Bishop Seabury Academy

3 Where the Seabury Community Begins Department Spotlight: 6th Grade An incubator. A bridge. A building year. No matter how you describe 6th grade at Bishop Seabury Academy, it is clear that the students are part of a transformational experience. For the budding athletes, musicians, and college-bound students who comprise the class, the extra year makes all the difference. It's a year to mature and gain independence. History teacher Sara Asher has seen the level develop from its infancy seven years ago. At the time, she was nervous, having never taught students that young. Today, she is pleased to see the program grow and awaits the high school graduation of Seabury's first set of 6th graders this spring. "I always have a great sense of pride when I see students walk up on the stage to receive their diplomas," Sara said. "I know that I have had a hand in that in some small way. This year will be the first year when I had those students for two consecutive years in their young life. I have the distinct and unique pleasure to be one of their introductions to Seabury and watch them grow into young adults ready to take on the world. Not many teachers can watch students grow so much." For Sara, the transformation of the students continues to be astonishing with each passing year. "There have been many individual achievements of the students—too many for me to recount—but the most significant achievement is the growth of the students from small and strangely confident 6th graders to young adult, confidently confident seniors," she said. As the class size grows, English teacher Krista Barbour says creating a sense of community remains a top priority. "We try to pay attention to bridging a gap from elementary school into Seabury," Krista said. "We make sure to have the kids bond together— especially since they come from different elementary schools. A lot of time is spent making sure everyone feels like they belong." With the first set of 6th graders now successful upperclassmen, the efforts are paying off. "It is really cool to see them come out on the other side of middle school," Krista said. "I think a lot of adults would agree that middle school is a terrible time of life, and we try to recognize that and help them ease through. It is exciting to see them in high school, and they are confident and smart. I love seeing them interact with the younger kids." Critical to the success of the department is the flexible seminar time in the afternoon, which is used to supplement content in class and to teach additional academic skills. "This seminar time is unique to Seabury," Sara said. "Having time like that in the afternoon to address academic or personal issues to develop the whole student is fantastic. It has been and still is an organic entity that changes as the teachers see the need." Students also experience eight different classes, including rotating courses in technology, art, drama, and mythology. "For the students, I think that the core values in Seabury are the ones the 6th grade teachers try to instill," Sara said. "Values like academic excellence, positive character traits, and creativity. For the teachers, there is a core value of working as a team." Pool to Pond Vacated Swimming Areas Provide Multiple Learning Opportunities L ast fall, Alvamar (now the Jayhawk Club) vacated the 5,000 square foot swimming pool on our campus. The original plan was for the school to drain the pool and leave it vacant for several years until such time as it would be demolished for new construction. As an ecologically sound alternative, teachers Christopher Bryan, Bill Gollier, and Dave Brunfeldt received approval to convert the pool into a natural pond by stocking it with fish, plants, and other organisms that will balance the ecosystem and control the mosquito population. For six months the pond remained empty to allow time for the 245,000 gallons of water to dechlorinate and stabilize. In March, the pond was stocked with catfish, bluegill, bass, minnows, and crayfish. Turtles, frogs, and dragonflies volunteered from the local water- shed. We recently installed underwater structures for fish habitat and an aeration system to improve pond health and algae. Water lilies and other aquatic plants will be added as the fall semester begins. For his Eagle Scout Service Project, student Matthew Petillo '21 will construct benches and tables that will enable students and faculty to utilize the pond deck for study and relaxation. The pond will be maintained by a team of students working under the supervision of the three teachers. Science classes in all grades will be encouraged to study various aspects of the pond and to utilize it for experiments and projects. Miranda Powell '18 will be conducting a year- long study of our pond and assisting with day-to- day oversight as an independent study course. "It is really cool to see them come out on the other side of middle school," Krista said. "I think a lot of adults would agree that middle school is a terrible time of life, and we try to recognize that and help them ease through. It is exciting to see them in high school, and they are confident and smart. I love seeing them interact with the younger kids."

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