Sharing the Stories of Unsung Heroes Through Art and Writing
Posted by Krissy Ponden
The seventh grade recently shared the stories of Unsung Heroes, individuals who made a positive impact on the course of history, but were largely unrecognized during their lifetimes, at a special reception for family and friends. Students were tasked with selecting and interpreting one of these Unsung Hero’s stories through art. They were allowed to work in any media, and they conducted extensive research on their chosen hero. Students also wrote artist statements to accompany their artwork that discuss the Unsung Hero’s unique contribution, the student’s creative process and interpretation, the hero’s enduring legacy, and what each student learned from the process.
The students’ art and writing can be viewed in the online gallery. We hope that you are inspired by the students’ work as well as the legacies of these incredible individuals.
Language Learning Meets Real Life!
Posted by Thomas Iezin
Leaving the classroom to visit the Colombian restaurant Noches de Colombia, our 7th and 8th grade Spanish students didn’t just learn about Colombian culture, they experienced it firsthand. From traditional breakfast dishes like calentados to freshly baked favorites such as almojábanas, palitos de queso, and orejas, to fun drinks like limonada de cereza and limonada de coco, students explored new flavors while deepening their appreciation for the culture behind the language.
What made this field experience especially meaningful was the students’ commitment to using Spanish in real-world situations. They confidently placed their orders in Spanish and continued speaking the language throughout the entire experience. In fact, the immersion didn’t stop when they left the restaurant—on the bus ride, students were enthusiastically singing in Spanish and continuing conversations entirely in the language.
At one point, their dedication was so strong that even Mandarin students who shared the bus ride back from their field experience, jokingly expressed frustration—they couldn’t get their friends to switch out of Spanish! Moments like these highlight just how engaged and excited our students are about their language learning journey.
Fun Field Experience to G Mart
Posted by Carina Blackwell
Our Upper School Mandarin students recently participated in an immersive field experience to a local Asian market designed to extend classroom learning into an authentic, real world setting. Students completed a guided scavenger hunt that required them to locate specific ingredients and products needed to prepare dishes for an upcoming Food Taste event. While navigating the aisles, they practiced conversations in Mandarin by asking native speaking staff for help finding items and confirming product details, reinforcing vocabulary and functional language used in everyday shopping situations. 7th and 8th graders also selected a variety of authentic snacks sourced from across Asia. To encourage maximum language skills every student was tasked with speaking only Mandarin while shopping in the store.
This trip emphasized practical communication, cultural awareness, and confidence building. Students experienced firsthand how language functions in daily life, negotiated meaning in real interactions, and made culturally informed food choices. After they finished shopping and had a fun scavenger hunt, all the students enjoyed a cultural treat of bubble tea (zhēn zhū nǎi chá). We are grateful for the opportunity to offer students this meaningful cultural experience outside of the classroom. Their respectful engagement, curiosity and willingness to use Mandarin in authentic contexts exemplify our school motto- Unafraid Spirit.
Global Gators in Galapagos!
Posted by Lloyd Mitchell
Our 11-day spring break expedition to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands was a true masterclass in adventure, resilience, and wonder for our 25 students and 4 chaperones. From the historic streets of Quito to the breathtaking volcanic landscapes of the archipelago, our Global Gators embraced every moment, even the “early bird” 4:25 a.m. wake-up calls, with enthusiasm, curiosity, and unmistakable Gator energy.
In the Galápagos, we witnessed nature in its purest form. We hiked through the Santa Cruz Highlands to count giant tortoises in the wild, explored subterranean lava tunnels, stood on the edge of the massive Twin Craters and experienced the wonder of zero latitude and longitude. Whether it was snorkeling alongside sea turtles at Las Tintoreras or sharing a bench with a sunbathing sea lion on San Cristóbal, every moment was a reminder of our responsibility to the planet.
Transitioning to the mainland, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture of Otavalo. We stood in the shadow of the Cotopaxi volcano, learned the ancient art of Andean weaving, and listened to the melodies of handmade pan flutes. Even an unexpected “bonus day” in Miami couldn’t dampen our spirits; instead, it became a final chance to bond over Cuban sandwiches and Wynwood’s street art.
Beyond the sights, this trip was about the “Unquowa spirit”—the laughter, the curiosity, and the growth. We returned home with full hearts, a few extra souvenirs, and memories that will truly last a lifetime.
A Hundred Cranes, Countless Connections
Posted by Ariel Warshaw
If you’re unfamiliar, the Peace Crane Project connects students around the world through the creation and exchange of origami cranes, with each one carrying messages of hope, peace, kindness, and connection. What started as a simple paper-folding activity quickly became an experience our students won’t forget.
Together, our students folded and sent more than 100 origami cranes across the country! Our exchange partners included:
- A middle school in Oregon
- A teen library program in Washington State
- A homeschool enrichment facility in Pennsylvania
Along with our carefully folded cranes — each adorned with handwritten messages of peace — we also included group photos and “About Me” postcards to our exchange partners.
The best part? Opening the packages our partners sent to us! There was a special kind of buzz in the room when we opened them up!
Inside the boxes, we found not only beautifully folded cranes, but also handwritten notes, photos, stickers, fresh origami paper, and even metallic crane charms! Our students carefully unfolded letters, compared designs, and searched for messages that they felt connected to. There was something powerful about holding a crane made by someone hundreds (or thousands) of miles away, someone who took the time to fold, write, and send a message of peace.
What made this project so meaningful wasn’t just the art of origami. It was the connection. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, our students experienced firsthand how creativity and intention can bring people together. A square of paper became a bridge between classrooms, libraries, and learning communities across the country.
We are so proud of the care, focus, and heart our students brought to this exchange, and we are already looking forward to continuing our partnership with the Peace Crane Project in the future. Because sometimes, hope really can fit in the palm of your hand!
14 Years of Friday Night Lights: More Than Just a Ski Club
Posted by Lloyd Mitchell
We just wrapped up our 14th season of Friday night lights at Ski Sundown, and it was one for the books! Beyond the carving and the trail runs, this club has always been about the community we build off the lift. One of our favorite traditions came full circle on our final outing: while our 8th graders take pride in leading the bus loading for every trip of the season, they officially pass that responsibility to the 7th graders on the very last night. It’s a symbolic “passing of the torch” that prepares the next group to lead. This season, it was inspiring to watch students move beyond their typical social circles, forging genuine friendships across grade levels. Whether on the chairlift or in the lodge, these connections are what make our club more than just a trip—it’s a family.
