Bhakta (Form 6) was also a featured National Youth Storyteller. The storyteller team had eight parents, four grandparents, two sisters and one teacher, former Lower School Spanish Teacher Señora MaryAnn Blue, supporting them at the festival as their entourage. View photos from the event here!
Math Room Becomes a Construction Zone
Form 5 experienced their first room transformation in Math last week! The students were surprised to discover caution tape and construction signs on the windows and door of Form 5 Math Teacher Molly Carter’s classroom as they arrived at school. Upon entering the room, students were transformed into construction workers complete with badges, hard hats, tool belts, and various math tools. The classroom was transformed into a construction site, complete with construction-themed music. Form 5 construction workers moved through ten stations solving area and volume problems in a fun, engaging way. They practiced applying what they have been learning in math to real-life problems. Mrs. Carter said, “Plans for the next room transformation are underway!”
Engineering Moon Habitats
Form 3 students recently had an engineering challenge in which they were to construct a Moon Habitat using newspapers, a stapler and tape during Science class. After two days of some hard (and hot) team work, the teams successfully completed their habitats. Form 3 Science Teacher Mary Scherrer said, “It looks like there could be some engineers or astronauts in the future for the Class of 2029.” View a fun video of the engineering challenge here.
No Homework Night
The Lower School’s first No Homework Night was the first day of school. The remaining All School No-Homework Nights are listed below. It is the school’s hope that this gives you the freedom to set aside these evenings for family time.
- Thursday, September 26
- Tuesday, October 8
- Thursday, November 7
- Wednesday, December 4
- Friday, January 17
- Wednesday, February 26
- Wednesday, March 18
- Tuesday, April 21
News From the Library
Summer Reading Celebration
The Lower School Library’s annual Summer Reading Celebration will be in Morning Moments in the Extended Care (EC) Building on Friday, September 20 at 8am. Please join us! The library staff is excited to share the summer reading minutes and appreciate all of the dedicated readers at Saint Mary’s Hall. What a treat to love reading so much!
Collaboratory Now Open
The new Collaboratory, the Lower School Library redesigned computer lab, is now open and ready for students. One of the main functions of the Collaboratory is the flexible seating so that students can tinker and design with ease. The library staff arranged the furniture in one formation and then asked the Form 5 students to design another formation. Their ideas were very helpful because they were “thinking like students” and how they would be the most comfortable. The Collaboratory is open for both teachers and students. According to research, makerspaces were identified as one of the six important developments in recent educational practices.
Building a Foundation for Reading
Saint Mary’s Hall has a spiraling curriculum that builds each year. In the photo above, you can see Montessori student Travis Walker doing his beginning-sounds work during class. This is the beginning time for building the foundation for reading. Working with the Sandpaper Letters, children learn how the sounds they hear are written. Montessori emphasizes that writing comes first, then reading.
Parent-Teacher Conference Day
The Lower School is looking forward to Parent-Teacher Conferences this Thursday, September 19.
There is no school for Lower School students on that day. For their safety, Lower School children must be supervised by an adult at all times during conferences. SMH requests that you do not leave your children at benches or on the playground alone. Unattended children will be checked into Extended Care (EC) where you may pick them up after your conference time. For your convenience, Extended Care will be open for your Saint Mary's Hall student to attend during your conference time. In order for EC to staff accordingly, please click on the link below to reserve a time for your SMH student, which coordinates with your conference time. Please be aware that this is not a full day service, but is available during your conference time only.
Supporting Reverend Gunnin’s Deployment
All-School Chaplain Rev. Dr. Cameron Gunnin and the team of Chaplains working with him are carrying out the distribution of care packages each week in their location. To let Cameron and his teammates know we are holding them close in thought and prayer, we are holding a Support Our Troops drive today through September 20. We invite you to drop off donations in the Upper, Middle, or Lower School Offices or at the reception desk in the Administration Building.
Rev. Gunnin says these items are particularly helpful:
- Individual, small size, laundry detergent packets are really needed. Many people don’t realize that after basic military training, service members must buy their own uniforms, laundry detergent, etc.
- Personal hygiene items, especially soap, toothbrushes, dental floss, shampoo, tissues, disposable razors, cotton swabs, etc. Travel size items are best. No aerosol cans please!
