2023 Education Outlook Fall

prepped for

SUCCESS

HOWLOCALHIGHSCHOOLS READYTHEIRSTUDENTS TOTAKESTANDARDIZEDTESTS

MARKYOURCALENDARS!

by Alyssa Seidman

Withschoolbackinsession,somestudents aredoublingdownontheirstudiesto prepareforstandardizedtestsinthecomingweeks. Forthejuniorclassinparticular,theseexamssignal ashifttowardshighereducation.

TheSAT,ACT,andevenPSATareonlyafraction ofwhatadmissionsofficesconsiderduringthe collegeapplicationprocess,butifyourstudentis anacademicoverachiever,theirscoresmayhelp themstandout.

Collegecounselingdirectorsfromareahigh schoolsweighedinonthedifferentthingstheir institutionsoffertopreparestudentstotakethese tests,shouldtheysochoose. >>

A teacher from The Harvey School guides students through a class assignment.

Photo: The Harvey School

A business student from Immaculate High School makes a presentation during class.

Photo: Immaculate High School

>> FACULTYSUPPORT

AtTheHarveySchoolinKatonah,N.Y.,juniorsare encouragedtotaketheSATandACTatleastonce. However,DirectorofCollegeCounselingMegBoothsaid studentsshouldn’tstressoverthesescores,notingthat theymaynotbenecessaryforeveryonewhenapplying tocollege.

“Wearecurrentlyinatest-optionalworld,whichopens upmultiplepathwaysintocollege,”sheadded.“Harvey studentsareingreathandswiththeircollegecounselors, whoprovideadviceastowhetherornotastudentshould ultimatelysubmitatestscore.”

AtImmaculateHighSchoolinDanbury,collegeprep startsonDayOne.Eachstudentisassignedacounselor whoworkswiththemtosetgoalsforthisjourney,while facultyprovideextrahelp,studyguides,andotherresourcestoensuretheymakethegrade.

TheCollegeandSchoolCounselingOfficeatSt.Joseph HighSchoolsharesinformationwithstudentsandfamiliesabouttestprepofferingsinthearea.Andsince standardizedtestscanbeacauseforunwantedanxiety, facultymembersattempttonormalizetheinternaland externalpressuresstudentsmaybefeelingasaresult.

“Manyofusthinkofanxietyassomethingtobeavoidedatallcosts,butitcanbeapowerfulteacher,”Director ofCollege&SchoolCounselingTerenceHoulihansaid. “Itcaninformusthatthere’smoreworktobedone,that we’renotaspreparedasweoughttobe.”

CONTINUE Prepped ONPAGE10

TEST-OPTIONAL WORLD.

’’

MitchellCollege is a placeofradicalpossibilities,whereyoucanuncoveryouruniquepowerandstudywhatismost importanttoyou: yourself

Whetheryouarestarting orfinishing an undergraduatedegree, pursuing yourpassion, upskilling for career advancement orseeking a programthatguidesandsupportsyouin learninghowyoulearnbest hereyoucanbe fullyyourself,andfullyrealize what’spossible

Mitchell’sflexible,compassionateapproachisredefiningstandardsinhighereducationby embracingeverysideof you withpersonalizedprogramsandsupportsdesignedtoachieve yourownversionofsuccess

Wooster School’s college counselors work with students to assemble meaningful college applications. Photo: Wooster School

FAIRFIELDCOUNTY STUDENTSMAKE THEGRADEOUTSIDE OFTHECLASSROOM

by Alyssa Seidman

Be Ignited!

FairfieldCollege PreparatorySchool isaJesuit, Catholicschoolofexcellence,whichtransformsyoungmen to BeInnovative,BeCreative, and BeMenforOthers. Prep offersarigorousacademicprogramforboysin9ththrough 12thgrade,withanoutstandingrecordofcollegeacceptances aswellasafullslateofsportsandactivities.Inafaith-and mission-basedcommunity,ourstudentsdeveloptheir relationshipwithGodandoneanother.

OpenHouse

Sun., Oct. 1

Sat., Nov. 18

Fairf i el d PREP.o rg

Oneofthegreatestrewardsastudentcan experienceisseeingtheireducational effortscometofruition.AndwhilestraightA’sare agreatthingtoaspiretohave,thepayoffdoesn’t alwayscomepackagedupinareportcard.

