From the Ancients and the Medieval to the Revolution and Immigration, We Cover it All at SDS

It was a busy week or two at Saint David's. In addition to the 8th grade boys preparing for their departure for Rome this Monday, the 3rd grade's Ellis Island mock immigration experience, and the 2nd Grade's Wax Museum, we enjoyed performances by the 6th grade in "For Though They May Be Parted," an original script and score by our own 20th Century Kaleidoscope team of teachers; 7 Theta's production of Everyman, the Medieval morality play that uses allegorical drama to make its point, and Silk Road, the 4th Grade's mock Silk Road journey throughout the ancient world.

On our Silk Road, the Headmaster's office was Rome. Above and at bottom are two pictures we snapped of some traders from Arabia peddling their silk in exchange for Rome's glass and jewels.

At right, you'll find a few of the virtues, vices, objects and activities that are personified in Everyman. Once the messenger of death visited everyman, it was his friends and kindred who first abandoned him. They were soon followed by Goods (worldly possessions) , Beauty, Strength, Discretion, Five Wits and Knowledge. It was only Good Deeds that stayed with Everyman through it all.

All of these events are examples of the many culminating experiences that follow weeks and months of study by the boys. Each is a physical, hands-on manifestation of the boys' learning --their study, knowledge and meaning-making. They are also examples of the incredible, innovative and creative curriculum work by our teachers, that has come from our Curriculum Initiative.

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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

Digital Universe Unit With AMNH-Hayden Planetarium Kicks Off

The second year of our unique partnership with the American Museum of Natural History-Hayden Planetarium kicked off on Friday when the sixth grade had their first session of the Digital Universe unit. The session included a private viewing at the planetarium in which boys were able to explore the entire universe. They and their teachers were invited to view the show from the vantage point of the floor in the center of the round theater, staring up into the apex of the dome. What an amazing perspective! Museum educator and astro-visualization expert Nathan Belomy took the boys on a tour of the observable universe, allowing them to get a feel for the scale of distance and size in the universe. In a fun activity related to scale, the boys set down a volleyball (representing the sun) at 79th Street, and walked for blocks down Columbus avenue with the planets in our solar system represented by a variety of smaller objects – a cupcake sprinkle, a marble – predicting and then measu

"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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