- Protein/energy bars are a huge hit.
Other helpful items are:
- Cotton socks and underwear. Make sure the garments are made of 100 percent cotton rather than a cotton blend. Items for men and women are both appreciated. White, black, or olive drab green are best.
- Powdered drink mix, such as lemonade, tea, or a sports drink.
- Hard containers of chips, pretzels, or nuts. Nothing that will melt. Bagged treats are not as stable as items in boxes and tins.
- Writing materials: notepaper, envelopes, pens, pencils, and stamps.
- Reading materials: paperback books, current magazines, and comic books.
- Word games and puzzles: crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles.
Personal notes and cards for Rev. Gunnin, or general ones addressed to whomever may receive the gift, may also be dropped off for inclusion in the packages.
Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation towards the postage of these items is welcome to contact me directly at sdouglas@smhall.org or (210) 823-7020.
Fine Arts
Tobin Fine Arts School
Director's Corner
On September 3, members of the SMH Instructional Technology, Science, and Fine Arts Departments attended a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) workshop at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The workshop was entitled "The A In STEAM: The Role Arts Integration Plays In San Antonio’s Classrooms, Community, and Corporate Culture." The presenters, Dr. Kimberly Stephenson, director of education at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, and Dr. Sarah Baray, CEO, PreK for SA, shared research demonstrating that the arts are a language model, which is necessary for children’s development. They stressed the need for schools to focus on developing creative thinking in their students and to lead lessons, which encourage students to generate original works that are authentic to their unique voices and visions. The “A” in STEAM is an approach to harness the creative potential of each student, within the math and science curriculums.
Drs. Stephenson and Baray stated in their presentation that for schools to prepare students for future jobs and careers, they must incorporate the arts in three ways: have dedicated classroom instruction of the arts for students every day; provide fieldtrip experiences for all students; and incorporate instruction of the arts into STEM classes, as well as other traditional classrooms. Saint Mary’s Hall is already fulfilling the mission outlined as essential in this workshop. Here’s how:
- At Saint Mary’s Hall, we have dedicated arts teachers in each of the arts disciplines. Every Lower School student receives arts instruction every day, with many students having the opportunity to take additional dance and private music lessons.
- Saint Mary’s Hall Lower School art students traditionally take fieldtrips every year to experience the arts at such places as the McNay Museum of Art, The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, and ArtPace’s Chalk It Up.
- Lower School Art Teacher Kellen Stanley is in the early stages of collaboration with Lower School Librarian/Instructional Technologist Linda Wells and Lower School Instructional Facilitator and Technologist Teri Bohlsen on a new STEAM lab in Lower School. Lower School Arts students created original works of art around the concept of STEAM, which will be used to welcome visitors to the future STEAM lab in the Lower School Library, called the Collaboratory. Ms. Stanley is also in process of cross-disciplinary planning with History and English teachers.
Ms. Bohlsen shared this article with the Lower School faculty last month: STEAM not STEM: Why scientists need arts training. I invite you to read the article to learn a little more about why SMH is a STEAM school, which takes our students into the areas of design and creative thinking. Saint Mary’s Hall is not only THE place in San Antonio for the study of traditional art making. Saint Mary’s Hall is a school that values creative thinking in all subject matters, which is an expanded curriculum that will encourage students to find connections that will serve them well beyond their school years.
Keep your eyes out for the STEAM lab in the Lower School Library area and stay tuned to News From the Hall for updates on all Lower School arts!
Artily yours,
Bethany Bohall
Wanda Wiley Atkinson Director of Fine Arts
Tobin Fine Arts School at Saint Mary’s Hall
bbohall@smhall.org
(210) 483-9253
Fine Arts Events
Theater/Chapel
Middle & Upper School Kaleidoscope
Theater/Chapel
Middle & Upper School Kaleidoscope
all day
Middle School Play and Winter/Spring Ballet Production Rehearsals Begin
Fine Arts Social Media
Check out the Fine Arts Instagram page. This account is a great way to get an up-close and personal look at the day-to-day excitement in these amazing, ever-buzzing programs. In addition, check out Saint Mary’s Hall main social media channels for more Fine Arts news
on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Athletics
Athletics
Girls Cross Country Takes 2nd Place at Saint Andrew’s School Invitational
The Barons’ cross country team headed to Austin to former SPC foe Saint Andrew’s to participate in the Saint Andrews School Invitational Cross Country Meet. It was a successful weekend with a 2nd place overall finish for the girls team, and an 11th place finish for the boys team against several larger UIL 5A and 6A schools.
