Headmaster's Blog

This is the third year of Saint David's partnership with Dr. Derrick Gay , an internationally recognized consultant on issues of global citizenship, diversity and inclusion. Dr. Gay has been guiding us in our school's initiative to cultivate cultural competency and to be an increasingly inclusive community.  Dr. Gay's work with us this year began a couple of weeks ago, when he led a workshop for our parent community. These past two days, he visited classes throughout the Lower and Upper School focusing on cultivating friendship, empathy, kindness, and moral courage; and on the danger of stereotyping. With our youngest boys, he shared the picture book "Pink is for Boys," which debunks stereotypical thinking around gender. Dr. Gay also led a workshop yesterday with the faculty and staff on Cultivating Moral Courage in Boys . He led us in discussions about stereotypes, the ways students often use jokes to perpetuate them, and the how impact of one's a...

Two current math investigations, one in Lower School, the other in the Upper School, are actively engaging our boys in real-life application of mathematical concepts with a dash of art. Second graders are Measuring for the Art Show , a project that requires them to use a variety of strategies to correctly determine the dimensions of several pieces of "artwork" represented by different colored cuts of fabric. Sixth graders are  using their knowledge of geometry and the architectural style of St. Thomas More Church to construct an extension to the church. The boys are employing their knowledge in math and art to create designs that are geometrically sound and aesthetically pleasing. Both projects reflect Saint David's approach to math teaching: we engage boys in activities that reinforce skills and concepts, and require them to use problem solving to deepen understanding.

The changing colors of leaves this time of year may set a boy's mind to wondering.  What was green yesterday turns yellow, red, golden. Is it magic, or is it science? Last week, our first graders, accompanied by their art, pottery and science teachers, explored Central Park's rich trove of leaves and trees, as they learned about chlorophyll's role in turning leaves green, and in masking a leaf's true hues until autumn's arrival. The boys also examined the autumnal earth, looking for worms, insects, and other living creatures to inform their learning in science. They gathered samples of the leaves and used a leaf identifier sheet to determine their type. The art class created sculptures from the natural materials they uncovered. Back in the art studio they are applying their learning about lines, shapes and color to draw leaves. In pottery, the boys are using the leaves they collected to create beautiful leaf plates and bowls.  In science, ...

Our Cross Country team was outstanding at yesterday's Championship Meet.  Five boys took medals for finishing in the top 50: Michael S. (third overall), Colin, M. (top 10), Will F. (top 20), Romuel P. (top 50) and Graham K. (top 50). Congratulations to the medalists and to their team members: Hewitt S., Addison L., Kai T., Ishaan R., and Andres T., many of whom had personal bests. The boys put in great effort all season under the guidance of their talented Coaches Ryan Solton and Alan Fishman, and it certainly paid off. Well done!

Saint David's families had a great time skating at Wollman Rink last night, and enjoyed some amazing food and camaraderie as well. The Family Skating Party is such a fun, community building evening brought to us each year courtesy of our fantastic Parents Association and parent body. The evening raises funds for the many mission-focused initiatives that our PA committees embrace. Special thanks to this year's Co-Chairs Greg Baer, Jaime Neary, and Jeanine Salvatore, for all their planning, marketing, and organizing to ensure another magical Saint David's experience for our boys and their families.

Yesterday, four alumni from the Class of 2018 visited with me and toured their newly expanded alma mater. Benno W., Jack K. and Grant P. are all at Westminster, and Will U. is at Pomfret.  When I asked them their initial impression of the school, they had one word: "Amazing!" Expansion map in hand, and led by Mr. McLellan they took off to see all the highlights. Along the way, they met several of their teachers including Ms. Iannicelli, Mr. Ryan, Mr. Barbieri and Coach Roman.  The boys finished their tour in Hyman Hall where they met with Mr. Shapiro and Ms. Davis. It was great to see the boys back at Saint David's--they were so happy to see the fruits of the sacrifices that they made as a class for the benefit of our current and future students. This school is and always will be their school too, and we hope they visit often. I look forward to seeing Benno, Jack, Grant, Will and more of our young alumni at next month's Young Alumni Chapel and Dinner.

Seventh graders and their teachers are enjoying their week of interdisciplinary learning on Cape Cod.  The week's agenda includes a marine biology harbor cruise, the Great Island hike, sketching from nature, cycling, sessions with scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore. Active learning outdoors, which involves exploration, discovery, and engagement aligns with how boys learn best. The experience augments what they learn in the classroom. It also strengthens the bonds between the boys and their classmates.