St. Luke's School Middle School Viewbook 2012

aspire S t. Lu k e ’s S c h o o l

middle school Grades 5–8

“Students learn better when they feel connected in school to peers and adults. Knowing that they are known motivates students and gives them the confidence to work hard, to seek new experiences, and to take intellectual and extracurricular risks. ” M a r k D av i s , H e a d o f S c h o o l

From the moment you enter St. Luke’s Middle School until the day you transition to our 9th grade, you’ll be part of a dynamic community that will take you above and beyond your expectations and prepare you for the rigorous experiences that lie ahead.

Actively involved in learning that instills confidence, inspires curiosity, and fosters creative thinking, you will aspire to more here. You’ll experience the wonder of discovery, form lasting relationships, and transition to Upper School prepared to excel and expand your world.

togeth Our community drives student success. With the support and encouragement of teachers and peers, Middle School students flourish—both academically and socially—in a diverse environment that recognizes and celebrates individual contributions.

As they grow, students gain the self-assurance they need to set high expectations and discover new interests. They develop strength of character, speaking up and speaking out on behalf of themselves and others. Our students root for one another: they want to do well and want their classmates to do well, too. Together, they learn, lead, and make a difference.

Eighth grade students observe and discuss the properties of molecules in science class.

her Sixth grade students and faculty pitch in together to clean up a local beach.

Center for Leadership Our students find their voices and make a difference—in their School, their community, and the world— through opportunities provided by the Center for Leadership (CFL).

The CFL collaborates with faculty to create student experiences that foster a global perspective, encourage a service orientation, and build “TLC” skills (teamwork, leadership, and communication) in students of all ages.

“Teachers encourage us to be creative and use everything that we’re learning. They also teach us more than just academics—we learn how to work together, listen to each other, and be part of a community. ” Perry g r a d e 7 , N o r wa l k , C T

All Middle School students participate in community service by class, focusing on the following themes: 5th – the elderly 6th – the environment 7th – homelessness and hunger 8th – children in need Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve.

Every day our Middle School students take the St. Luke’s motto to heart.

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| 3 communit y

It all starts here. Balancing a traditional curriculum with interactive, hands-on learning and exploration, our 5th grade academic program successfully transitions students from elementary to middle school. Students in 5th grade benefit from their own hallway, separate yet connected to the rest of the School, where they feel comfortable to be themselves. Dedicated faculty get to know each individual student, identifying strengths and guiding

“Our 5th grade program gives students a jump-start on their path to academic excellence. They have the ability to look ahead, to aspire to more. The tools we provide enable them to take risks and experience new things. It all starts here. �

G a r e t h Fa n c h e r Head of Middle School

students to do and be more. Small class sizes ensure that each student plays an active role in the learning process. Step by step, students build confidence, form friendships, and succeed in all areas, on the playing field, on the stage, and in the classroom.

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Experiential Learning Living History to Learn It What better way to learn history—with its interplay of social, cultural, and economic influences—than to immerse yourself in the period?

Fifth grade students pack their bags and head to Mystic Seaport for a taste of the seafaring life. Prior to departure, students research how people lived and worked on America’s waterways and coastal towns. During the trip, they delve into history, exploring historic ships, a recreated 19th-century village, and a working shipyard.

When they return to St. Luke’s, students apply what they learned by mapping their own whaling expedition and creating a ship’s log to report on their voyage.

The trip brings American history to life, but the benefits go well beyond the history lesson—students develop an appreciation for the factors that influence the course of history, and embrace the opportunity to learn by doing.

Skills acquired: Research, writing, teamwork, communication Added benefits: Experiential learning, creative expression, independence

A Day in the Life of a 5th Grader 7:55 AM Homeroom – review today’s schedule 8:00 AM Latin – “Salve, Magistra!”

8:50 AM Language Arts – interpret “Leviathan,” a poem about a whale 9:45 AM Break – share a snack with friends 10:05 AM Language Arts – lead Literary Circle discussion on The Journal of Brian Doyle 11:00 AM Lunch – eat, play a game of ping pong or soccer 11:35 AM Science – present lab findings to class 12:15 PM Social Studies – role-play a whaling expedition and write up the ship’s log 1:05 PM Art – prep sculpture for the kiln 1:55 PM Math – solve the Problem of the Day 2:45 PM Afternoon Activities – ready for practice

“St. Luke’s is excited about each and every child. Teachers set expectations for the class, but treat students as individuals.

