Here is a short wrap-up from this past week—January 30 through February 3 —in the Upper School.
13 female-identifying students started the week on Monday by attended the Girls in STEAM Leadership Summit at Cushing Academy. Meanwhile at Beaver, students discussed current events on campus (including the upcoming Dam Jam!) during US Meetings.
On Tuesday, Upper School singers gathered for the Winter Choral Coffeehouse Concert. The show featured Select Singers and B-Side A Cappella as well as auditioned soloists and small ensembles. A preview of the music Select Singers will take to Cuba was also performed in addition to the premiere of original a cappella arrangements written over the course of the term.
Wednesday was National Girls & Women in Sports Day, which was celebrated on campus through a scavenger hunt activity open to both students and staff. The day was a moment to celebrate and cheer on Beaver’s female-identifying athletes not only competing in the winter season, but also in fall and spring.
On Thursday, the Theories of Punishment class was visited by former prosecutor Jodi Walker. Walker chatted with students about the role of a prosecutor and the list of responsibilities they carry. Questions were asked about how to prioritize cases, the Bill of Rights, and Victim Witness Advocates. The discussion with Walker serves as the basis for a much larger exploration of criminal justice that will eventually lead to students visiting a nearby correctional facility.
Students dashed around campus to score points for their house in a Scavenger Hunt. By taking photos following specific prompts (including “record a team member playing the piano” and “take a photo with a member of the administration team”), houses scored points that would be added to their semester total. From the scavenger hunt, the Platinum and Hydrogen houses came out on top.
Friday was an exciting day on campus leading up to Dam Jam in the afternoon. To kick off the day, a pep rally was held. Head of School Kim Samson announced Beaver’s new Director of Athletics and Fitness, Mr. Gould! Following this, a staff/faculty vs students basketball game was held, ending in everyone on their feet and Beaver chants being shouted. Students won 21-19!
The pep rally wasn’t the only exciting event on campus, as multiple-award winning trumpet player Ingrid Jensen was also visiting to hold master classes with Beaver musicians. During the sessions, Jensen encouraged students to dive deeper into the meaning of each song and feel the music rather than read it.