The boys side was led by a couple of freshman who ran their very first 5K race and were able to secure new season best 5K times in under 20 minutes. Patrick Lang was the first Baron to come across the line at 19:27 and right behind him was Jonathan Largoza at 19:28. Not far behind was the third member of the team Matthew Garcia at 20:14. Wrapping up the top seven for the boys was Gian Avalos-Delgado at 22:44, Weston Bohne 22:55, Gabe Chbeir 23:18, and Jonathan Tubb 23:24. All solid times to start the 5K racing season as SMH looks for all the team's times to improve over the next several weeks as the temperatures go down and the level of training goes up!
In a smaller field in the varsity girls two-mile race, the lady Barons slugged it out on the course with local Austin school and distance powerhouse Austin Regents to come in a close second to them in the overall standings. Four lady Barons managed to finish in the top 15 to receive medals and were key to the team’s overall score of only 43 points. Freshman Julia Garcia led the way with a 14:44 for 4th place. A pair of lady Barons in Caroline Largoza in 10th 16:26, and Sarah Hernandez in 11th 16:31 were not far behind her. Jillian Spicer had to drive hard in a dash to the finish to secure 15th place at 17:08. The remaining runner's for the team were right behind her with Camila Navas finishing in 17:52 and Nikki Winter at 17:54.
Volleyball Consolation Champions
The Barons’ volleyball team captures the Consolation Championship in the San Antonio Christian September Showdown. After a long weekend of six matches, and some very difficult competition, the team was able to perceiver to capture the championship by defeating Corpus Christi Incarnate Word Academy in three sets. The girls look to continue their success as they move into district competition on Tuesday, September 17 against San Antonio Incarnate Word Academy at 6pm in the Booke Family Gym.
Show Baron Pride with a Letter Jacket
The next letter jacket fittings will be Thursday, October 17 at 3:15pm in the Team Room. Order packets will be arriving soon. Stay tuned for more information!
Varsity Field Hockey at Southwest Field Hockey Festival
The varsity field hockey team took the long trip to The Hockaday School in Dallas to participate in this year’s Southwest Field Hockey Festival. The annual Southwest Field Hockey Festival took place on September 7-8, and had teams traveling to Hockaday from all over the state. The girls faced some stiff competition, playing some of the stronger teams in the state. Coach Hilary Relyea stated, “This is the hottest festival I can remember, but the girls worked hard throughout the weekend and represented the school well. Very proud of them.”
Here are the weekend’s results:
- SMH 1- Episcopal School of Dallas 1
- SMH 1 - Fort Worth Country Day 4
- SMH 0 - Parish Episcopal School, Dallas 0
- SMH 0 - Greenhill School 4
- SMH 1 – The Oakridge School 2
- SMH 2 – Highland Park 1
College Corner
SMH is excited to share that C.C. Buford (Class of 2010) was named the head coach for the East Carolina University (ECU) women’s golf team. SMH Ahtletics caught up with Coach Buford, to get some of her insights on coaching, and memories of Saint Mary’s Hall.
Tell me a little about you athletics experience at SMH.
“Being a Baron is something I will always remember. From Form 6 field hockey all the way to standing on the podium my senior year at the SPC Golf Championships, wearing the SMH purple was a great honor. And I’m glad, after 9 years, I’ll get to wear purple again at ECU!”
How did you get into the college side of coaching?
“One of the reasons coaching seemed the natural fit after I quit playing is having competed in team sports growing up. I’ve always seen athletics as a group effort.”
"High school and college golf is in this really fun balance between being an 'individual sport,' while also in a team setting.”
“Being in an environment where you get to learn and share those experiences with your teammates around you is why I love getting to coach at the level that I do. 18-22 is such a tender age, and getting to be a small part of their greater journey of life is one of the most satisfying parts of my job, seeing them leave better than when they came in, in all facets of their life.”