From the moment I first met with the admissions staff, I’ve felt that my daughter could be anything she wants here. ” B e t h a ny 5 t h g r a d e pa r e nt, N e w C a n a a n , C T

5th grade academics | 5

The Advisory Program

find lively discussion and an interactive exchange of

Beginning in 6th grade and extending throughout our students’ years at St. Luke’s, our advisory program helps students navigate both the academic and social aspects of school. Advisors become students’ primary guides and an important link for students, parents, and teachers.

ideas. Students learn by doing and experiencing. Teachers integrate real-world topics into our traditional curriculum, challenging students to make connections, think critically, and find their voices. Supported by the St. Luke’s Center for Leadership, our emphasis on public speaking starts in Middle School, when students learn to articulate their ideas, support their positions, and communicate persuasively in any forum. Collaborative projects teach teamwork and allow students to take risks as leaders and problem-solvers.

Students develop an awareness of our global environment, and the confidence, competence, and compassion to explore

Students meet with their advisors at least twice a week to discuss a range of topics, from academic performance and course selection to community service and citizenship. Advisory ensures that each student is known, resulting in an appropriate course of study and co-curricular activities.

our complex, interconnected world.

“Our team-teaching model allows the freedom to create a rigorous curriculum that forges real discussion. Students actively create, organize, debate, problem-solve—and just as important—make mistakes. In doing so, they not only build specific strengths, but also become responsible thinkers, presenters, and citizens. ” J e nn i f e r P o k o r n e y d i r e c to r o f m i d d l e s c h o o l c u r r i c u lu m & h i s to r y t e a c h e r

with confidence

Walk into any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade classroom, and you’ll

with confidence

Seventh grade students take advantage of the proximity to Long Island Sound to study biodiversity and local habitats.

Interdisciplinary Projects, Global Solutions Each year, St. Luke’s 7th grade partners with schools in other states and countries to take on a large-scale global issue and brainstorm solutions that can be implemented at the local level. Recently, students tackled biodiversity and ecosystem loss; they compared their local ecosystem to that of schools in North Carolina and Mexico, and posted their responses to a shared blog. Outside the classroom, students traveled to Long Island Sound to investigate its ecosystem and the effects of a nearby power plant. In history class, students put the pieces together as they examined how sustainable

choices can affect their health, as well as the health of their community. “This program shows students that we don’t work in isolation,” says History Teacher Chris Phelps. “What they’re learning in science has an effect on what’s going on in history, and what’s going on in history has an effect on English. We’re all in this together— not just in terms of academics, but in terms of the greater real-world picture. ” Skills acquired: Collaboration, cross-curricular thinking, leadership Added benefits: Global awareness, social responsibility, sustainable choices

8th Grade Declamations Who inspires you and why?

This question is at the heart of the capstone 8th Grade Declamations. Focusing on an individual who has made a difference —Dag Hammarskjöld, Pat Tillman, and Maya Angelou are recent examples—students complete a rigorous, semester-long research and writing process, culminating with a speech to faculty, parents, and classmates. “Declamations tie together our Middle School goals on several levels,” says English Teacher Jim Decatur. “Students expand critical-thinking, organizational, and public-speaking skills. They reflect on the qualities they aspire to have, and those St. Luke’s instills, such as leadership and integrity. As students help and root for one another, they galvanize as a class. ” Skills acquired: Research, media literacy, written and oral communication

Declamations are streamed live and watched by friends and family around the world.

Added benefits: Self-confidence, pride, a sense of accomplishment

6th, 7th, & 8th grade academics | 7

From art to band to choir to theatre, Middle School students take advantage of the many fine arts offerings incorporated into the curriculum. In our one-of-a-kind Art House—solely devoted to creativity—students paint, sculpt, and enhance digital images; while in our state-of-the-art Seldin Performing Arts Center, students shine on stage and work behind the scenes as part of the tech crew.

St. Luke’s showcases talents, and students admire

“Our music program gives students real-world skills, enabling them to pursue music in any capacity later in life, and instills in them an appreciation for the arts. ” DALE G r i f fa m u s i c d e pa r t m e nt c h a i r

and celebrate the artistic and musical achievements of their peers. Essential to students’ growth and development, our arts program inspires creative thinking, gives students the chance to express themselves, and broadens their perspectives.

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Discovering Voices Discovering Voices is a cross-curricular series of workshops that provide Middle School students with a wide range of creative opportunities. The workshops help students make connections among the arts, sciences, technology, and other academic disciplines, and provide avenues for self-expression through poetry, music, art, drama, and dance.