ThroughoutFairfieldCounty,studentsare usingtheskillstheylearnintheclassroomto maketheirmarkincompetitions,projects,and initiativestakingplaceacrossthestate,region, andcountry.

GREENWICH COUNTRY DAYSCHOOL

InMay,12studentsfromGreenwich CountryDaySchoolearnedafirst-place wininthe2023AmericanComputer ScienceLeagueFinalsCompetition (Senior3Division).

ACSLisaninternationalcompetition thattestsstudentsonfundamental conceptsincomputerscience.The competitionisdesignedtopromote interestinthefieldandhelpstudents developtheirproblem-solvingskills. GCDScompetedagainst106other teamsintheirdivision. Thestudents whocompetedwereMatteoAndrade, AinsleyCraver,FelixHentsch-Cowles, MichaelHisler,ImranIftikar,YashJain, AbeMilgram,EliMurphy,AndyPauley, MichaelPowell,HarrisonServedio,and OliverStern.

Gordie Campbell Team Advisor at Greenwich Country Day School

‘‘ I am so proud of our team for their hard work & dedication. They have shown that they are not only talented computer scientists, they are also great problem-solvers.’’

Think big

Asinglethoughtbeginsa journeyofexploration and canbethesourceforignitingpassions,inspiring others,ormakinganimpact.

fallinlove

WITHLEARNING

LOCALSPACESANDPLACES INSPIRESTUDENTSAFTERSCHOOL

by Alyssa Seidman

Withtherushofback-to-schoolnowbehindus, studentshavetheopportunitytoapplytheir academicskillsoutsideoftheclassroom.Asthecrispair causesthechangingleavestowitherintothewind,FairfieldCountyinstitutionsaregearinguptoofferfunfall programmingtolearnersofallages.

KEELERTAVERNMUSEUM & HISTORYCENTER

Eachyear,theKeelerTavernMuseum&HistoryCenter inRidgefieldhostsa#HandsOnHistoryexhibitioncentered aroundacertaintheme.Thisfall,themuseumisexploring farming,food,andclimatetrendsfromthe18thand 19thcenturies.

Theexhibitionconsistsofprogramsandliving historydemonstrationsthatexploreRidgefield’sorigins asafarmingcommunity.OnSundaysinOctober, visitorscanlearnabouttheskills,artistry,andtraditionof localfarmingandfoodproduction,frombee-keepingto hydroponicstopreservation.

IntheCarriageBarn,“LivingofftheLand”showcases historicfarmtoolsandimplementsusedinallstagesof foodproduction,frompreparingthesoiltoharvestingto processingcropsforconsumptionandsale.Theexhibit alsoexploreshowfarmsandfoodproductionwereaffectedbyfluctuatingclimatepatterns.

“Thisexhibitimmersesstudentsinhistorybyoffering toolsthatvisitorscantouchandhandle,”Directorof EducationMelissaHoustonsaid.“Thistrulyhands-on experienceenlivensstudents’imaginations,andallows themtobringwhattheylearnedhereintotheclassroom.”

Houstoninvitedhistorybuffstotourthescenic,fouracresitethisfall.Thecenter’snew“WaratHome”tour highlightshowtheindividualslivingintheKeelerhouseholdexperiencedtheBattleofRidgefield—theonlyinland battlefoughtinConnecticutduringtheRevolutionaryWar.

TheKeelerTavernMuseum&HistoryCenterislocatedat 152MainSt.inRidgefield.Forinquiriesaboutschoolprogramsanddigitallearningexperiences,emailHoustonat education@keelertavernmuseum.org

The “Living off the Land” exhibit at KeelerTavernMuseum & History Center can be found in the Carriage Barn, pictured.

Photo: Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center

Each year, the Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center inRidgefield hosts a #HandsOnHistory exhibition centeredaround a certain theme. Photo: Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center

EntranceExamPreparationCourse

October7

FallOpenHouse

October22

EntranceExams(one-timetest)

October28orNovember11

ApplicationDeadline

November15

WinterOpenHouse

December6

FamilyTours

Availablebyappointment

Whatwillyourpathlooklikefromhereto highereducation?Howwillyoumakethe mostofyourhighschoolyears?Whatwill youdiscoveraboutyourself,yourpassions, yourpotential?Whowillyouimpactalong theway?

