You are never too old to go back to school, as members of the Board of Trustees found out earlier this week. Tuesday, October 3 was designated as Doane Stuart’s first Trustee Day. Head of School Pam Clarke organized this day because she wanted our Trustees to understand our academic program and pedagogy. “I always tell them how great our teachers and kids are, and I wanted the trustees to see for themselves.”
The day gave the trustees a chance to see Doane Stuart from the eyes of our students – at all grade levels and heights. They experienced STEAM Jr. classes with Ms. Skivington, read with Kindergarten and first grade at their Daily Five, went to the ninth grade biology lab. They all attended All-School Morning Meeting, got lost in the halls finding their classrooms, marveled at advanced cell biology with Dr. Wells and enjoyed a lunch with faculty members in the Boardroom. In the afternoon they attended a session on Board Governance led by Diane Cameron Pascone of Unity House.
For all, Trustee Day was a chance to experience the great teaching and learning that happens here daily, and a reminder of the amazing school community that we have.
Sharon Duker, President: “The 3rd and 4th grade STEAM students were quite proud of the pet food dispensers they constructed for entry into a national competition. Each group presented its dispenser to the class with great enthusiasm and answered one question and accepted one compliment from their classmates. The students were excited about all the projects and wished they had time for lots more questions!
I was most pleased to observe the lively discussion of The Outsiders in 8th grade English, and their hands-on experience for older students of dissecting pigs in Advanced Biology Lab. It was great to see students having fun while learning!”
Ginna Roeding, Vice President: “Academic rigor, a genuine joy of discovery, obvious student camaraderie, and a faculty dedicated to fostering a love of learning – ALL were on full display today! Completely renewed my personal commitment to this life-changing school. In short, it was a blast.”
Karen Hitchcock: “What fun to be with engaged students, and skilled and caring teachers – and to learn at the same time! I didn’t realize I had forgotten so much about the founding of our country and the genius of Hawthorne!! A great day all around!!”