Introduction

Here at Allen-Stevenson, boys are encouraged to be curious and to learn in many ways. Earlier this year, during an Upper Division Assembly, Mr. Trower reflected on his life and what led him to where he is today. He explained that as a young man, he didn’t know what he wanted to do specifically, but he knew he wanted to do work that made a difference or would make the world a better place.

The features in this issue speak to Mr. Trower’s vision for his life and how this vision has impacted the lives of Allen-Stevenson boys.

In order to design learning experiences that allow boys to learn deeply, teachers need opportunities to collaborate. This year’s 7-day schedule incorporated such a time on Day 4 mornings allowing teachers to meet across grades, divisions and subject areas to plan. The Upper Division Intersession, which is described on pages 18 and 19, was an outcome of this exciting addition to the schedule. Collaborative learning also relies on technology. Allen-Stevenson’s library has evolved to become the Library Tech Commons—a space that brings literature, research and technology into the classroom. To read about Mr. Trower’s and Library Tech Commons Director Sarah Kresberg’s early visions for the library, read the archival piece from the Spring 2006 Lamplighter on pages 26 and 27.

The newly completed science classrooms and Greenhouse, partnered with a comprehensive K-8 science program that Jack Cooley and his team have developed, speak to the vision and the real-life experiences needed to make learning stick.

In order for boys to take thoughtful risks as they learn, they need social-emotional support, as Dr. Schwartzman describes on pages 24 and 25. Allen-Stevenson recognizes that if a boy feels emotionally safe, he will take ownership of his learning. Boy-driven service-learning arises because boys are not afraid to bring their ideas to fruition, as described on pages 15 to 17.

The ultimate confirmation of the impact of Allen-Stevenson’s vision is the career or life choices made by our alumni, who are out in the world making the world a better place.

Features“I was always taught to make the best use of my talents and not waste my life,” says Head of School David Trower.