Why do you believe athletics, in this case golf specifically, is so important to the growth of students?
“I believe sports is one of the greatest outlets where students can learn interpersonal skills, as well as internal reflection on how to be disciplined and motivated. There is an incredibly high level of integrity and calling the fouls on yourself in golf, and learning the patience and discipline it takes to get in hours of practice to feel prepared for the golf course is not an easy task. I have learned so much about how to be respectful of those around me just from my experiences playing golf, as well as the other sports I grew up playing.”
Middle School Spotlight
Middle School Cross Country Kick Off Season
The heat and humidity did not slow the Middle School cross country team down at the FEAST Invitational on September 7. Both the boys and girls teams turned in great times in their first two-mile races of the year. Congratulations to the top boys finisher, Henry Viccellio, and our top girls finisher, Phoebe Kopplin.
Complete listing of times below.
Form 6 Girls:
- Suri Trujillo 19:41.38
Form 6 Boys:
- Tres Davidson 16:12.76
- Jahan Sayeed 16:26.26
- Myles Baumholtz 17:01.50
- Luke Garcia 17:50.65
- Edward Briggs 18:30.79
- George Braden 18:54.52
- Zain Ahmad 19:21.64
- Ben Holder 21:27.90
- Matthew DuBois 21:42.50
Form 7/8 Girls
- Phoebe Kopplin 15:50.28
- Emily Doehler 17:14.27
- Athena Sorenson 19:40.68
- Sai Ono 20:16.78
- Mona Komatsu 23:57.78
Form 7/8 Boys
- Henry Viccellio 13:52.26
- Owen Ursone 15:28.12
- Nico Zavala 17:35.50
- Hugh Stone 18:17.35
- Cole Simpson 19:10.45
- J.C. Yeager 19:57.48
- Cy Rabke 26:20.62
Field Hockey Starts Season
On September 4, Middle School field hockey beat Saint Stephen’s 2-1 in a close match played at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School. SMH scored twice in the first half for a 2-0 halftime lead, but then Saint Stephen’s battled back fiercely, scoring in the 40th minute and peppering SMH’s cage over the last 10 minutes of the match. Some stout defense and a great performance from Amelia French, goalkeeper, held them off for the victory.
Complete scoring summary below:
- 6th Minute – Abigail Lee goal; assisted by Josie Williams
- 19th Minute – Josie Williams goal; assisted by Abigail Lee
- 40th Minute – St. Stephen’s Goal
Goalkeeping:
- Amelia French – 10 saves
Both schools’ Middle School second teams played prior to the match, with St. Stephen’s edging SMH 1-0 at the last second in another great game.
Athletic Events
all day
FSH La Loma Golf Course
SMH - Booke Family Gym
SMH - Booke Family Gym
SMH - Lewis Field
SMH - Napier Family Gym
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Chapel Corner
Chapel Corner
September 9 Chapels
Lower School Shines a Light on SMH
During a recent visit, Head of School Emeritus Bob Windham, challenged students to shine a light on SMH through their treatment of one another. Interim All-School Chaplain Susan Douglas built on this image, sharing with students that light is used in many faith traditions and cultures to represent goodness, noting several examples. She shared that God is said to be the light of heaven and earth. Chaplain Susan also pointed out that all are called to be lights in the world, not hiding their light under a basket, but using it to lift others up and dispel the darkness in other’s lives. Students started their school day with the challenge to be a light to others, after a fun rendition of “This Little Light of Mine,” led by Lower School Music Teacher Liz Troutwine.
Upper School Learns How Blood Drives Support Our Community
As is the custom at all Chapels, Interim All-School Chaplain Susan Douglas opened with a call and response of Psalm 118, verse 24: “This is the day that the Lord has made” with students responding, “let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Bishops Chapel Society member, Felicia Early (Form 12), then introduced guest speaker Mrs. Natalie Sheridan to her classmates. Natalie is SMH’s Donor Recruitment Consultant for the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center. A former high school speech and debate teacher, U.S. Army veteran, and proud Texas A&M graduate, she entertained, informed, and inspired students to save lives by spreading the word about the school’s September 16 blood drive and donating themselves if they are eligible and feel moved to do so. Students earn community service hours for donations. Visit the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center web site to learn the many amazing facts about the importance of supporting the community blood drive.
