Take a quiz to see how you can get involved at Whitfield.
GREEN&WHITE MAGAZINE
A Magazine for Future Whitfield Warriors
It’s the experience that counts.
THE WHITFIELD SCHOOL is an independent, experiential, coeducational college preparatory day school for grades 6–12, located on a 26–acre campus in Creve Coeur. The way things have always been done may not prepare children for a future the likes of which have never been seen. And one single way of teaching can’t cultivate the kind of extraordinary dexterity that develops when each young mind works with thinkers of all kinds, learns in myriad ways, and turns in many directions: Reading and listening, of course. But also doing, making, seeing, feeling, sensing. Experiencing. At Whitfield, we believe that the future of rigor will be anything but rigid, and that real academic excellence fosters the agility, adaptability, resilience, and risk tolerance that today’s students and tomorrow’s world require.
Head of School
Chris Cunningham, Ph.D.
Director of Admissions
Lisa Trout
Director of Communications and Marketing
Erin Walsh
Design
Melissa Irvin
Principal Photography
Geoff Story
The thought of switching schools is probably both exciting and scary! You are not the first person to have both of those feelings at the same time, and I guarantee you won’t be the last. My advice to you is to embrace both the excitement and the fear. Learn everything you can about your future school: visit, ask questions, look for people who have the same interests, look for people who have different interests. hope this magazine helps you get to know Whitfield better, and while you are reading it, it quiets some of the scary, and builds some of the excitement. Sincerely, Mrs.
WHITFIELD
TRADITIONS
BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH
In celebration of the start of the school year, the community gathers on campus to enjoy BBQ, carnival games, and fall sport exhibitions.
SENIOR SUNRISE AND SENIOR SUNSET
The senior class gathers on the practice field at 7:00 AM on the first day of school to welcome their final year at Whitfield. On the last day of classes, they again gather, this time at 7:00 PM to bid farewell to secondary school.
WELCOME CLAP-IN
On the first day of school, the senior class lines the portico leading to the main entrance and cheers for each student as they enter the building.
LIP SYNCS
On the Friday of Homecoming weekend, representatives from each grade level perform a song and dance routine in front of the school community and a panel of judges.
SPIRIT WEEK
Taking place during the week leading up to Homecoming and again in the week leading up to Spring Recess, Spirit Weeks consist of themed dress-up days, daily assemblies, and grade level competitions.
TRASH CAN BAND
Made entirely of trash cans, this co-ed percussion group performs throughout the school year during all-school assemblies and for special events.
WHITFIELD’S SCHOOL DOG
About 20 years ago, a neighbor’s dog decided that Whitfield was his new home. Whitfield’s current school dog is an eight- year-old Golden Retriever named Sunshine. You can find her sleeping in the hallway between the head of school and the assistant head of school offices.
Physics Students Make
A B I G S P L A S H !
Last spring, The Whitfield School’s Accelerated Physics class took on an exciting project that ended with a splash—literally! Under the guidance of physics teacher, Mr. Asikainen, the students built a working trebuchet, which is a type of catapult. The grand finale? Launching water balloons at brave faculty members from a distance of 50 meters!
Physics is the study of how things move and interact, and it’s the basis for many of the technologies we use every day. At Whitfield, students in the Accelerated Physics class spend two years learning about important topics like how fluids flow, how heat works, and even how magnets and light behave. This project was a fun way to put all that learning into action.
The students started by drawing up plans in the classroom, figuring out the best way to design their trebuchet. They used math to calculate how far it would throw the water balloons. They had to consider things like the weight of the counterweight, the length of the arm, and the angle at which the balloon would be released.
Building the trebuchet was not only a great way for students to use what they learned in physics, but it also taught them how to work together and solve problems. Plus, it’s something they’ll remember for a long time!
Once the plans were ready, the students built small models to test their ideas. Then, they headed to the woodshop, where they constructed the full-sized trebuchet. Standing 15 feet tall, this massive machine was ready for launch day!
On the big day, the trebuchet was brought out to the practice field. The students loaded water balloons, adjusted the angles, and got ready to fire. Faculty members, including Dr. Hayes and Mrs. Ringe, volunteered to be the targets. The excitement of seeing water balloons fly through the air and sometimes hit their marks made for a super fun event that had everyone talking.