AtSt.JosephHighSchool,wehelpyoung menandwomenmakethemostoftheirhigh schoolexperience.That’swhywesayour studentsare OnAMissionForMore.More challenges.Morecelebrations.Moreunique experiences.Moreopportunitiestoserve theircommunity.

VisitSt.Joesanddiscoveryour

>> WoosterSchool’sholisticapproachremovestheemphasisfromstandardizedtestscoresandplacesitonpersonal statements,supplementalessays,andotherthingsadmissionsofficesmaybemoreinterestedinseeing,according toDirectorofStudentGuidanceJohnNewman.

“Wehelpstudentsassembleapplicationsthatdemonstratewhotheyareasyoungpeopleintheworld,andwhat theybelieveismostimportant,”hesaid.“Weaskthemto thinkdeeplyaboutwhatismeaningfultothemandwho theywishtobewhentheygraduatefromWooster.”

CLASSES,PROGRAMS, ANDINITIATIVES

Harveygives10thand11thgraderstheoptiontotake thePSAToncampusinOctober,and10thgradersthe optiontotakethepre-ACTinApril.Inthewinter,the schoolpartnerswithSummitEducationalGrouptooffer juniorsgrouptestprepcoursesfortheSATandACT, whichpreparethemforthespringtermexams.

AtImmaculate,sophomoresandjuniorscanenrollin “Reading,WritingandLanguage:Strategies,Mini-Lessons andPracticesfortheNewSAT.”Thecourseprovides practiceincriticalreading,sentencecompletion,grammar,usage,andwriting.Lastyear,studentsrequested theschoolofferaneveningtestprepsessionduringthe academicyeartopreparethemfortheSATandPSAT. Thatrequestwasfulfilled.

Thisfall,St.Joe’sissponsoringanonlinesessionwith Dr.DrewHeilpernfromSummitEducationalGroup,who willdiscussthesimilarities,differences,andchanges betweentheSATandACT.Juniorsmayopttotakethe PSAT/NMSQToncampusOct.11,whichpresentsanopportunitytopreparefortheSATandqualifyforthe NationalMeritScholarshipProgram.

Woosterpartnerswithathird-partytestprepconsultantthatoffersavarietyofresourcestostudentswhoare interestedinstandardizedtestprep.Newmanencouragedfamiliestoexplorefreetestprepoptionsavailable throughKhanAcademy.Theschoolalsofacilitatesthe SATandACToncampusduringthefallandspringterms, andassistsfamiliesinobtainingappropriatetesting accommodationsforstudentswithlearningdifferences.

ADVICEFORTESTDAY

Eachdirectorofferedsomesageadviceforthose studentsoptingtotakestandardizedteststhisyear.

“Ourstudentsgoontobesuccessfulatgreatcolleges anduniversitieswithandwithoutstandardizedtests,so testingshouldnotbeapointofstressforthem,”Boothsaid.

“Usethisopportunityasachancetoshowoffand highlightallofyourhardworkandpreparationforthis day,”aschoolrepresentativefromImmaculatesaid.

“Donotsitfortheexamwithoutpreparation.Whether it’sthePSAT,atestprepcourse,freesessionsthrough KhanAcademy,oralocalSATpracticeexam,prepareas muchasyoucan,”Houlihansaid.“Alsomakesureyou’re wellrested.TheNationalSleepFoundationhasindicated thatgettingsomemoreZ’scanimproveastudent’s abilitytolearn,memorize,retain,andrecall—allofwhich cancontributetobettertestscores.”

“Takemultiplepracticetestsbeforehand,”Newman said.“Becomingfamiliarwiththetestformatandthe particularkindsofquestionsthattendtoreappearcan provideaconsiderableadvantage.” •

St. Joseph High School students roam the halls in between classes.

Photo: St. Joseph High School

DIRECTOR’S

cut

STUDENTSFLEXTHEIRSKILLSBEHIND

( ANDINFRONTOF) THECAMERA

Gainingreal-worldexperienceinaprospective careerpathisperhapsthemostimpactful thingastudentcandoduringtheirhighschool years.Theseopportunitiesaboundinpublicand privatehighschoolsthroughoutFairfieldCounty andbeyond,particularlyinthemediaarts.

by Alyssa Seidman

Atlocallearninginstitutions,studentsstepbehind (andinfrontof)thecameratocreatemultimedia projects,includingvideoandfilmproductions,news andsportsbroadcasts,andmuchmore.

