Salute to Sixth Grade

We caught up with Community School’s 2022 graduates and asked them some questions about their Community School experience. Here are some of their responses.

Why do you love Community?

Because of the people and the environment. Everyone is happy to see you and ready to support you. - David Peterson

I love the teachers because they make learning fun. Every teacher has their own flair for teaching and making class interesting.

- Avary Choe

I like Community because of all the opportunities it provides. Community feels like home.

- Neel Sarikonda

Community is a family and it helps me explore the world. - Kyle Thompson

I love Community because the teachers make sure we become the best version of our self.

I love Community School because you bond with your classmates and teachers every year. Whether you went to Community for nine years or one year you will leave knowing and loving every single classmate. - Caroline Deutsch

What I love most about Community School is the people and connection between the students and teachers. Everyone always makes me feel included and appreciated.

- Audrey Taves

Community School is so welcoming. It helped me spread my wings and learn how to be independent. - Ries Schnuck

I love Community because of the environment and because of the warm, friendly aura that emanates from the classrooms, the hallways, and the lush woods. - Nithya Gnanarajah

I have been here since SK and Community has helped me and prepared me for my journey to secondary school.

- Brooke Dunaway

What I love about Community School is that everyone is welcoming and caring. I also appreciate how everyone trusts you with responsibilities.

- Lexie Gress

It is a safe and amazing place where classmates are family, and you are filled with love and kindness. - Lilly Bailey

I love Community because we all accept each other for who we are and what we want to do. Nobody is left out. - Jackson Gould I love Community because there are many opportunities to make friends and create stronger bonds. Everyone in Community has so much spirit and compassion. - Lauren Graviss

I love Community because there is always room for mistakes and when you make a mistake, there is no judgment. People will help you make things right. - Grace Broughton

I love Community because each day I’m excited for school. Classmates and teachers have made Community an enjoyable place to be and learn.

- Rae Edelson

I love Community because everyone is so welcoming and understanding! I love walking into school every day and saying hi to all of my friends and teachers. Everyone can be themselves no matter what.

- Samantha O’Neil

I love the responsibility we have. For example we get to walk to classes on our own, take down the flag, and have leadership duties in sixth grade.

- Louise Weiss

You can bond with everyone; students and teachers alike.

- Caroline Ellinwood

What is your favorite memory of Community?

A favorite memory of mine is the sixth grade camping trip, because you could cook your own lunches. You also got to bond with your classmates by being in a tent that you assembled with them.

My favorite memory is when we were given roles for the sixth grade play and I got a mysterious character. - Oliver Kriegel

My favorite memory is the Dino Dig because everything that we did was pretty new. I had never seen dinosaur bones before!

- Miles Anstey

My favorite memory at Community is when I first met my classmate Ries because she smiled at me and it gave me confidence knowing that the school was nurturing and the friends were family.

- Victoria Noble

My favorite memory was during the sixth grade camping trip when we had a big bonfire at night and ate marshmallows. It felt like we were all a big family. - Avary Choe

My favorite memory was presenting my Worlds Fair Project in the third grade. I remember going up to the front of the class with my friends and talking all about the St. Louis Palace of Fine Arts. The reason it sticks so well is because of the joy I felt working and presenting the project with them.

- Audrey Taves

My favorite memory was meeting my class for the first time. They all said, “Hi Katie!” I felt so welcomed and loved even when I didn’t know anybody’s name. Community will always be my home.

- Katie Everett

One of my favorite memories is backstage right before the sixth grade play; how we were huddle up waiting to go on. My favorite memory was on the camping trip. I will always remember the time that my best friend and I were hanging out in my tent. She was about to leave when a DEER kicked my tent. We were laughing so hard our stomachs started to hurt.

- Ries Schnuck

Favorite memories of mine are the field trips I got to go on and the plays that I got to perform in.

- Lexie Gress

I remember when Mr. Scott let us have fun day Friday for the first time. We all decided to play soccer and everyone was laughing. We all thought it was the best day ever.

- Lotsie Holton

I loved making friends that are still my friends and will be for the long run.

- Ethan Sonn

My favorite memory is when I was having a hard day and two classmates came up to me and asked if I was okay. From that day forward all three of us have been best friends.

- Grace Broughton

The Dino Dig in JK.

- Carson Cregger

One of my favorite memories was the sixth grade camping trip. It was so fun to live a little rough for a few days. Cooking, cleaning, organizing, playing, singing, and so much more. It taught me a lot of skills that I can use in everyday life, just in a fun way.

- Samantha O’Neil

My favorite memory is when I tried a volleyball mini class for fun in sixth grade. It’s now my favorite sport to play.

- Rae Edelson

My favorite memory is talking with my third grade teacher about sports every morning.

- Ford Werner I will miss recess, woodshop, and P.E.

- Oliver Kriegel

I am going to miss all of the teachers who are so loving and kind. In third grade I remember the teachers making jokes in class and laughing at ours. They are so nurturing and like my second family.

