The school year is off to a wonderful start! One of the things I was most excited about when I first accepted this position at The Colorado Springs School was the opportunity to work for an institution that values rich, hands-on authentic learning experiences for its students. I can enthusiastically report that everything I have observed and taken part in thus far this month has exceeded my expectations.
We kicked off the year with our annual Mountain Caravan trip in a new location, Camp Shady Brook, and it did not disappoint. Students reconnected with old friends, and made new ones, as we welcomed 9th graders and a number of other new faces to the Upper School division. In the spirit of community, our 12th grade leaders shared a memento of their time here at CSS and welcomed the 9th grade class with a cookie social. We bonded over s'mores around the campfire, and even had the opportunity to do some stargazing, a moment so special to me after living for two years in Hanoi where I did not see many stars.
Planned activities such as tomahawk throwing, archery, rock climbing, the milk crate challenge, and ropes courses presented students with unique opportunities to try challenging things, requiring both an individual and team effort in order to achieve success. Overall, this trip provides a snapshot of the kinds of experiences I’d like our students to encounter and embrace together the whole year through both in and beyond the classroom.
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