The Discovering Voices theme changes each year, but always inspires students to experiment and discover something about themselves. Workshops, such as Harlem Jazz Infusion, Electronic Music Poetry, Stop Motion Animation, Yoga, and Acoma Pottery, spark new thinking and passions.

Each series concludes with a performance that features the creative outcomes of the workshops.

Recently, internationally celebrated violinist Alexander Markov rocked the audience with a high-voltage finale accompanied on stage by several students.

Art Teacher Peggy Van Acker guides a Stop Motion Animation workshop.

Events in the Arts • 5th Grade International Night • Blues Band Concert • Discovering Voices • Fall & Spring Choir Concerts • Fall Drama • Holiday Band & Choir Concerts • Middle School Musical • Music & Poetry Performance • Spring Theatre-in-the-Round • Thespian Awards • Winter & Spring Art Shows

“At St. Luke’s, art doesn’t just happen in the Art House.

It runs through many of my classes, from the focus on nature in science to the study of Michelangelo in history to illustrating my own fairy tale in English. ” K i t, g r a d e 6 , N e w C a n a a n , C T

the arts | 9

your pas Everyone at St. Luke’s participates in an afternoon activity. Our Middle School philosophy is simple: everyone makes a team, everyone plays, and everyone matters. St. Luke’s students are multidimensional, eager to try new activities and engage in new experiences, such as squash, math team, and computer animation. As students sing in the School’s musical or throw the game-changing pitch, they learn to be leaders in big and small ways. They take pride in their School, their accomplishments, and themselves.

Clubs & Activities • Art Club • Blues Band (Grades 7– 8) • Chess Club • Computer Animation • Dance • Drama • Environmental Club • Improvising through the Arts • Math Team • Musical • Music Club • Rock ’n’ Record • Technical Theatre (Grades 7– 8)

“In Middle School, I was able to try many different sports— so now in the Upper School, I know which sports I want to play. ” Griffin grade 9, New Canaan, C T

ssions Athletics Over 90 percent of Middle School students play one sport or more during their years at St. Luke’s.

• Baseball • Basketball • Crew (Grades 7– 8) • Cross Country • Field Hockey • Football • Ice Hockey • Lacrosse • Paddle Tennis • Ski Team (Grade 8) • Soccer • Softball • Squash • Tennis • Volleyball

Middle School students cheer on Upper School students as part of the 6 1/2 Man Club.

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co-curricular activities | 11

middle schoo By the time they finish 8th grade, students have acquired the communication and critical thinking skills they need to succeed in Upper School— and beyond. With teachers, advisors, friends, and teammates by their sides, they are engaged, confident learners and leaders, and integral members of our diverse community. On a daily basis, our students demonstrate the tenets of the St. Luke’s honor code: kindness, responsibility, honesty, and respect. Declamations serve as a rite of passage as students push their ideas to the limit, defend their findings, and transition to our 9th grade. With a strong academic foundation in place, they are well-prepared to reach for—and achieve—more.

“Without my 8th Grade Declamation, I wouldn’t have had the chance to discover my passion for Dr. Paul Farmer’s work with Haiti’s health care delivery system. This has since become the basis of my study in the Global Scholars program in the Upper School, as well as one of my life passions and interests. ” M c K e n z i e St. Luk e ’ s A lu m n a , att e n d i ng Sta n f o r d un i v e r s i ty

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“When I see the 5th and 6th graders at activities, they don’t view me as the college counselor; they’re just themselves, and I’m able to get to know them really well. When the time comes to talk about college, they’re comfortable, and I’m better able to help them through the process. ” Sonia bell d i r e c to r o f co l l e g e co un s e l i ng & e ng l i s h t e a c h e r

Middle School students team with Upper School students to win a Homecoming Week race.

Above & Beyond St. Luke’s is a secular, college-preparatory day school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5–12. A combination of challenging academics and exceptional community support distinguishes St. Luke’s and encourages students to go above and beyond their own expectations. St. Luke’s offers an inclusive environment where differences in race, culture, and personal beliefs are embraced as assets that enhance education.

An accomplished faculty, administrators, and parents join forces to foster students’ intellectual and moral growth, preparing them for college and giving them the tools they need for success, leadership, and service in the world.

Primary photography: Desiree Smock, St. Luke’s School parent ’12, ’15; additional photography: St. Luke’s School faculty; design & copywriting: Studio-e.

377 North Wilton Road New Canaan, CT 06840 203.966.5612 | www.stlukesct.org