Middle School Learns to Ask a Different Question
Using a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as an exemplar, Interim All-School Chaplain Susan Douglas told students the old story of the Good Samaritan found in the Gospel of Luke. In discussing why a robbed man was left on the side of the Jericho road by several passersby until a Samaritan stopped to render aid, Dr. King suggested that the bypassers asked themselves, “What will happen to me if I stop to help this man?” The Samaritan, on the other hand, asked himself, “What will happen to this injured man if I don’t stop to help him?” Chaplain Susan pointed out that this different thinking gets different results. She offered examples at school when students may need to ask themselves this latter question, “What will happen if I don’t act in this situation?”
Students then had a chance to comment. Many noted that it is sometimes hard to speak up because it might make you the target of a classmate’s poor behavior or make others not like you. One noted that if you don’t own your mistakes, you feel guilty later. Another wise young man connected some dots and told his classmates that if they don’t encourage someone who has made a mistake, their classmates might lose confidence in themselves over time. Students were challenged to evaluate situations they encountered during the coming week with a “what will happen if” question and see where it leads them.
Supporting Reverend Gunnin’s Deployment
All-School Chaplain Rev. Dr. Cameron Gunnin and the team of Chaplains working with him are carrying out the distribution of care packages each week in their location. To let Cameron and his teammates know we are holding them close in thought and prayer, we are holding a Support Our Troops drive the week of September 16-20. We invite you to drop off donations in the Upper School, Middle School, or Lower School Offices or at the reception desk in the Administration Building.
Cameron says these items are particularly helpful:
- Individual, small size, laundry detergent packets are really needed. Many people don’t realize that after basic military training, service members must buy their own uniforms, laundry detergent, etc.
- Personal hygiene items, especially soap, toothbrushes, dental floss, shampoo, tissues, disposable razors, cotton swabs, etc. Travel size items are best. No aerosol cans please!
- Protein/energy bars are a huge hit.
Other helpful items are:
- Cotton socks and underwear. Make sure the garments are made of 100 percent cotton rather than a cotton blend. Items for men and women are both appreciated. White, black, or olive drab green are best.
- Powdered drink mix, such as lemonade, tea, or a sports drink.
- Hard containers of chips, pretzels, or nuts. Nothing that will melt. Bagged treats are not as stable as items in boxes and tins.
- Writing materials: notepaper, envelopes, pens, pencils, and stamps.
- Reading materials: paperback books, current magazines, and comic books.
- Word games and puzzles: crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles.
Personal notes and cards for Cameron, or general ones addressed to whomever may receive the gift, may also be dropped off for inclusion in the packages.
Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation towards the postage of these items is welcome to contact me directly at sdouglas@smhall.org or (210) 823-7020.
Thank you in advance for helping us help Cameron serve those in his charge and for letting him know our community is thinking of him.
Bishops Chapel Society Elects New Leadership
The Bishops Chapel Society has selected its new leadership team for this school year. Congratulations to:
- President Molly Byrd (Form 12)
- Vice President Annabelle Huang (Form 11)
- Treasurer Catalina Barrera (Form 12)
These dynamic young women will represent their classmates and lead the society in helping make Chapel time a meaningful experience for students.
Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Academic Accommodations
Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) begins on Sunday, September 29 at sundown and continues through Tuesday, October 1 at sundown. Students observing Rosh Hashanah with their families are able to receive additional time to complete work due Monday, September 30, Tuesday, October 1, and Wednesday, October 2 by request to their teachers.
Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) begins on Tuesday, October 8 at sundown and continues through Wednesday, October 9 at sundown. Students observing Yom Kippur with their families are able to receive additional time to complete work due Wednesday, October 9 and Thursday, October 10 by request to their teachers. Please note that Tuesday, October 8 is an All-School No Homework Night.
The additional time to complete work allows students time to observe the holiday by attending services and spending important time with family. Parents, please communicate with your student’s teachers if you have any questions. To all SMH families and students observing the High Holy Days, Shanah Tovah! Have a good and sweet year!
