By Anne-Marie Strohman, Middle School and Alumni Parent
Spring is full of life at Hillbrook! It’s the time of year when families get to most fully participate in student learning. Every day in classrooms across campus, students are sharing their learning, in classroom presentations, lab reports, essays, math assessments, games they’ve created, and more. In spring each year, students prepare to share their learning with a wider audience—parents, teachers, siblings, and friends. These are some of my favorite events at Hillbrook, as I witness the growth and learning not only of my own children, but of the entire community.
1st-4th Spring Concert: Each year, the Spring Concert includes a play based on a picture book and a collection of songs ranging from xylophone and percussion pieces to rounds to pop songs. My daughter loved performing each year, and for me, it was wonderful to hear the songs in concert that I’ve heard her singing in the shower, on the trampoline, orat night in bed. This year, a few Middle school Students, including my 6th grader, were invited to accompany songs on guitar and piano, and it was delightful to see their professionalism and support of younger students. There is magic in making music together, and I love to see the way each student contributes to the community of music and sound.
“The most exciting part of [The Spring Concert] is that there’s something for all the kids there to really be their best. For some kids it will be narrating, for others it’s costumes, for others it’s dancing. It’s neat that there are so many opportunities for all the kids, and it’s such a collaborative event.”
– Randy Jones, Parent of Nate (2nd grade) and Orli (4th grade)
“What makes the event so special is that the community is there supporting the Lower School and it feels like a big family reunion. The event is so professional and they use their resources so well to create a great show, and I loved being able to contribute with the music. Ms. Engineer [Junior Kindergarten-4th Grade Music Teacher] is amazing at thinking of all the details to create a phenomenal experience for everyone.”
– Noah, 6th grade
3rd Grade Greek Play: As the parent of a former King Midas, I have a special place in my heart for the Greek Play. In this culmination of their study of Ancient Greece and Greek Mythology, these 3rd graders take incredible risks. They memorize lines, create costumes and props, practice projecting their voices and enunciating, and perform live for parents and fellow students. They work together and support each other on stage. Current 3rd grade parent Jessie Salas said about this year’s play, “Impressed doesn’t even begin to describe my experience… Every single student was absolutely incredible, so clearly expressing their love for this project and also for their newfound understanding of Ancient Greece.”
5th Grade Living History: Over the years, 5th Grade Living History Night has included cannons, battle reenactments, heritage presentations, 19th century games, a showcase of 19th century historical figures, and a rousing game of Towneball. Parents help Mr. Gingery set up historical games like bobbing for apples and hoop rolling races, while others prepare a campfire and a community meal. At the student presentations last year, I loved seeing the writing and props students showcase, from early photography equipment to medical tools. Perhaps my favorite part of the night was singing around the campfire with students playing guitars and ukuleles to accompany the old American folk songs.
Hillbrook Art Show: For me, the Art Show is always a wonderful surprise! Because teachers keep student art on campus throughout the year, the Art Show is the perfect time to see my kids’ art all in one place. (Another plus, the portfolio of art sent home keeps the art all together.) I’m continually impressed by the skills and creativity on show, from clay animals to Eiffel Tower drawings, from screen printed T-shirts to colorful mandalas. I also love to see what middle schoolers are creating in their elective art classes, as different electives are offered each year. This year, middle schoolers threw pottery, created cardboard guitars, drew large-scale pencil drawings, and worked in collage. Most importantly, the Art Show celebrates creative community.
1st and 2nd Grade Author’s Walkabout: For my first Author’s Walkabout, when my daughter was in 2nd grade, I went to go see her and her story, but I experienced so much more! Students are stationed around the Village of Friendly Relations with audience chairs surrounding them in a small circle. While my daughter’s book of bunny poetry was lovely, I also enjoyed getting to know her classmates and have them read their stories to me. I felt like I was able to support all of the students by being an audience for their work. The students put so much effort into their writing and illustration, and they are so excited to share their learning through story.
8th Grade Celebration of Learning: One key component of learning is reflecting—looking back on what you’ve learned and taking lessons from your experience into the future. The Celebration of Learning gives 8th graders the opportunity to practice this and to mark not only their accomplishment, but the growth they’ve experienced throughout their years at Hillbrook. This year, my son (‘19) opted to complete a Capstone Project, where he worked with another student to design and market bespoke computer mice. In addition to this kind of passion project, I’m eager to see this class of 8th graders—many of whom I’ve known for the 5 years we’ve been at Hillbrook—reflect on their journey as scholars. I’m also excited for my 6th grader to see what kinds of learning she’ll be doing in the next two years.
8th Grade Graduation: At Grandparents and Special Friends Day this year, when asked what he was looking forward to in 8th grade, my son said, “Graduation. I’ve seen Graduation every year, and now it’s my turn to be up on that stage.” I’ve attended Graduation since our first year at Hillbrook, and the day is made special because of the traditions: the 1st-7th graders singing, the 8th graders dressed in their finery processing in, the speech from a student who graduated four years ago, and the families and friends cheering on the 8th graders. My son has been supported at Hillbrook by teachers, staff, friends, his little Buddies, and other parents. I am honored that we all can come together for one morning to celebrate him and his classmates as a community.