First Grade Interviews Ram Leaders to Understand MICDS Community

In first grade at MICDS, the social studies curriculum focuses especially on Community. Where do people live? Where do they work? Where do they play? What do they do? This overarching unit began with creating “Me I Am” posters earlier in the school year where students learned about each other. Subsequently, over the past several weeks, the unit has continued as first grade has branched out to the MICDS community, learning about the history of Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School. They also examined a map of campus and talked about important leaders who help in the Rams community.

As first grade continues to explore Community this semester, our two classes have enjoyed interviews and visits with many important members of MICDS. They first met with the MICDS Grounds Crew, who provided a tour of their garage. Next, they took a campus tour with Eric Brunt, Director of Enrollment Management, and a Lower and Middle Schools tour with Kimberly Saur, Associate Director of Admission-Lower School. In addition, they’ve enjoyed visits by Director of Campus Security Tim White and Head of Lower School Amy Scheer. This week, they welcomed special guests Head of School Jay Rainey, Lower/Middle School Nurse Stephanie Presson, and Lower School Literacy Coordinator Liz Crowder.

“It is important to teach children about communities so they recognize where they fit in, and this helps them understand their responsibilities as community members!” explained First Grade Homeroom Teacher Jenn Gillis. That’s exactly what was done during their visits with Mr. Rainey, Ms. Presson, and Ms. Crowder this week.

At all the visits, students learned about what each member of the community at MICDS does. They found out that Mr. Rainey thinks BIG about improving the school as a whole every year. “Right now, you’re in first grade,” he said. “When you are seniors in 11 years, I want the school to be even better than it is now.” He shared that he likes to know every student’s name, he strives to give each person he’s with his full attention, and he likes to be out and about to connect with our Rams. “It hasn’t been a good day if I haven’t been to the Lower School, the Middle School, and the Upper School.” He went on to share some school history with the first-grade Rams, who also loved hearing about his family and dog.

“I loved every minute of my visit with our first-grade students—the MICDS Class of 2035!” said Mr. Rainey. “They asked so many thoughtful questions about the history of our wonderful school, the work that I do, the members of my family, and, of course, our friendly dog, Nelson. I hope they will remember how much I talked about being kind to one another. Happiness is treating other people like they are the center of the world.”

On Wednesday, Ms. Presson, the Lower and Middle School Nurse, talked with the first graders. She shared how she partners with a child’s parents/guardians and doctors to help keep each child as healthy as possible at school and home. Students were fascinated to hear that Ms. Presson helps about 50 kids a day! One student asked how many patients she’s treated in her 15-year career, and Ms. Presson couldn’t really answer that. “It would be thousands!” she said. They also learned how Ms. Presson helps children feel better in a number of scenarios (allergies, nausea, colds, broken bones, difficult feelings, and more). She told them several ways to help keep themselves and others safe and healthy: “Wash your hands, wear a helmet when riding a bike or scooter, and tell a teacher or grownup if you notice someone is hurt or sick,” she advised.

After her visit, Ms. Presson commented, “I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with our first graders. The students were engaged, energetic, and eager to ask questions about my role. I hope they learned that school nurses are essential members of the school community who keep children healthy, safe, and ready to learn!”