CONTINUE Director’sCut ONPAGE20

Farmorethanatraditionalall-girlsschool,Walker’sisaplacewherementor-educatorsgalvanizestudents toharnesstheircreativeenergiesandembarkonlivesofimpact.Unconstrainedbygender-biased thinking,Walker’sstudentsareencouragedtotestboundariesintheclassroom,onthefields,andin pursuitofknowledge.Walker’salumnaecarrythemselveswithgraceandacertaintythatempowersthem toinfluenceandinspire.

We’reallforgirlsandhavebeensince1911.

MAKE - MODERN

As summer transitions into fall, your craft y kiddo may be itching to start a new project. They can fully embrace the spirit of the season at Make-Modern, a crafting/sewing studio in Darien and Greenwich that offers classes for students in grades K-12.

Studentsinthecraftingclassescreatenewprojectseachweek,andlearnanewtechniqueinevery class.Insewing,studentsbecomeindependentsewersbystitchingfabricsandmaterialstogetheron theirownsewingmachines.

Co-Founder and CFO Gwen Mitrano explained how the acts of crafting and sewing can bolster a student’s learning within the classroom.

“Art and science intersect on a variety of projects such as when we learn to make soap, create projects with circuits, or work with fabric dyes,” she said. “Crafting incorporates math and science principles, and sewing requires students to use both left and right brain skills.”

Shenotedthatwarm,fallcolorsmakefor beautiful finishedproducts,andthatmanyofthe projectsfeatureyarn,feltingwool,andfabricsthat correspondwiththecurrentseason.Studentscan evencreateholiday-themedprojectsjustintimefor Halloweenand Thanksgiving.

Make-Modern’s weekly classes for the fall session run through Oct. 23. For more information or to register, visit www.make-modern.com

STEPPINGSTONES MUSEUMFORCHILDREN

FOR

Withclassbackinsession,SteppingStones hasunveiledanexcitinglineupofSTEAM-infusedworkshopsperfectforschool-aged audiences.Thisfall,childreningradesPre-K-5 canengageinmorethan20fun-filled, brain-buildingofferingsaimedatenhancingall thelearningthey’redoingintheclassroom.

Theworkshopsintegratenationalandstate learningstandards,andcanbecustomizedto fitaschoolorgroup’sspecificcurricularneeds. Bringyourclass,homeschool,orafter-school grouptothemuseumtoexperiencehands-on fun,connectwithleadershipvirtually,orhave itsspecialbrandofplay-basedlearning broughttoyou.

OnOct.21,themuseumtransformsintothe “BOO-seum”forSteppingStones’annualafter-hoursHalloweenSPOOK-tacular.Donyour mostcreativecostumesandgetreadyfora nightofspellbindingshows,epicadventures, and“BOO-tiful”memories.

Theeventwillfeatureseasonalprogramming andawickedlycoolperformancefrommad scientistDr.Diabolicalandhiscastofspooky assistants,whotrytobringFrankenstein’s monsterbacktolife.

SteppingStonesMuseumforChildrenislocated rightoffonI-95inhistoricMathewsParkin Norwalk.Formoreinformation,call203-899-0606 orvisit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org >>

HANDS-ONFUN, virtualconnections,&play-basedlearning.

studio that offers classes to students in grades K-12. Photo: Make-Modern

>> WOODCOCKNATURECENTER

Thefallfoliagewillbeoutinfullforcethisseasonat WoodcockNatureCenter,whichissituatedonthe Wilton-Ridgefieldborder.Inadditiontohikingits nearlyfourmilesoftrailsorwatchingwildlifeprepare forwinter,visitorscanlearnathingortwothisfall.

Woodcockofferspreschoolclassesfornaturelovers andtheircaregiversages16monthsto5-years-old. Itspopularafter-schoolclassesincludehiking,animal encounters,natureactivities,andanEarthArtists programforchildreningrades3-5.

Studentsingrades6-8canseekadventurein Uncharted,whichofferstwoprogramsthisseason. UnchartedWildfocusesonexploringtheunmarked

partsofWoodcock’sforestswhileUncharted Makersallowsparticipantstoexperimentwith materialsinnature.

“Additionally,throughhands-onactivitieslikepond scoops,natureart,wading,andfortbuilding,students candeepentheirconnectiontonature.”

Thecenterisplanningafestivefalleventforall agesonOct.21,whichwillincludetrailexplorations, animalencounters,andmore.