Mr. Asikainen said, “Building the trebuchet was not only a great way for students to use what they learned in physics, but it also taught them how to work together and solve problems. Plus, it’s something they’ll remember for a long time!”
This project wasn’t just about learning physics it was about teamwork, creativity, and making memories that will last a lifetime. If you think physics is all about numbers and equations, think again! At Whitfield, IT’S ALSO ABOUT MAKING A SPLASH.
BOOK CLUB
The Whitfield School students love to read! Last summer, each grade was assigned a book to read as a class. Have you read any of these books? If not, which one will you read first?
6th Grade | Ground Zero by Alan Gratz
Questions to consider while reading:
How does literature show a culture’s values and beliefs?
Why are multiple perspectives important in literature? In a classroom? In the world we live in?
What do I notice about my thinking as I read?
7th Grade | TheHungerGames by Suzanne Collins
Questions to consider while reading:
What character trait words (adjectives to describe personality) would you use to describe the character?
Do you consider the character a hero? Why?
How does the character’s culture (beliefs, traditions, customs, and values) affect his/her actions?
How does the government of Panem affect the character?
9th Grade | ReadyPlayerOneby Ernest Kline
Questions to consider while reading:
What influence does technology have over the characters? Explore the question of identity raised in the novel. What do the characters’ avatars tell us about their desires and their insecurities?
11th Grade | Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Questions to consider while reading:
How do you define success? In what ways does society define success?
• What are the benefits to living in a world like the Oasis? What are the drawbacks?
• To what extent should we pursue our personal happiness at any cost? How do we create our own identity through our actions, interests, values and beliefs?
8th Grade | TouchingSpiritBear
by Ben
QuestionsMichaelson to consider while reading: What factors shape Cole’s identity?
• How does Cole’s experience change his character: how he sees himself as an individual as well as part of a community?
• How would you describe Cole’s need for both love and power as it plays out in the book?
What are your thoughts on Circle Justice?
10th Grade | ChildrenofBlood andBoneby Tomi Adeyemi
Questions to consider while reading:
The gods are a key aspect of the novel. Describe them and the characters’ encounters with them. How do the gods affect the plot?
• Why do you think the author tells the story from three viewpoints with three different voices? How are the voices different from one another? How would it be different with a single narrator? Why use first- person voices? Which character do you think went through the most growth? Or, vice versa, didn’t?
• What is the purpose of education and what is our responsibility to our own education?
• What is American society and what does its literature say about its people?
DIDKNOW? YOU SPOT
Whitfield was founded in 1952 .
Whitfield’s average enrollment is 425 students in grades 6-12.
Whitfield’s average class size is 14 .
Whitfield students come from 136 different St. Louis area schools.
Whitfield students come from 64 different St. Louis area zip codes.
Whitfield enrolls an average of 85 new students every year.
Whitfield has won 38 state championships, and 88 district championships.
Whitfield students have won 186 individual state medals.
Whitfield offers 20 team sports, 24+ clubs, and 10 affinity groups.
38% of Whitfield’s students identify as people of color. 76% of Whitfield’s faculty have advanced degrees.
that’s something!saying
Hear from current Whitfield students:
WHAT
IS YOUR
FAVORITE
CLASS AT WHITFIELD?
MASON ODOM ’28
My favorite class is English because I felt supported by the teacher and she made the class fun! I also liked the projects and the assignments. We were able to use resources to support our opinions on topics and to help better express our thoughts and to understand each other.
WINNIE MURPHY ’26
My favorite class is theater. We do a lot of hands- on activities like improv games and short skits which are really fun. Also, you don’t have to be good at acting or have had any past experience to enjoy this class.
DERRICK PALMER ’25
My favorite class is Spanish. Mrs. Gassner makes class fun! She always has different activities that hold your attention.
GRACE COOPERSTEIN ’25
My favorite class is Civics because I like to talk about current events and engage in lively discussions.
Learning Spanish Through Dance!
AT THE WHITFIELD SCHOOL, LEARNING SPANISH ISN’T JUST ABOUT TEXTBOOKS AND VOCABULARY LISTS—IT’S ABOUT MOVING TO THE BEAT!