Saint Mary’s Hall encourages families of all faiths to be active in their religion and faith communities, as stated in our Statement of Religious Expression, and the school strives to provide all the support and flexibility needed for students and families to put faith first. If you have any questions, please contact Interim All-School Chaplain Susan Douglas at (210) 823-7020 or sdouglas@smhall.org.
Looking Ahead
September 23 Chapels
- Lower School students will have a reflection on happiness.
- Rabbi Ben Richards of the Agudas Achim synagogue will speak to Upper and Middle School students about the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
September 25 - See You at the Pole™
Each year, more than 3 million students from more than 20 countries around the world participate in a See You at the Pole™ event. The Saint Mary’s Hall community is invited to gather together to pray for the school, the students, faculty and staff, the nation, and any other needs on Wednesday, September 25.
Middle and Upper School will meet at 7:30am at the flagpole located on the base of the front lawn nearest to Lewis Field. In the event of rain, please meet in the Napier Gym. Attendees will have the opportunity to pray silently or aloud, followed by a closing prayer by a member of the Bishops Chapel Society, a voluntary student-led organization that supports the All-School Chaplain in providing a meaningful program.
Lower School will meet on the same day at 7:30am at the Lower School flagpole. In the event of rain, please meet in the covered area on the Montessori playground. Students who wish to do so will be able to pick a slip with a simple gratitude prayer on it to read aloud.
See You at the Pole™ is a grass roots movement that began in 1990 to allow students to pray at their schools. This initiative is an event that looks to lift up the community to God. If you have any questions, please contact Interim All-School Chaplain Susan Douglas at sdouglas@smhall.org or (210) 823-7020.
Healthy at the Hall
Healthy at the Hall
Middle School Assembly – Leadership and Wellness
In anticipation of the Middle School elections, Director of Wellness Sandra Lopez-Morales spoke with the Middle School students about character strengths, leadership, and wellness. She was joined by the 2019-2020 senate officers: Ines Wallisch (Form 8), MK Lutz (Form 8), Natalia Chapa (Form 7), and Julia Carter (Form 7).
As you may have seen or heard, the senate officers went above and beyond in welcoming the Form 6 students to Middle School. They wrote personalized notes to each student and attached them to magnets decorating the inside of every Form 6 students’ locker. No one asked them to do this and they were very clear with me that they were not interested in praise or attention, but that they genuinely wanted to welcome the Form 6 students with kindness.
They demonstrated empathy and thoughtfulness while being interviewed in front of their peers. These engaging young women are definitely the type of leaders that will change the world!
Given that leaders lead by example, the senate officers shared that they use a variety of healthy coping strategies to take care of themselves such as exercise, spending time with friends, and creating art. This was a nice segue to help the Middle School students think through their approaches to the upcoming individualized wellness plans that they will complete in the next few months, which focus on insight development, communication, coping, and problem solving.
Upper School Chapel - Spiritual Health
Similar to her approach with Middle School, Director of Wellness Sandra Lopez-Morales joined Interim All-School Chaplain Susan Douglas and Upper School Science Teacher Brian Kaestner at Chapel on September 16 to introduce the individualized wellness plans to the students. She reviewed some research on adolescent brain development, including the work of Dr. Sarah-Jayne Blakemore (see her TedTalk) and Dr. Dan Siegel who wrote Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain. We also discussed the importance of spiritual health to wellness.
Health And Wellness Class – An Update from Ms. Ami Teodosio
Students learn puberty is a normal part of growing up. Homework for these lessons encourage students to talk to their parent or trusted adult about what can be an admittedly awkward subject. We hope that these lessons have spurred important discussions in your home as parents are the #1 protective factor in their children’s decisions to avoid risky behavior. That’s certainly good news!
Parents, if you are wondering what to say to your child, view this helpful resource.
The next lesson will be focused on mental health. Form 6 and Form 7 will focus on peer pressure and healthy, authentic relationships. Form 8 will identify particular mental-health challenges and how to help their friends and loved ones.
As always, feel free to contact Health and Wellness Educator Ami Teodosio if you have questions about the Health and Wellness course at (210) 483-9255 or ateodosio@smhall.org.