TheWoodcockNatureCenterislocatedat54Deer RunRoadinWilton.Tosignupforthemailinglistand stayintheknowaboutnewprogramsandcommunity events,visit www.woodcocknaturecenter.org •

Lenore Herbst Executive Director, Woodcock Nature Center

‘‘

All of our programs are designed by a passionate, knowledgeableteamofoutdooreducators, focus on building awarenessandunderstanding oflocalenvironments,and making connections to classroom learning.’’

SPENDADAY ATSCHOOL WITHFAIRFIELD COUNTY’SK-12 GRADERS

by Alyssa Seidman

Withthe2023–24schoolyearalittle morethanamonthunderway, studentsalloverFairfieldCountyarejust aboutsettledintotheiracademicroutines.

Butwhatdotheirdaysactuallylooklike? Andhowdotheyvarybygradelevel?Orby school?Wecaughtupwithsomeprivate schooladministratorstoseehowtheir students’schedulesarestructured. >>

Above: Long Ridge School is one of the few learning institutions in the area with multi-age classrooms. In this model, two grade levels learn alongside — and from — one another with the same co-teachers over the course of two years. Photo: Long Ridge School

LongRidgeSchoolisoneofthefew learninginstitutionsintheareawithmultiageclassrooms.Inthismodel,twograde levelslearnalongside—andfrom—one anotherwiththesameco-teachersoverthe courseoftwoyears.

Theformatpromotesstrongfoundational relationshipsamongststudents,andenablesteacherstocaterthecurriculumto eachindividualchild.Moreover,themultiageclassroomsoffer“asafe,comfortable placeforstudentstotakeacademicrisks andpushthemselves,”HeadofSchool CarissaLewissaid.

AnaveragedayforK-5studentsbeginsin theBigRoom,alarge-groupgathering spacewherechildrencanplaygamesand workonpuzzleswithfriendsinmultiple gradelevels.At8:30a.m.,studentsreportto theirrespectiveclassrooms,whicheither encompassgradesK-1,2-3,or4-5.

Thejingleofabellat9a.m.signalsthe approachingmorningmeeting,where teachersoutlinetheupcomingschedulefor theday.TheK-1classroomshavescience, languagearts,andmusictoday,buttomorrowthey’llhaveSpanish,socialstudies,and librarytime.

Rightbeforelunch,thewholegroup convenesforamathlesson.Here,K-1studentsusemanipulativestoperformcalculations,learnhowtocreatefactfamilieswith additionandsubtractionfacts,andengage inagamewiththeirpeerstofurtherpracticetheseskills.

Followinglunchandrecess,LongRidge’s youngestlearnersheadofftomusicclassto practicewhatthey’lleventuallyperformfor theFridayAssembly.Here,studentsofall agessharetheirlearningexperienceswith oneanother,performforeachother,and singsongstogether.

Afterassembly,childreningrades2-5 signuptoparticipateinFridayActivities. Thisinvolvestakingaclassoutsideofthe regularcurriculum,suchascooking,drama, ornewspaper.

Children from different classrooms get to work with teachers at all grade levels, so the program helps build a supportive atmosphere where kids feel known, safe, and cared for.

EASTONCOUNTRY DAYSCHOOL

CreativityEvolvesHere!

Now’sthetimetogrowwithSilvermine

PRIVATEEDUCATION

FORGRADESPRE-KINDERGARTEN–12 660MorehouseRoad,Easton,CT06612

ECDSusesitssmallsizeanduniqueapproachtoensure eachchildnotonlyachievesacademicexcellence inacaringenvironment,butalsolearnsthoseskills necessarytobeacaringandresponsiblecitizen. Webuildarelationshipwitheachchild.ECDSoffers rigorousindividualizedacademics,whileencouraging accomplishmentandresponsibility.

Oursmall,friendlyhighschoolprovidesahighly personalizedenvironmentwherestudentsachieve successattheirownpace,fromtutoringtocollege creditcourses.

ACADEMICEXCELLENCESMALLCLASSES HANDS-ON,INTERACTIVELEARNING

Programmingforthehighlygiftedalsoavailable!

Wenurturecaring,accomplished,responsiblechildren!

