FACE-TO-FACE TRADITIONS

“What’s become so profound is the power of in-person community and connection.” Middle School Head Krista Demas considered the impact of faceto-face teaching and learning and agreed with Lower School Head Shalini Rao that the joy is palpable. “There is something special about being in the same room at the same time that helps us enliven our mission,” Shalini added.

Teachers and students are relishing the togetherness of this school year. Whether through skits, artwork, or singing together in weekly assemblies, the community is reviving traditions and making new ones.

One of Shady Hill’s pre-pandemic hallmark programs that is back is Partners, in which lower and middle school students work together, build important leadership skills, and benefit from positive role modeling. Activities like planting bulbs in the Tot Lot or reading together foster a sense of responsibility and create lasting bonds. PODS, in which two eighth graders lead a small group of younger Middle School peers, also relies on in-person collaboration for engaging classroom experiences.

Once again we are sending students into the world for field trips. The Farm School, Nature’s Classroom, and Project Adventure all provide new contexts for learning and strengthen our sense of community. As a leader in developing hands-on curriculum, Shady Hill is now redefining what that means.