Many of Us Traveled ...

... extensively this week. Fourth Grade boys took us on a journey with them along the Silk Road (the Headmaster's Office was Rome) and the Second Grade to the founding generation--revolutionary Americans. Extending for more than 7,000 miles, the ancient trade routes that comprised "the Silk Road" (200 BC through 200 AD approx.) enabled people to transport goods such as silk, satin, musk, spices, medicines, jewels, and glassware, as well as serving as a conduit for the spread of knowledge, ideas, and cultures between different parts of the world--Ancient China, Ancient India, Asia Minor and the Mediterranean--contributing to the development of the great civilizations of China, Egypt, Rome, Persia and India, to name a few. The boys moved along Saint David's "Silk Road" trading and exchanging throughout with equal daring and influence. The halls and stairwells were aglow with color, movement and noisy "trade."

In the Wax Museums of the Pi, Theta and Chi classrooms on Thursday, Madame Tussauds would have been proud. The Second Graders, before the coin was dropped in the slot, were as frozen as any wax figure on 42nd Street. Once engaged though, they came alive and spoke convincingly of their rightful place in the founding history of America. Incredible job! They were so very serious--wigs and all.

In both cases the boys were physically engaging, through role-play, with history, bringing to life their studies of Ancient Civilizations (4th grade) and American History (2nd grade). What a week!

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NE Patriot Tom Brady at Saint David’s

Last night, Saint David’s was honored to have one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, four time Superbowl champion and three-time MVP winner Tom Brady, as the guest speaker for our Alumni Parents Council Lecture Series. Tom, who is the father of one of our Saint David's boys, addressed a standing-room-only audience in Hyman Hall comprised of our eighth graders, alumni, alumni parents and faculty. Friendly, introspective, witty, and wise, he directed his talk to the delighted eighth graders in the front of the room, and focused on the topic of leadership. “You are the young men and leaders of Saint David’s,” he noted. Tom debunked the perception that leaders are born not made, and credited his leadership abilities to “standing up to and facing fears” and to “cultivating a mental strength,” which he cited as “more important than being physically strong.” He also stressed the importance of working hard, honoring teamwork, believing in oneself and being a good lis

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"Lord of the Flies" Survival Game

Seventh graders are immersed in an "island survival" adventure related to their study of William Golding's 1954 classic Lord of the Flies . The novel tells the story of a group of school-age boys marooned on an uninhabited island, where they struggle to survive without a government or rules. In this creative, unique activity that spans 10 class sessions, our boys are assigned to belong to one of two "tribes." Using knowledge gained from history classes in the fall, they first determine what type of government system to adopt. During the simulations, they strategize methods to overcome obstacles and acquire resources such as wood, food, shelter, and water. The simulation requires the boys to negotiate, debate, and reflect critically on their decisions as they face challenges to their survival. In journals, they regularly write about their thinking, their decisions and consequences. Writing skills are further developed and honed. In addition to analy

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