Callforinformationoranappointment- 203-268-5530

203-966-9700www.silvermineart.org

At Long Ridge School inStamford, students gather materials to build a “crazy room” out of an empty shoe box, which they will eventually wire with a ceiling light and a wall switch. Photo: Long Ridge School

Carissa Lewis Head of Long Ridge School

‘‘ All of the teachers and specialists are involved in offering something that period, and there’s a lot of crossover that way.

6 - 8

InSt.Luke’sMiddleSchoolprogram, studentsbuildupontheirstrengthsand betterunderstandthemselvesaslearners andleadersinthecommunityandbeyond.

Atypicaldayforgrades6-8beginswith morningdropoff.At9:10a.m.,theyheadoff tofirstperiod.Middleschoolersparticipate infivetosixacademiccoursesthroughout theday,includingEnglish,history,math, science,worldlanguages,performingarts, visualarts,physicaleducation,andcomputerscience&engineering.

Theschooldayalsoconsistsofnon-academicperiods,includingTownMeetingson Mondays,AdvisoryGroupsonTuesdaysand Thursdays,andextrahelpandclubtimes TuesdaythroughThursday.Thefirstallows studentstogive/hearannouncements, highlightprojectsandprograms,and participateincommunity-buildingactivities;thesecondsupportsstudentsthrough theiracademicandsocial-emotional developmentthroughouttheyear;andthe thirdcreatesspaceforindependenttime.

HeadofMiddleSchoolKatieBoorsenoted thatstudentsalsoengageinvariousprojectsthathonecriticalskills,including:

 EarthSystemsforsixthgraders,which isdesignedtohelpstudentsmaster thestepsofthescientificmethod,collect andanalyzedata,andwritetheirfirst labreport.

 LifeScienceforseventhgraders,where studentsexamineandapplyscientific studytotheclassificationoflife,anatomy, cellularbiology,andheredity,culminating intheProveItExpo.

 U.S.SocialHistoryforeighthgraders, wherestudentsexploretopicsrelated toculture,civics,andAmerican historyduringthe19thand20thcenturies, andembarkonathree-daytripto Washington,D.C. >>

OCTOBER2023

Mike DeLuca PUBLISHER

Ashley Sanderson SPECIAL SECTIONS DESIGNER

Alyssa

Seidman

MARKETING CONTENT WRITER

AdvertisingInformation:(203)330-6238 301Merritt7,Floor1,Norwalk,CT06851 ©2023HearstConnecticutMediaGroup

OntheCover:AdobeStock

Seventh-grade students at St. Luke’s School attend five to six academic courses during the school day. Photo: St. Luke’s School

‘‘

‘ Our curriculum is designed to be unmissable by getting students out of their seats and engaging with learning firsthand.

Teachers integrate real-world topics into our traditional curriculum, challenging students to connect, think critically, and find their voices.’’

Katie Boorse Head of St. Luke’s Middle School

45GlenvilleRoad,Greenwich,CT06831(203)622-9240eaglehillschool.org

>> 9 - 12

GreenwichCountryDaySchooloffersa “transformational”experiencefor9-12 graders.Here,studentsengageindeep, meaningful,andjoyfullearningguidedby anexperiencedfaculty,anddevelopthe knowledge,skills,anddispositionscritical forsuccessinarapidlychangingworld, accordingtotheschool’swebsite.

“Ourstudentsarebothconsumersand creatorsofknowledge,”HeadofUpper SchoolChrisWinterssaid.“Undertheguidanceofanextraordinaryfaculty,theyfind naturalconnectionsbetweentraditional subjectareasandapplytheirlearningto investigateareasofinterestingreater depth,solveproblems,andinnovate.”

Highschoolershaveaccesstomore than180courses—whichcanbepersonalizedtotheirindividualinterests—acomprehensivevisualandperformingarts program,andacompetitiveathletics program.Thestudent-to-facultyratiois6:1, whichresultsinrelationshipsgroundedin mutualtrustandrespect,accordingtothe school’swebsite.

TheUpperSchool’sSignaturePrograms aredesignedtocomplementandexpand uponGreenwichCountryDay’straditional classroomcurriculum.Theyprovidestudentswithopportunitiestoexploretheir passions,interests,andskills,andhelp themdevelopasenseofpurpose,identity, andcommunity.

SignatureProgramsincludeIntersession, Seminar,DiplomaPrograms,JuniorThesis, SeniorInternship,GlobalAcademicPrograms,Student-LedConferences,PresentationsofLearning,andIndependentStudy.