- Victoria Noble

My favorite memory is the bus ride to and from our field trip in Springfield, IL.

- Louise Weiss

My favorite memory at Community is the Dino Dig in JK. - Otto Schnuck

My favorite memory is the camping trip. I loved this because there were always fun activities to do like kayaking and hiking.

- Neel Sarikonda

What are you going to miss most about Community?

I am going to miss the woods because they are such a calming place where you can just relax. - Christian Chang

I will definitely miss the smaller class size and also all my friends who are going to other schools.

- Ethan Sonn Although I will miss many things, I will miss the environment of Community the most. The feeling that you get as you walk into school fills you with warmth and happiness.

- Caroline Deutsch

I’m going to miss my class and the bond we created with each other. And the fact that Community was truly an amazing place where everyone cares for you. I’m also going to miss the amazing teachers that were there to nurture your learning and help you thrive as a student. - Katie Everett

I’m going to miss every single teacher because they have helped me become the person I am now. For example, if the nurse had not been there to give me my medicine every single day, I would not have my adult best friend, or Mrs. Brubaker to push me to be the best at math I can be.

- Brooke Dunaway

I am going to miss my friends and teachers. I will also miss the fun field trips such as the camping trip, the track meet, and the fifth grade hike.

- Ethan McGee Something I’m going to miss is how Community teaches in a lot of different learning styles so you can learn in the way that’s best for you.

- Harper Pook

The people and how friendly students, parents, and teachers are to each other.

- David Peterson

I’m going to miss my friends at Community because though some are going to the same school as me, others are going somewhere else.

- Evan McGee

I am going to miss the community and all the love and kindness that is always around.

- Caroline Spencer

I’m going to miss the relationships I’ve had with teachers over the years and the memories I’ve had with friends. - Nolan Ma

My friends because we’ve grown up together and now we’re all parting ways.

- Caroline Ellinwood

Give your best piece of advice for a younger student:

You will have a lot of help from your teachers and it will get easier along the way. You will be ready for secondary school, so persevere. Also, use a planner! - Miles Anstey My best pieces of advice are don’t get involved in friend drama, do SAT Prep Class, always do your homework, and DON’T forget your materials for class. - Avary Choe

I would say to cherish it. As you make your way through the grades in Community, never forget to enjoy it along the way – it may feel tiring, and stressful, but in the end, you’ll look back and smile at all of it. - Nithya Gnanarajah

I recommend not staying “stuck.” At Community School, you have the resources, peers, and teachers to help you when you get stuck, have questions, or need guidance on a project.

- Vivien Kamps

Use your planner! It will help you stay on top of things and be organized.

- Lilly Bailey

I would say don’t give up, and do the things that drive you to become a better person, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

- Ethan Sonn

My best piece of advice for a younger student would be to finish homework before playing and having fun! - Evan McGee

Pay attention at all times!

- Kyle Thompson

Keep working hard; it will always pays off. - Audrey Taves

Do not fight with IXL, just do it. Always be flexible with your schedule, and never forget your homework.

- Otto Schnuck

Don’t stay stuck; get unstuck.

- Caroline Spencer

The best advice I can give a younger student is to just enjoy it. You might not realize how much you’re going to miss Community now, but once you’re ending your sixth grade year and looking back on all the memories, you will.

- Rae Edelson

Take advantage of your education. You will learn so much from your years here at Community that will help you in the future. Also, write your name and the date on EVERYTHING – make sure to get credit for the work you’ve done.

- Alara Albrecht

Prioritize is my biggest piece of advice. If you use time management to your use you can accomplish all of your homework. It is never good to show up to class without your homework done.

- Samantha O’Neil

Work your hardest, and play your hardest. - Lila Merlin

What was your most interesting project or activity?

I enjoyed the Lego robotics unit in science class. - Carson Cregger My most interesting project was dissecting a pig heart because it was so wet and disgusting at first, but then I got used to it.

- Miles Anstey

The most interesting activity that I remember at Community is the field trip to the zoo. We got to see Australian animals and design kangaroo shirts. I had a blast.

- Victoria Noble

My favorite project was the fraction pizzas in fourth grade. Somehow my math teacher was able to make fractions fun for a bunch of nine year olds. - Caroline Deutsch

One of my favorite projects is the Lego robotics unit in science. I remember waiting years for this unit, and I went all out learning about it and working on it with a friend.

- Audrey Taves

It’s so hard to pick a favorite activity but I really loved stargazing on the camping trip. The sound of the fish jumping and the crickets chirping was an amazing experience considering how loud our class was. - Katie Everett

In fifth grade we read some of Shakespeare’s plays and we got to describe them by writing and drawing on note cards.