In Señor Cipriano Casado’s AP Spanish class, students are learning the language in a whole new way by dancing to the rhythms of Spanish music with Zumba sessions.
Señor Casado believes that learning a language should be a fun and immersive experience. “Dance is a big part of Latin American culture,” he says. “By dancing, students not only improve their Spanish skills, but they also get to experience the culture in a lively and enjoyable way.”
Students love these dance sessions. Whitfield student Jocelyn Kazmierski ’24 remembers, “When I took Sr. Casado’s class, I had so much fun ending the class with a dance. Everyone seems to enjoy it, whether they’re dancing confidently in the front or a bit shyly in the back.”
But it’s not just about having fun there’s science behind it too! Señor Casado explains that physical activity, like dancing, can help students remember what they’ve learned and think more clearly. Research even supports this idea, showing that exercise can boost brain power.
By mixing traditional learning with Zumba, Señor Casado’s class is a great example of how Whitfield teachers find creative ways to help students learn. So, next time you think about Spanish class, picture students dancing, learning, and having a great time all at once!
¿Cómo se dice?
How do you say?
To dance: Bailar
Example: “Me gusta bailar Zumba en la clase de español.” (I like to dance Zumba in Spanish class.)
Music: Música
Example: “La música en la clase de español es muy divertida.” (The music in Spanish class is very fun.)
Culture: Cultura
Example: “Bailar es una parte importante de la cultura latinoamericana.” (Dancing is an important part of Latin American culture.)
Class: Clase
Example: “La clase de español es muy interesante.” (Spanish class is very interesting.)
Rhythm: Ritmo
Example: “El ritmo de la música te hace querer bailar.” (The rhythm of the music makes you want to dance.)
Language: Lengua
Example: “Estoy aprendiendo la lengua española.” (I am learning the Spanish language.)
Exercise: Ejercicio
Example: “El ejercicio en la clase ayuda a mejorar la memoria.” (The exercise in class helps improve memory.)
Teacher: Profesor/Profesora
Example: “El profesor Casado enseña español con Zumba.” (Profesor Casado teaches Spanish with Zumba.)
Student: Estudiante
Example: “Los estudiantes disfrutan de la clase de Zumba en español.” (The students enjoy the Zumba class in Spanish.)
Fun: Diversión
Example: “La clase es muy divertida porque bailamos y aprendemos.” (The class is very fun because we dance and learn.)
Word Search
ARTFUL SHIELDS Celebrating What Makes You, You!
In art class at The Whitfield School, 7th and 8th graders created something really special heraldic shields that show off their individuality!
Guided by Mr. Borzillo and Ms. File, students combined art with Whitfield’s Habits of Mind & Heart character education program to make shields that are truly one-of-a-kind.
So, what’s a heraldic shield? Traditionally, it’s a symbol that represents a family’s identity and history. But instead of looking to the past, these students focused on the present and future, designing shields that reflect who they are and what they aspire to be.
Over five weeks, students dove into research, sketched their ideas, and brought them to life in clay. They picked words that described their personalities and used cool
icons from The Noun Project, a website full of designs from artists around the world.
Using special techniques like the slab roller and scoring and slipping (methods for shaping clay), students sculpted their shields. Then, they added bright, colorful underglaze to make their designs pop. Each shield also included a name banner, making it even more personal.
Once the shields were complete, they were proudly displayed on shelves near the cafeteria entrance for everyone to see. It was a great way for the whole school to celebrate the creativity and hard work of these young artists.
Through this project, Whitfield students didn’t just learn about art they learned more about themselves and shared their unique identities with their classmates. What better way to show off what makes you, you?
STEPS TO CREATE YOUR HERALDIC SHIELD
1. Design Your Shield
Start by sketching your shield design on paper. Think about symbols or images that represent your personality, interests, or goals.
Choose words or phrases that describe you and incorporate them into your design. These could be qualities you value, like “brave” or “creative.”
2. Create the Shield Base
Draw the shape of your shield on a piece of cardboard. A classic shield shape is like a pointed triangle with a rounded top.
