Good Global Citizens

Dr. Derrick Gay, internationally recognized consultant on issues of global citizenship, diversity and inclusion, returned to Saint David's this week to visit with Lower School boys and lead discussions with Sophrosyne teacher and Assistant Head of Lower School Kathryn Hunter about respecting difference.

To introduce the topic, Dr. Gay read Strictly No Elephants. The book, selected by Lower School Librarian Gretchen King, is about a Pet Club that excludes elephants because they are too different from other pets. After the reading, the boys expressed their takeaways, and how the book's theme might extend beyond animal characters to people. "You shouldn't judge a boy on being different," said one boy. "We are all different," observed another. Boys also noted the need for empathy.

For four years, Dr. Gay has been helping us deepen a culture of inclusion and respect at the school through a series of workshops with boys, faculty and parents, organized by Director of Admissions Allison Vella. The focus this year is on integrating cultural competencies into our Sophrosyne program, which addresses our boys' character and social-emotional well-being. During this week's session, it was clear that our boys were drawing upon their learning in Sophrosyne.

Dr. Derrick Gay with Allison Vella and Kathryn Hunter at Saint David's School

Dr. Gay will return next month to meet with the older boys on respecting difference and will lead the community in continued conversations about global citizenship. We are committed to continuing this initiative to ensure that Saint David's is a place where all are welcomed, valued, and respected.

Resilience in the Teaching of Languages

Above: The Nerf microphone ball enables boys learning remotely to hear their classmates well. The pandemic has challenged educators to reinvent and reimagine units of study to keep learning engaging, regardless of how it is delivered. The following article, written for Saint David’s Magazine by our Modern Languages Chair Dr. Victoria Gilbert and Lower School Spanish teacher Flor Berman, addresses how this was done in the Spanish immersion language program at Saint David's. Ms. Berman and Dr. Gilbert, recipient of the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers' Ruth E. Wasley Distinguished Teacher Award, presented on the topic at NYSAIS’s Flexible Classroom Conference last summer. How Spanish Classes Have Bounced Back Resiliency implies an ability to bounce back, but as teachers working with the youngest learners in the school, we would reframe resiliency as the opportunity to reimagine. Whether boys are learning through a face-to-face experience or through the med

The Role of Faith in Social-Emotional Learning and Psychological Well-Being

The following article by our School Psychologist, Dr. Michael Schwartzman, appears in the current issue of Saint David's Magazine : During one of my first observations in a Saint David’s classroom 15 years ago, I witnessed two first grade boys in a verbal altercation. Although it was contained just between the two boys, their observant teacher had them talk it through and then shake hands on being in a better place for having done so. I was very impressed, and still am, with this approach that the school takes many times throughout the day. It helps establish a firm idea of how to behave, especially in social situations where emotions can be stirred and run high. Through this experience repeated consistently day in and day out, better, more productive ways of engaging become increasingly integrated by the boys as they develop socially and emotionally in interaction with each other. As the School Psychologist, I spend a lot of time thinking about the touch points for student and t

Storytelling Demonstrates Understanding

Their time had arrived. As the lights dimmed in our Otto-Bernstein Theatre, the astrophysicists, a mix of jitters and excitement, awaited their opportunity to share insights and stories about the workings of the universe. Which planets might support life? Is there water on Mars? What are Dwarf Planets? "Let's take a look at our closest neighbor, Venus," invited one presenter, before revealing that the planet - while ideal in proximity - has surface temperatures of 900 degrees F: "Imagine - standing on the surface would be like being burned alive!" Later that same day, in our Graham lunchroom, early 20th century immigrants of all ages from Italy, China, Ireland, Russia, among other countries, waited, with hope and determination, their turn to be interviewed for admittance to America. It wasn't going to be easy. They would be asked pointed, potentially life-altering questions by various processors. "What's that cough? It doesn't sound good,&qu

David O'Halloran, Headmaster - Saint David's School, New York City

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