Letter from the School’s Acting Chief Executive Officer

NEWS

Deep Creek Middle School recently celebrated its 15th anniversary and recognized our Nassau donors and government officials with a gathering at the home of longtime supporters and Board members, Stephen and Alessandra Holowesko. It was an honor to toast all the dedicated members of the community and share stories from points along our 15-year journey. Four of the past principals were present along with strong alumni and parent representation to cheer on the great work that continues.

Learning outside the classroom walls is a focal point at DCMS and the schedule has been redesigned to allow for greater exploration of Eleuthera. The academic week includes a newly integrated block taught by two teachers per grade that is often out in the field. The School Without Walls program has been spread throughout the year and consists of three separate sessions that culminate in a final community presentation. Learning to swim has been the focus of Term 1 Physical Education with two days in the water each week utilizing many different beaches in the area. Each teacher is changing the way they access our island to make the learning happen.

Also new this year is a commitment to teach and honor wellness at DCMS. An important tool we use is called the Healthy Mind Platter. This tool was created by a medical doctor and brain researcher, Dr. Daniel Siegel. Similar to how a healthy eating guide would suggest that we all need essential nutrients as part of a healthy diet, the Healthy Mind Platter suggests that we require seven essential daily activities for overall wellness. This year we are encouraging students to reflect on their personal Healthy Mind Platter and to regularly consider which activities they need more and less of in order to be at their healthiest.

We continue to encourage students to gain a global perspective through international travel, camps, and programming. Six grade 9 students are currently involved in applying to US boarding schools and are in the process of completing applications and taking the SSAT. These students just returned from a boarding school fair in Nassau where they met admissions representatives. The students are preparing for a January trip focusing on school tours and interviews. Almost half of DCMS students applied for the available 2017 camp openings. There are 21 students applying to attend camps in the US, Nassau and on Eleuthera. Through these experiences, students at DCMS continue to grow as leaders and to be young ambassadors for the country.

Learning outside the classroom walls is a focal point at DCMS and the schedule has been redesigned to allow for greater exploration of Eleuthera.