Cut out the shield shape carefully with scissors.
3. Add Symbols and Images
Use markers, colored pencils, or paints to add your chosen symbols and images to the shield.
SWIFT BREEZES
By Dylan Weiss ’28
Today is different,
A break in the cycle, The chirping of birds, Swishing of the trees.
The sweet smell of the swift breeze.
People out and about enjoying the daylight. The crackle of trees send me into memories, Riding a bike, the tires were spinning, And spinning.
All of a sudden, the swift breezes became powerful, Pushing and pulling until I find myself walking, My breath turned to mist, my ears cold.
And all of a sudden, A snowflake falls,
And the scene changes completely
WHERE WORDS SPROUT
By Mikki Norfolk ’28
Poetry comes from;
The sensuality of my lips, The curve of my hips,
The dips
From the tips
Of my fingers
To the scripts
Of my dreads
Poetry comes from
MINDFULNESS THROUGH THE SENSES
By Ginny Fendell, Director of Health and Wellness
Practicing mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated! It simply involves “noticing” what is happening in the present moment. Sometimes our attention is jumping all over the place like a monkey, so practicing mindfulness is a way to tame that “monkey mind” and train it to focus on what we want it to pay attention to. We do that by using our five senses: seeing, feeling, hearing, smelling, and tasting.
TRY IT OUT!
Start by looking around wherever you are and notice:
5 things you can see that you’ve never noticed before
4 things you can feel with your hands
3 things you can hear, near and far sounds
2 things you can smell right now
1 thing you that you can taste
YOU DID IT! What did you notice?
Share this practice with a friend or family member to see if you noticed similar or different things.
4. Decorate
Add color to your shield with bright paints or colored pencils. You can create patterns, borders, or backgrounds to make your shield stand out.
If you want to make a banner like in the class project, cut a strip of paper or foam, write your name or a special word on it, and glue it to the bottom of your shield.
5. Finish Up
Once your design is complete and dry, you can attach a piece of string or ribbon to the back of the shield to hang it up.
If you’re using clay or foam for a more textured look, let it dry completely before handling it.
If you’re using craft foam or clay, cut out shapes and glue them onto the cardboard base to give your shield a 3D effect.
MAKE YOUR OWN HERALDIC SHIELD
Materials
Needed:
• Cardboard or sturdy paper (for the shield base)
• Markers, colored pencils, or paints (for decorating)
• Glue (for assembling)
• Scissors (for cutting)
• Optional: Craft foam or clay (for a more 3D effect)
• A ruler and pencil (for measuring and sketching)
• String or ribbon (to hang your shield)
My anger
My fright Into the stars within the silent night
That go numb
When become
The monster
Under my bed
The monster
Living
In my head.
Poetry that comes from the tears
That drip down my eyes, That sip on my lies, That trip on my cries.
Poetry comes from
The sensuality of my lips, Poetry comes from my anger, Poetry comes from my tears, Poetry comes from;
Dylans’ and Mikki’s poems originally appeared in the 2023-2024 edition of Perspectives The Whitfield School’s student art and literary publication.
Grace Cooperstein ’25
Isra Muzaffar ’27
WARRIORS, START YOUR ENGINES!
Whitfield’s first-ever Mario Kart Tournament was a huge hit, bringing together students, teachers, and staff for an epic gaming showdown! Over several rounds of high-speed racing, the tournament culminated in an exciting live finale during our assembly in Woods Hall, where Nathan Chien ’29 raced to victory!
The tournament was open to everyone from grades 6 to 12, as well as faculty and staff. Even Dr. Cunningham, our head of school, and Mrs. Ringe, our assistant head of school, joined in on the fun. While we put aside our usual motto of “Be kind and do the right thing” for a bit allowing for virtual banana peels and turtle shells—the event was all about friendly competition and good times.
After several rounds, the competition was fierce as we reached the Final Four. The final race took place on the tricky N64 Rainbow Road, with live commentary that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Nathan Chien ’29 raced ahead and took the top spot with an impressive 57 points. JD Downes ’24 came in second, Jason Chien ’26 (Nathan’s older brother) finished third, and Asher Brown ’28 claimed fourth place.
