2014 Opening Weekend Jubilation

It’s amazing how many transformations occur over a few short summer months. Much like EHS transforms its campus to prepare for the variety of programs, institutes and camps, so too do our students shift, grow…and then return. Opening weekend always crystallizes how profound those transformations are. Even the new students arrive to begin a major transformation of their own. In fact, changes in their thinking (and shopping) probably began much earlier when they were accepted. Some veteran students return taller. Some return with a mind expanded through international travel, a book they read or a job they held. Some boys simply return with an abundance of facial hair.

Eagle Hill’s student life program will also undergo a transformation this year, hopefully to the benefit of our students. Beginning in October, EHS will deliver an Evening Seminar every month on a variety of topics. Our intention is to appropriate time during our students’ always busy afternoons and evenings to host structured discussions and presentations on specific concepts or skills from which they, and our entire community, can learn.

 

These seminars will be in conjunction with a formal, family-style dinner where the students sit with faculty and some peers at previously assigned tables. They will serve each other, clean up, etc…and the dinner conversation will be a guided opportunity to debrief on the presentation or activity that just took place.

 

Again, our goal is to actively engage the student body in conversations that will bring them greater understanding of themes that impact their lives beyond the classroom. After discussions with our faculty, staff and administration, here are the subjects and dates:

 

Wednesday, October 1: Nutrition
Wednesday, November 5: Social Media Usage & Safety
Wednesday, January 7: New Year’s Resolutions (in Character)
Wednesday, Feb 4: Anti-bullying & Harassment
Wednesday, March 4: Gender Norms & the Media’s Influence
Wednesday, April 1: Social Construction of Identity @ EHS

We will invite guest lecturers, experts and others to lead some of the conversations. If you have any suggestions for individuals or activities that may expand upon what we already have planned, please reach out to me directly. I welcome any and all input.

It was a fantastic first week and I look forward to a year of watching our students transform right before our very eyes.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Chris