Additionally,GreenwichCountryDay’s highly-personalizedcollegecounseling programprepares9-12graderstopresent strongapplicationsduringsenioryear,and enrollinacollegeoruniversitywherethey willeventuallythrive.

FormoreinformationaboutGreenwich CountryDaySchool’sUpperSchoolprogram,visit www.gcds.net •

Director of College Counseling Andy Ramirez, left, advises Greenwich Country Day School seniors on how to prepare strong college applications.

Photo: Greenwich Country Day School

Chris Winters HeadofUpperSchool,GreenwichCountryDaySchool

WHERE STUDENTSBECOME THEIRBEST SELVES. Grades6–12with5-dayboardingfor9–12inKatonah,NY harveyschool.org/OpenHouse

PUBLICSCHOOLS

RIDGEFIELDHIGHSCHOOL TigerTV createsopportunitiesforstudentswhoareinterestedinthefields ofvideographyandmediabroadcasting.Participatingstudentsworkintheschool’sbrand-new mediaroom,whichislocatedinthepavilionofTiger HollowStadium.TheclubmeetsonWednesdays andFridays,andsometimesafterschool.The advisorisKatieBlake.

GREENWICHHIGHSCHOOL The SportsBroadcast club allowsstudentswithinterestsinbroadcast, production,ormarketingtogetafeelforapossible career.Itisalsoagreatwaytobringstudents together,accordingtotheschool’swebsite.The advisorisSeanMayo.

STAPLESHIGHSCHOOL TheMediaLabencompasses StaplesTelevisionNetwork,whichlivestreamsschoolsportingevents.Followalongon TwitterorYouTube@StaplesSports.Additionally, fiveStaplesstudentshadthechancetoshowcase self-producedshortfilmsattheinaugural WestportYoungFilmmaker’sForum lastDecember, presentedbyVersoStudios.TheshortswereproducedaspartoftheIndependentLearningExperienceprogramunderthedirectionofMediaStudies Teacher/AdvisorLaurenBullock.

WILTONHIGHSCHOOL Studentsin VideoClub createvideosandrunaschoolwidesocialmedia campaignthatsupportssafedriving.Theclub workswithotherclubstoorganizeanannual5k, withtheproceedsbenefitingaspecificcharity. Participantsgettowork,learn,andsharewithkids whohavesimilarhobbies,makeTikToks,andhave fun.Theclubmeetsonceamonthintheschool’s studio.TheadvisorisMariaNaeem. >>

A group of high schoolers collaborate ona video project incorporating film, editing, and other media-related skills.Photo:Shutterstock

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

JOHNF.KENNEDYCATHOLICPREPARATORY SCHOOL KennedyLive isadailybroadcast thatreportsonwhat’shappeningatKennedy andaroundtheworld.Followalongat www.kennedycatholic.org/kennedy-live or onYouTubeat@KennedyCatholicGaels.

ST.JOSEPHHIGHSCHOOL The Audio/VisualArts Club introducesstudentstothetechnicaland performanceaspectsofbroadcastmediathrough hands-onexperiences.Theclubalsoprovides valuableservicesintheformofsoundsystem operationforschoolfunctionsandassistancefor SJTV,themorningnewsshow.

SACREDHEARTGREENWICH The MediaStudies programoffersstudentshands-onopportunitiesto learninreal-worldenvironments.AfterayearinIntro toFilmmaking,UpperSchoolstudentscanspecialize inMultimediaProduction,CreativeFilmmaking,or RealWorldFilmmaking.Enrolleesstudywebdesign, podcasting,sportscasting,andsocialmediacontent creation,andeventuallycreateawebportfolioof theirwork.FollowalongonInstagram@lightscameraheartand@shg_sportscasting.

FAIRFIELDCOLLEGEPREPARATORYSCHOOL

The FilmandMediaClub consistsofthreedepartments:film,media,andnews.Studentscanjoinone orallthreedepartments,dependingontheirinterests. Film studentscreatevideosbasedontheirown ideas.Onceanideaisapproved,theygathera teamofpeoplefromtheclubtowrite,shoot,edit, anddirectthevideo.

The media portionoftheclubbroadcasts Prepsportsandevents.Livebroadcastsrequire producers,liveeditors,cameraoperators, reporters,andbroadcasters.

