A NOTE FROM

Upper School Division Director

Dr. Tila Hidalgo

November 18, 2022

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I know we are all ready for the break! I hope that this week off provides our students, faculty, and their families with time to rest and reconnect. This time of year also allows us to pause and reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. And, there is so much.

In the Upper School, we are encouraging students and faculty alike to notice the good things others do in our community by sending a formal shout-out, which will be recognized during Morning Meeting. Research shows a direct link between practicing gratitude and well-being. So, if you don’t already practice gratitude, this Thanksgiving break might be a great time to give it a try! Classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 28.

Upper School Happenings

"Puffs" or "Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic"

November 18 & 19

There is still time to reserve your free seats for this weekend's Upper School theatre production, Puffs. Use Promo Code MAGIC and join us for this fun-filled comedy today, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. in LPAC.

Winter Sports

The Upper School basketball season began this week! Come on out and cheer our Kodiaks on! You can access the complete game schedule for our boys' and girls' teams beneath the winter sports dropdown found here.

Upper School Winter Concert Season

December 6 & 8

Each winter, our music program helps us get into the holiday spirit. Join us as the Middle and Upper School Bands perform on Dec. 6, at 6 p.m., and the MS Choir and US Chamber Choir take to the LPAC stage on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. Advance reservations are required here with limited seating available at the Band concert, in particular.

Final Exams

December 13-16

Final exams will begin on Dec. 13 in the Upper School. The complete exam schedule can be found here. Classes that have opted for a final project as opposed to an exam are not listed on the exam schedule and students without a scheduled exam are not required to be on campus. Otherwise, each day will consist of two exam blocks, the first from 10 a.m. to noon and the second from 1:15 until 3:15 p.m. Students can arrange to meet with their teachers for academic support between 8 and 10 a.m. so they can be as prepared as possible for their exams.

Stress Relief During Exams

December 13 & 14

Our Upper School Class Coordinators have organized a festive cocoa and snacks event for students on Dec. 13 at noon. Students are invited to stop by for some cheer and to relax for a bit on their first day of exams. Ms. Hanson and Carissa L. '23 have also organized a Doggie Deck event on Dec. 14, beginning at noon on the science patio. Swing by to snuggle with our volunteer doggies!

Volunteer Form

If you are interested in volunteering as a parent in the Upper School division, kindly complete this form indicating your availability and interests.

Experiential Education in Action

Figure Drawing with Live Models

Last week, Mr. Wolfe welcomed models from Ormao Dance Company – an innovative, inclusive, and non-competitive home for dance and the arts downtown – to work with CSS art students across all divisions so they could practice figure drawing with live models. To set the tone, the Louisa Performing Arts Center was transformed into an art studio, with lighting and the stage setup adjusted to create an experience that students often only get while attending art school. Class of 2008 alumnus Robert Lococo and former Lower School art teacher Diane Farrell also joined in the sketching process, demonstrating their approaches to life drawing while sharing pointers with current students. CSS students along with other artists in the community were also invited to a drawing session at Ormao’s studio last Friday. These kinds of authentic learning experiences set CSS apart from other schools across Colorado Springs.

The Colorado Springs School

21 Broadmoor Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Work: (719) 434-3570

thidalgo@css.org | www.css.org