News & Events

Lower School held its Seminar Day on June 5, with students in grades 1 through 6 coming together for art, fitness, music, and community service projects inspired by the book, Change Sings, by award-winning poet Amanda Gorman.

Gorman, a cum laude graduate of Harvard University, is the youngest Presidential inauguration poet in U.S. history. The book reminds children that they have the ability to shape the world through their actions and words. In the lead up to Seminar Day, classes went on a Book Walk throughout the Lower School, where they learned more about Change Sings and considered its lessons. Some stations on the walk called for responses, like writing down examples of kind acts and considering ways to help the community, while others involved a discussion or movements like dancing.

Monday began with Lower School Director Michelle Alexander reading the book aloud at Chapel and reminding students that "you can work together to really, really make a positive change." She called on them to be kind, patient, and understanding, and try new things.

“Make our community better," she said.

Students rotated through stations to complete collaborative projects throughout the day. As examples, they made placemats with inspiring words to boost the spirits of patients at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters; learned about how different cities are using murals to provide inspiration (and created artwork for a Lower School mural); and teamed up for dances, games, and a type of Scrabble challenge.

Everyone gathered at day's end to review what was learned. Among the students' words of wisdom:

“You can make a difference by being kind and helping people out."

“Teamwork works out in the end."

“You can make a difference even if you're small."

Mrs. Alexander closed the day by thanking students for their hard work and recognizing the strides they made.

“We are so grateful you dove in and made the most of the day," she said. “You are the future and you are the change makers. You can make a difference."