BEYOND THESE WALLS See how our students learn outside of the classroom

Beyond These Walls

This year, our REDS were more grateful than ever to expand their learning outside of the classroom by venturing out into our greater communities. Here are just a few examples of how our students explored the world around them to further engage in their own education.

A Social Justice and Civil Rights Trip to Remember

In the spring, our eighth graders spent an incredible weeklong social justice journey to Atlanta, Georgia, and Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama. This muchanticipated trip was the culmination of a human rights and social justice unit, which gave the Class of 2026 the opportunity to see the places that were integral in the Civil Rights Movement and meet people who were impacted by this time in history. Through visits to museums, national monuments, memorials, and other historic sites, the students considered themes including how a person’s social identity shapes their experiences in the United States and the world and how historical context helps us better understand current events.

The Smith Philanthropic Literacy Board Provides $5,000 to Baltimore Safe Haven

Congratulations to Baltimore Safe Haven, the 2021-2022 nonprofit grant recipient from The Smith Philanthropic Literacy Board at RPCS! The Smith Philanthropic Literacy Board (PLB) is a student-run group in The Gore Leadership Institute that is endowed by Cheryl BernardSmith and Chip Smith, P'24. Uniting students’ growing understanding of the critical issues facing the Baltimore community with the opportunity to effect positive change, juniors and seniors select a mission for the year, oversee the grant proposal process, evaluate applications from local organizations, and select an organization they feel should be awarded the funds. This spring, they presented the $5,000 check to Baltimore Safe Haven, an organization that provides transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people living in Baltimore with opportunities to thrive.

REDS in NYC

Last May, the eighth grade Art of the Musical class went to New York City to see “Beetlejuice” on Broadway! It was such a treat to see a live performance in the Big Apple!

Service Learning in Baltimore

Last December, our Middle School students participated in an annual Immersion Day of service learning. Groups of students went offsite to volunteer their time and efforts at the Maryland Food Bank, Manna House, Lake Roland, Cylburn Arboretum, Great Kids Farm, Art with a Heart or the Stadium Place retirement facilities. The students handled the service learning trips incredibly well and represented themselves and RPCS with integrity and pride.

Semis Sing at Camden Yards

Last May, the Semiquavers, Roland Park Country School’s auditioned music ensemble, sang the National Anthem at an Orioles game at Camden Yards. This is the fourth time Middle and Upper School Music Teacher Ms. Lisa Diver, 2006 has led the Semis in singing the National Anthem for an O’s game and everyone had an amazing time!

Model UN Summit in Philadelphia

Upper School students traveled to Philadelphia last winter to participate in the Model UN (United Nations) Summit. Our students worked hard in seven-plus hour sessions, discussing world problems such as trade disputes, hunger and poverty, resource disagreements, human rights violations, global warming, nuclear disarmament, international security, public health, and many more. We were excited and proud to see multiple REDS stepping up to the committee session microphones and pushing their ideas and items for resolution papers.

The Class of 2029 Field Trip to Annapolis

In March, our fifth graders visited Annapolis, our state's capital, for an incredible learning experience as the class participated in a tour to see where and how legislation is created. Some of the students were even able to meet their congressional representatives, to whom they had written letters earlier in the school year.