Everyone had a blast, and we can’t wait to bring back this exciting event next year. Get ready to rev up your engines and join the fun when you go to school at Whitfield!
Whitfield Teachers...… They’re Just Like Us!
Lisa Barry Jenkins - Director of Technology
Biggest Fear: Spiders
Pet Peeve: Slow internet
Driving Song: “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
Miller Boyd, Ph.D. - History Department
Favorite Animal: Great Dane
Favorite Flavor: Butter
Pet Peeve: Cruelty to others
Cipriano Casado - World Languages Department
Biggest Fear: Frogs
Favorite Flavor: Vinegar
Dream Job: Teaching
Ashley Eggebrecht -English Department
Favorite Animal: Snow leopard
Dream Place to Live: Vail, CO
Dream Job: Teaching
Amber Odom - Admissions Office
Favorite Book: Charlotte’s Web
Dream Place to Live: Hawaii
Pet Peeve: People facetiming in public with no headphones
Chris Sellers - Science Department
Favorite Animal: Tiger shark
Dream Job: Teaching
Favorite Spirit Day: Green & White Day
INVOLVED
HOW TO GET AT WHITFIELD
Take the quiz below to learn more about how to get involved in The Whitfield School’s many after school clubs, affinity groups, and athletics.
Question 1: What do you enjoy doing for fun?
A. Playing sports
B. Singing, dancing, or acting
C. Hanging out with friends and family
D. Volunteering or helping others
E. All of the above
Question 2: What are your strengths?
A. I’m athletic and competitive.
B. I’m creative and expressive.
C. I’m good at making friends and getting along with people.
D. I’m good at organizing and leading others.
E. All of the above.
Question 3: What are your interests?
A. Playing sports, hiking, biking, etc.
B. Singing, dancing, acting, theater, etc.
C. Volunteering, social justice, allyship, etc.
D. Student government, debate, leadership, etc.
E. All of the above.
Question 4: What are your goals for the future?
A. To be a varsity athlete.
B. To be a prominently featured singer, dancer, or actor.
C. To make a difference in your community through volunteering and/or social justice work.
D. To be a leader in student government or a club.
E. All of the above.
Question 5: What are you passionate about?
A. Winning and competing.
B. Expressing myself creatively.
C. Helping others and making a difference.
D. Organizing and leading others.
E. All of the above.
Question 6: What are you good at working with?
A. My body (hand/eye coordination) and physical skills.
B. My voice, coordination, and facial expressions.
C. Other people and relationships.
D. Ideas, concepts, and problems.
E. All of the above.
Question 7: What do you like to do in your free time?
A. Play sports, go to the gym, or be active.
B. Sing, dance, act, or watch movies and TV.
C. Hang out with friends and family, volunteer, or do community service.
D. Organize events, plan meetings, or lead projects.
E. All of the above.
Question 8: What do you think is the most important thing in life?
A. Winning and being the best.
B. Expressing myself creatively and authentically.
C. Helping others and making a difference in the world.
D. Leading and organizing others.
E. All of the above.
Results:
Mostly A’s: Athletics/Esports
Mostly B’s: Performing and Dramatic Arts
Mostly C’s: Student Interest Clubs
Mostly D’s: Student Council and Service
E’s: Try them all!
There are so many ways to get involved at Whitfield! This quiz is just a starting point to help narrow down your areas of interest. Check out all of the clubs, affinity groups, and sports
The Whitfield School has to offer.
Middle School Athletics
Baseball - boys
Basketball - boys, girls
Cross Country - boys, girls
Field Hockey - girls
Lacrosse - girls
Soccer - boys, girls
Volleyball - boys, girls
Wrestling - boys
Upper School Athletics
Baseball - boys
Basketball- boys, girls
Cross Country - coed
Field Hockey - girls
Football (cooperative with Principia School) - boys
Golf - boys, girls
Lacrosse - girls
Soccer - boys, girls
Tennis - boys, girls
Track & Field - boys, girls
Volleyball - boys, girls
Wrestling -boys
Flip the page over to reveal the answers!
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A WARRIOR? Apply to Whitfield one school year prior to the year you would like to enroll. Meaning, if you would like to join
