Voices and viewpoints from educators across Dana Hall School's campus.
In the first few weeks of school, everyone is looking for a place to belong. Some are eager to get started, others are apprehensive about new experiences, and there are those students who believe they will never make any friends. As a ninth-grade advisor, I have seen each example firsthand. Continue reading Inside a Dana Hall Advisory
In September, the Middle School went to a ropes course for its retreat. As a teacher new to Dana Hall, it was an illuminating opportunity to observe students in a different learning environment. I saw girls bonding, taking risks, and supporting one another. The experience was energizing, setting the stage Continue reading Academic Vigor from 30 Feet Up
When someone auditions for a role in a play or musical, they will tell you that the most nervous time is not the audition itself, but the waiting until decisions are made and the cast list is posted. When the list does arrive, whether you’re happy with the results or Continue reading The Waiting Is The Hardest Part
This year, I started teaching a new course at Dana Hall called Physics and Engineering. Previously, the Science Department offered an upper-level physics course called Physics 11/12 that was intended to be a comprehensive survey of high school physics content. Many of the students who took that course expressed a Continue reading Applications of Physics by Future Engineers
There are a couple of moments in the year when diversity practitioners in an organization are called upon to weigh in on a conversation: during a crisis and in preparation for cultural heritage days/months. While this is not necessarily a best practice, this is true of most institutions that claim Continue reading Shrine goes up… on a Tuesday
“Did you take three deep breaths, Mrs. Robbins?” “Thanks for reminding me. Will you take them with me?” Everyone stops talking, and we all take three deep breaths. Refreshed and focused, we are ready to start class. I know that I am not alone in feeling like I always have Continue reading Mindfulness in the Middle School
In a corner of the Helen Temple Cooke Library, as far from the front door as possible, are two rooms comprising the Dana Hall Archives. Named for Nina Heald Webber, Class of 1949, the Archives has a fascinating collection of school records, photographs, publications, scrapbooks, letters, recordings, clothing, and memorabilia Continue reading Where Dana Hall history comes alive
I’ve taught AP Statistics for six years, and every summer when I review student feedback and summary reports from my AP scores, I notice that one unit in particular stands out as being tough for students to master: probability. Although pieces of probability are explored in other math classes, when Continue reading Flipping the Math Classroom