News studentsproduceshort,weeklynews segmentswithananchor,editor,andcamera operator.Thesegmentsencompassnewsabout Prepand/orrealworldnews. •

A high school advisor instructs a student how to operate a camera as other students review a script. Photo: Shutterstock

IMMACULATE HIGHSCHOOL

InApril,ImmaculateHighSchool’sCyberPatriots teamreachedthegoldtieroftheConnecticut RegionalNationalYouthCyberDefenseCompetition.

Theprogramasksteamsofmiddleandhigh schoolstudents—actingasnewly-hiredITprofessionals—tofindandfixcybersecurityvulnerabilities invirtualoperatingsystems.Thecompetitionis designedtoinspireK-12studentstopursuecareers incybersecurityorotherSTEMdisciplines.

“Weareincrediblyproudofourteam’ssuccess,and it’sadirectresultofImmaculate’srobustcommitmenttoSTEM,”FacultyModeratorDr.JohnPitrellisaid.

AidenDoolabhwastheleadCyberPatriotsmentor throughoutthe2022-23season.TheteamalsoincludedAndrewBrenner,AnnaKopec,BradleyDarlucio, CharlesRoman,andMelenaVentresca.

ST.JOSEPHHIGHSCHOOL

In2021,recentSt.JosephHighSchoolgraduate DanielleHaniphfoundedtheConnecticutMural Project,whichaimstoinvolvecommunitymembers inbuildingmurals.Thisyearherprojectcompleteda 10x4bannerwithsponsorshipfromtheTrumbull NatureandArtsCenterandstateSen.MarilynMoore.

Thebannerfeaturesnearly400paperbutterflies paintedbysecond-gradestudentsfromsixelementaryschoolsinMoore’sdistrict.Itwasdisplayedat severallibrariesthroughoutthedistrictandat TrumbullDay2023.Thebannerwasalsodisplayed attheCapitolBuildinginHartford,whereHaniphhad thechancetospeakaboutherprojectontheSenatefloor.

Haniphwasnamedasthe2023YouthoftheYear bytheNationalCouncilofNegroWomen’sGreater BridgeportChapterforheracademicachievement andservicewiththeConnecticutMuralProject. >>

EducationforLife OneStudentataTime

Foundedin1876,VermontAcademyisasmall, independentboardinganddayschoolserving211 studentsinthefoothillsoftheGreenMountains. Wearerenownedforourtight-knitcommunitythat fostersnaturalinterests,free-thinking,andlifelong growth.Weteachourstudentshowtorelyontheir innercompassandheadtowardtheirtruenorth.

VermontAcademy’seducational philosophyisbasedonfourhistoric values:ingenuity,independence, community,andloveoftheland.Our commitmenttothesevalueshelps toencourageself-advocacyand independenceinstudents.

‘‘ One of the great partsof this experience is the veteran/membermentorship, so our team is always growing andgetting better.’’

This year, St. Joseph High School graduate Danielle Haniph’s Connecticut Mural Project completed a banner with sponsorship from the Trumbull Nature and Arts Center and state Sen. Marilyn Moore. Photo: St. Joseph High School

In April, Immaculate High School’s CyberPatriots team reachedthe gold tier of the Connecticut Regional National YouthCyber Defense Competition. Photo: Immaculate High School

>>

ST.LUKE’SSCHOOL

InApril,HarryWilliamsrepresentedSt.Luke’s SchoolattheInternationalAcademicCompetitions’ regionalfinalsinBethel.Heplacedfirstinboththe geographyandhistorybeesforhisagegroup.

ThesewinsqualifiedWilliamsforthenationalcompetitioninArlington,Va.,inJune,aswellasthe internationalcompetitionsinJuly2023and2024.

Operatinginmorethan50countries,theIAC organizesenrichingandexcitingteamandindividual competitionsinhistory,geography,science,the humanities,andothersubjectsforprimaryand secondarystudentsofallages.

“Icouldn’tbeprouderofHarryforachievingthis highlevelofsuccessintheinauguralyearofSt. Luke’sMiddleSchoolQuizBowlteam,”Fifth-Grade TeacherRobertSalandrasaid. •

In April, Harry Williams represented St. Luke’s School at the International Academic Competitions’ regional finals inBethel. He placed first in both the geography and historybees forhis age group. Photo: St. Luke’s School

Harry’s vast knowledge of different topics and eagerness to improve continue to impress me. I’m thrilled he had this opportunityto demonstrate his strengths in a competitive format.