Warmest Wishes This Winter Break

Even though there are no traces of snow, last Friday’s Preprimary Holiday Sing was a wonderful way to celebrate the season. It was a heartwarming sight to see our youngest students dressed up in their holiday attire performing songs about friendship, winter, and fun – a perfect way to send us off into winter break.

I wish you and your family a happy and safe time together and look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

Dessert and Discussion

Recently our eighth-graders had the chance to find what Upper School is really like.

Our eighth-graders visited Upper School for “Dessert and Discussion,” spending time with 28 tenth- and eleventh-graders over ice cream treats. 

The older students began by recounting a personal experience in the Upper School, and then the members of the Class of 2016 had the opportunity to ask their questions about what they should expect. The discussion ended with the Upper school students sharing their advice.

As the parent of a freshman, I can readily appreciate some of the questions that eighth-grade students (and their families) have about the “step-up” to that next grade, and this was a wonderful occasion for them to benefit from the experiences of these Upper School “veterans.”

Middle School Students Work and "Play" Hard

A cast and crew of talented Middle School students recently wrapped up their fall production of “Treasure Island.” Starting back in September, students began their preparations for the play. Almost 80 students auditioned for 30 roles—quite an enthusiastic response! Rehearsals started in early October and not only did students work on their roles within the play, but they also learned about proper voice techniques, stage presence, and technical aspects of play production. Their dedication undoubtedly paid off as both productions of the play drew huge crowds. I commend these young thespians for their hard work!

While it is rare to find a middle school drama program in schools, it is even rarer to find one that is required of all students. Our students study drama and public speaking each year in Middle School in order to build a strong foundation of speaking skills. Drama helps students gain self confidence, communication skills, and focus, and expands their comfort zones by allowing them to take risks in a safe, supportive environment. This is especially important in today’s highly competitive 21st century culture.

Senior Speeches, a USM Hallmark

So far, I have had the pleasure of attending several Senior Speeches this fall. Watching your sons and daughters deliver with such clarity and poise is affirmation that we do provide all students with the opportunity and support required for them to reach their own individual best. Take a moment, and watch two seniors deliver their Senior Speech.

Senior Speeches are the culmination of opportunities our students enjoy to develop strong presentation skills – one of the essential skills for success in the 21st century.

Starting in the Preprimary and Lower School, “Show and Tell” is just the beginning. Learning the art of public speaking, as well as how to listen, spans all grade levels, concluding with the Lower School Moving Up Ceremony, where each student shares his or her favorite memory with the audience. The JK Snow Ball and fourth-grade Art Museum Docent Day are two examples along the way. By Middle School, the eighth-grade science fair and National History Day, together with the Middle School Drama program are key components of helping students acquire these all-important communications skills.

All of these experiences prepare students for the much-anticipated Senior Speeches. The Program requires each student to present a five- to seven-minute speech in front of the entire Upper School on a topic of importance to him or her. The presentations are a major rite of passage in the Upper School. During the time it takes for our freshmen to arrive at the podium during their senior year, they will have heard more than 350 Senior Speeches covering a variety of topics.