Although January in St. Louis can be a cold time of year, our Winter Term classes this month were warmed up by many guest speakers. The wide range of guests passionately spoke to students across their fields of expertise and professions. Enjoy this recap of who our students got to learn from, ranging from artists and dermatologists to judges and college-level coaches! These speakers brrrrrrought such new, real-life perspectives to students and helped thaw their Winter Term subjects so that all of the new information melted into their brains as they sled into learning so many new, fascinating things.
Guest Artist Zooms with Beasley Lower School
Guest artist Gary Hirsch, based in Portland, Oregon, “visited” the Lower Schoolers via Zoom for their final assembly during Winter Term in the Lower School. Hirsch is the creator of Botjoy, an art movement where people draw small robots on the back side of dominoes to gift to others. These domino robots are tokens of kindness that help spread joy, courage, and inspiration. He shared all about his art and the story behind the Botjoy movement. Kids loved spending time with Mr. Hirsch and learning about this clever way to spread bravery, kindness, joy, love, and more to others!
MICDS Director of Development Opens Middle School Eyes to Philanthropy
Coaches-to-Be Learn from WashU Women’s Soccer Coach
Upper Schoolers who are interested in coaching took the Winter Term class called Coach U: Training Tomorrow’s Leaders. Students had the opportunity to hear from and interview MICDS coaches from numerous sports:
- Josh Smith, Athletic Director & Football Coach
- Everett Goldberg, PE Teacher, Football Coach & Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Travis Wallace, Middle School PE Teacher and Boys Basketball Coach
- Blake Whitney, Middle School History Teacher and Baseball Coach
- Diane Broberg, JK-12 Math & Computer Science Department Chair and Cross Country & Track & Field Coach
- Nick Menneke, Middle School Assistant Athletic Director, Middle School PE Teacher, and Football, Wrestling, & Throws Coach
- Our Varsity Boys Lacrosse Coach
Additionally, the class warmly welcomed Jim Conlon, Head Coach of the National Champion Women’s Soccer Team at Washington University in St. Louis. Coach Conlon spoke on how he meets his athletes where they are at and, through strong relationships, understands what they need on a day-to-day basis from him as a coach.
“It was great to hear from all of the coaches,” expressed Cameron Youngman, Middle School Math Teacher. “Each coach brought in a unique perspective, but there was a central theme the students all picked up on, and that was the importance of relationship building.” In the course, the students each created their own coaching portfolio that included a resume, practice plans, year-long plans, coaching philosophy, and team expectations. We can’t wait to see some of them as future coaches!
Dermatologist Shares Skin-Deep Knowledge in Two Upper School Courses
Local dermatologist Dr. Angela Sutton spoke to two Upper School classes during Winter Termthe Cosmetic Science course and the course entitled Empowered Wellness: Transforming Women’s Health Through Knowledge and Action. In both appearances, she enhanced the students’ knowledge of skin and its related issues. Dr. Sutton amplified the importance of SPF for sun protection and using simpler, more basic products. She also shared key information about when to see a dermatologist and the educational path to becoming a dermatologist.
Associate Circuit Judge Visits Intro to Law and Mock Trial Course
Our Intro to Law and Mock Trial course, offered in the Upper School during Winter Term, included a visit by Judge Dennis Chassaniol. Judge Chassaniol shared his experiences in the legal profession and of his service as a judge. They learned about what it means to be a judge and about what that looks like. “I loved getting to have an in-depth talk with someone in such a position and enjoyed the talk!” shared Dr. Tanya Roth, Upper School History Teacher.
On-Campus Dietitian Talks Nutrition with Upper Schoolers
In the Upper School Winter Term course How Diet and Nutrition Can Enhance Human Performance, students got to hear from a familiar face: Jane Radinskaya, Assistant Director of Dining Services and Dietitian for MICDS. Ms. Radinskaya spoke to the class regarding the importance of nutrition and answered their questions. “Her presentation was informative, and it was great to hear about nutrition from a professional in addition to hearing it from parents and teachers,” shared Malon Carter, Upper School Math Teacher.
Norma West Teaches Upper Schoolers to Make Empanadas
The Upper School Winter Term course, Hispanic Food and Culture in STL, was thrilled to bring in guest speaker Norma West, a friend of FLIK Independent School Dining’s Executive Chef Julie Wilson. She shared of her experience as an immigrant coming to the United States, she talked about the Spanish language, and she spoke about family traditions around food and celebrations. For the hands-on portion of her visit, Ms. West explained the culture around the empanada in Argentina, and she demonstrated the technique for making them before students got to make their own empanadas too!
