Here are some highlights from the last two weeks—January 26 through February 6—in the Upper School.
🪘 Happy AfroFest! Students gathered for Beaver’s second annual AfroFest, a day dedicated to celebrating and learning about the African Diaspora. In addition to hearing from the student organizers behind the event, students enjoyed performances from Tufts University Step, Team Sinha Capoeira, and Sidy Music. Each performances showcased a distinct cultural and artistic tradition of the African Diaspora, with multiple opportunities for students to get up and get involved. A hands-on djembe workshop was also hosted midday.
🎥 Lights, camera, Beaver: The Film Club announced the annual BVR Film Festival, an opportunity for student filmmakers to create and screen original works. With this year’s theme being “spoof,” both Upper and Middle school students have the freedom to create satirical projects. Students are encouraged to submit by emailing Kiernan Collins ’27 by Tuesday, March 24.
⛸️ Beaver on ice: As part of a Beaver tradition, each grade level embarked on an ice skating trip around Boston. The trips serve as an opportunity to connect with classmates, enjoy the outdoors, and take a break from the winter term.
📚 Analyzing untrue true stories: Students in the Literature of Lies—a new English elective at Beaver—hosted presentations focused on various fictitious memoirs. Tasked with investigating how fabricated stories manufacture trust, make it through the publishing process, and attract readers, students teamed up to read through deceitful texts and present their takeaways. To read more about this assignment, click here!
✈️ Students travel for change: Six students attended the Roots to Routes conference in Philadelphia, a national gathering of independent school educators, administrators, and high school students. Through workshops and collaborative sessions, the conference invited attendees to engage in bold conversations, reflect on their school communities, and build the leadership skills needed to make meaningful change.
👋 A warm welcome to the Upper School: 8th grade students got a peek into life as an Upper Schooler during a “Dam Ready for Upper School” event. US students brought their 8th grade peers to class, sat on panels, and answered questions in an effort to shed light on the US experience.
✂️ Stylist to the gods: Upper School students in the Theater Costuming afternoon activity saw their work come to life with the debut of the Middle School musical The Lightning Thief. Collaborating with Costume Designer and Teacher Bethany Eddy, students faced the unique challenge of designing modern wardrobes for Greek gods—including a centaur. Through experimentation, iteration, and creativity, students developed a wide variety of skills related to costuming.