- Oliver Kriegel

Probably the fourth grade Invention Convention because we had to do it over quarantine, and we had to make a video instead of presenting it live. - Christian Chang I can’t choose a favorite, but I did enjoy our sixth grade L.I.T. (Leaders in Training) class where we practiced neuroplasticity with different activities like juggling balls. We worked on flexibility and mildly stressing our brains. - Vivien Kamps

When we dissected a pig heart and learned about anatomy. It made my experience in science so special and fun.

I will always remember the sixth grade camping trip because there were so many fun activities, like the night walk and the bright fire for making s’mores when we got back.

- Lauren Graviss

I enjoyed cooking dinner on the camping trip. - Lotsie Holton

The Worlds Fair project. I had to wear a strong man suit and tackle Otto!

- Grant Thompson

I thought that being a props designer was the most interesting because I got to think outside the box and be creative with the things we make! - Caroline Spencer

In woodshop class, I made a bank with my teachers face on it and gave it to him for a parting gift. - Nolan Ma

My most interesting project at Community was the Lego robotics unit in sixth grade. A classmate and I made a robot that shot basketballs.

- Jackson Gould

The most interesting project to me was the sixth grade play, “The Mystery of the Nile: Friendship Not Included.” This was when I learned how much I loved theater and how exhilarating it is to have one of the main roles. - Rae Edelson

Definitely dissecting the pig heart and lungs. Since I want to be a doctor, I thought it was absolutely awesome seeing how the organs work and what they look like.

- Alara Albrecht

My most interesting activity was definitely the camping trip because you got to cook your own food, set up your own tent, and stay organized. - Ford Werner

My favorite project was in fifth grade science when we went around the woods and picked up litter on Earth Day.

- Louise Weiss My most interesting project was making rockets out of recycled materials.

- Otto Schnuck

I enjoyed camping and learning how to be more independent.

- Harper Pook

What would you tell a family considering Community?

There are so many great schools out there. However, Community is truly unique in the way that your child will get a personalized education that works for them. Community adjusts the program to make sure your child gets exactly what they need out of their education. - Caroline Deutsch

I would tell them Community is a great school, and is very inclusive.

- Ethan McGee

You should definitely do it because it is a great place with good people.

- Carson Cregger

I would tell them to send their child here because the school really cares about each student and they want every single student to succeed.

- Christian Chang

You should go to Community because it provides many opportunities and it is always welcoming. The teachers are amazing and make sure the classes are fun while still teaching you.

- Neel Sarikonda

You should definitely send your kid to Community! This school will teach them such great life lessons like using empathy, prioritizing, and always including others. Community is so welcoming, and the teachers are not only fun but they actually talk to you about things you might be struggling with and they help you stay on track and catch up.

- Ries Schnuck

I would recommend Community because of many things. Of those I would mention the preparation. In fifth and sixth grades, you have advisories, and different schedules than other kids, while still keeping primary school aspects. I would also like to mention that everyone is very accepting. I know I won’t be judged. - Nithya Gnanarajah

Community is the greatest school to send your kids to. Community teaches kids all the things they need to know before going to secondary school, including how to make friends and always be nice to each other. - Brooke Dunaway

Community School is a school, but it is also more than that – it is a family that cares for one another. - Lexie Gress

Going to Community School is an opportunity you can’t find anywhere else. From the curriculum to teachers, you learn values that you can carry with you for the rest of your life.

- Vivien Kamps

Community is the place where you go if you want to be a part of a big second family. Community will fill you with gratitude every day because it is a community. - Lotsie Holton

The teachers at Community don’t just care about your education; they care about you, your mental health, and your day.

- Lauren Graviss

Community offers many experiences you can find no where else in the world. Your child will get time to get to know everyone in their class.

- David Peterson

Go to Community! This is not me being forced to say this; it’s my real opinion!

- Grant Thompson

I’d tell them that Community is a great place with amazing teachers and students. Community does a great job of making you feel welcome!

- Evan McGee

This is a great school where everyone feels included and the teachers actually care about your education. - Nolan Ma Community has taught me to be confident. This has allowed me to make better friends and it helped me become a better person. Community school allows you to make mistakes without being judged and make some really strong relationships with people. - Grace Broughton

Community is a great school with lots of learning opportunities. As you grow older you will receive more freedom in schedules and activities, but you can’t have a good life without structure, and Community does a great job of building a system and structure to make your life easier.

- Jackson Gould

Sending your child here would be an amazing decision. Your child gets to learn so much. They also have so many great opportunities here, like doing plays, getting to learn how to play an instrument, woodshop, and so much more. But most importantly your child will make such strong bonds that will make them feel like they have a huge family in their class.

- Alara Albrecht

Community is a great school. It provides a great education but with empathy too. One of the first things that Community teaches the students is empathy and it is a part of my everyday life. I feel like I belong and so does everyone else!

- Samantha O’Neil

Your kid would love it here. Everyone is inclusive and caring. They would never want to leave. I know I don’t. - Ford Werner

Community is the number one place for making memories and friendships. The people you will meet here and the bonds you make will stay with you forever. - Lila Merlin