For Upper School Community Day this year, ninth graders spent time on campus forging bonds within their community and exploring the theme: « Who Am I at MICDS? » Upper School Dean Melanie Duffy shared, « As the newest members of Upper School, it’s important that our ninth graders develop confidence in themselves and as a class as they begin to build some traction within the framework of the Upper School Community. Each part of the day was intentionally designed for our students to gather more information on how to move through life in the Upper School and develop and build relationships with their classmates and peers. »
Ninth graders enjoyed starting the day at a delicious on-campus breakfast with members of our Senior Leadership Group, who led conversations to keep students out of tempting patterns to solo phone scroll or only talking with a few known friends.
After breakfast, the seniors worked with their freshmen cohorts on a digital literacy curriculum within The Social Institute’s program Win at Social. Their lesson was centered around AI/Chat GPT, which engaged students to think critically about AI. The work continued when students took a deep dive with Upper School English Teacher Tex Tourais and the Honor Council. They learned more about the process and protocol around academic integrity at MICDS and what an Honor Council process entails. Students then examined different types of cases and reviewed possible outcomes.
A highlight of the day was a visit from Julie Smith, an author and instructor at Webster University’s School of Communications. She spoke with the students about digital wellness, what great and not-so-great behavior looks like online, and how students can protect themselves from unhealthy online activity. Duffy said, « Students soaked up her direct and relatable approach and experience. They attentively listened and engaged with her examples of being active, alert, and proactive about their personal online ‘branding’ for future college and employment opportunities. »
After lunch, the class headed outside for some fun and games before heading into the signature event of the day—a class mosaic! Students placed self-portraits on a cloth « tile » and listed three aspirational or actual qualities in how they viewed themselves. Each advisory incorporated an aspect of the School’s Mission statement on their advisory tile. Once the advisory tiles are complete, a grand class quilt will be formed to represent how each individual is part of the greater community.
Giving back to the community is a cornerstone of the MICDS experience. To round out the day, students learned more about the Upper School community service hour requirement and the various ways students can fulfill the commitment. They worked on two projects, making sandwiches for St. Patrick’s Center and writing letters of gratitude to soldiers through Operation Gratitude.
Thank you to Dean Duffy and all the ninth-grade advisors for planning an engaging day of collaboration and connection for our newest Upper School members!