The MICDS Board of Visitors were on campus and, this year, examined the subject of student life. The Board, chaired by Jamie Corley ’05 and James Emanuel ’04, looked at the topic both at MICDS and in a national context. Here was their charge:
Our students have more choices than ever during their MICDS careers. What are the challenges faced by students in finding a balance with all the opportunities present, and how can the School best support its students and their parents/families? In addition, how can MICDS create more opportunities to engage alumni with students adn bring student stories into our alumni engagement, while protecting students and their own balance?
While on campus, the group heard from a variety of stakeholders. Head of School Jay Rainey provided a state of the School, especially in comparison to peer schools from the Board members’ own communities. Dr. Sally Maxwell, Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning, shared what student life looks like today as compared to when they were students, which then led to a question-and-answer session with our three division heads, Athletics Director Josh Smith, Student Support Director Dr. Sheila Powell-Walker, and Director of Student Activities Nicole Trueman-Shaw. The panel answered questions about academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and student support.
Dean of Digital Learning Tex Tourais spoke on “AI in (and out) of the classroom,” providing an overview of MICDS’ approach to AI. He divided the group into two and walked them through two examples of projects on FLINT that the students have actually used this year. FLINT is the School-approved artificial intelligence tool used by our teachers and students. One project was from an Upper School Anatomy and Physiology class where the students select a case study of a sick patient exhibiting various symptoms. The students position themselves as new doctors, treating FLINT as a mentor doctor to converse about the case study and ultimately determine a diagnosis. In the classroom setting, students then wrote essays on their diagnoses based on their conversations with the FLINT “doctor.” The other project was used in a Middle School science lesson. Students selected an element from the periodic table and gave FLINT a description of what they believed the element would look and act like if it were a person. The student then asked FLINT to create a picture using their description, a creative way to bring learning elements to life.
Erin Hamill, Director of Global Learning and Upper School Community Service, presented on experiential learning, including Winter Term, global programming, and community service.
The Board’s favorite part of their campus visit each year is interacting with students. They ate lunch in the Upper School Dining Hall on Thursday, and heard from a panel of eighth-12th grade students on Friday.
Throughout their various learning sessions, the Board of Visitors divided into breakout groups to conduct in-depth discussions on the questions under consideration. Their last task before leaving was to share their reflections with Mr. Rainey and members of the Senior Leadership Team before departing. One common theme: MICDS students are busy! The School does and should continue to support them throughout their time.
Many thanks to our entire Board of Visitors for their dedication to MICDS. We appreciate your time, insight, and enthusiasm!
2025 Board of Visitors Roster
- Jamie Corley ’05 – In-Town Co-Chair, St. Louis, MO
- James Emanuel ’04 – In-Town Co-Chair, St. Louis, MO
- Jon M. Austin ’77, Minneapolis, MN
- Katherine (Katie) Watt Banahan ’02, Austin, TX
- Vivek Biswas ’11, Chicago, IL
- Courtney Blankenship ’89, Petersburg, IL
- Wendy Brafman ’87, Alexandria, VA
- Blake Briscoe ’11, New York, NY
- Caroline Noel Cooper ’92, Chevy Chase, MD
- Emily Fuleihan Covington ’01, Great Falls, VA
- Noah E. Croom ’83, Minneapolis, MN
- Andrew (Drew) A. Flanigan ’03, Dallas, TX
- Keith Gordon ’91, New Rochelle, NY
- Bill Guerri ’74, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- David Jones ’15, Chicago, IL
- Arun Kurichety ’97, Laguna Beach, CA
- Lauren Cohen Levy ’01, Bay Area, CA
- Jennifer Lortz ’89, Smyrna, GA
- Sangita Patel Macklin ’85, London, UK
- Tess Mandoli ’15, Dallas, TX
- Betsy Goodman McPherson ’92, Denver, CO
- Caroline Militello ’14, New York, NY
- Kate Rouse ’10, New York, NY
- Peter (Bo) B. Rutledge ’88, Athens, GA
- Michael Sarver ’00, Darien, CT
- Julia Nouss TenHoeve ’05, Houston, TX
- Billy Weitzer ’71, New York, NY