On Wednesday, September 17, our Upper School students spent the day participating in grade-level activities with their peers and advisors, both on and off campus, focusing on intellectual and social learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. The “Community Day” event was designed to build community and emphasize the commitment to further live into the MICDS Mission Statement. The recap below is about the tenth-grade Community Day experience.
The Class of 2028 traveled off campus for Upper School Community Day, participating in team-building activities at Go Ape, an outdoor adventure park that offers ziplining and ropes courses. Armed with bug spray, sunscreen, and water bottles, students arrived at Go Ape ready to tackle the 500-foot zipline, 30 unique obstacles, and a 45-foot climbing platform. There was an exciting challenge for everyone at this unforgettable outdoor adventure that inspired courage, connection, and discovery.
The class was divided into 10 cohorts for that day, each with two student leaders. The student leaders were responsible for guiding their group from one activity station to the next on time, transporting the small supply bag for their group from one event to the next, and taking attendance for their group at each event. In addition, they served as a positive force, encouraging their group members and cheering them on as they worked to overcome challenges.
A few student leaders shared their reflections on the Go Ape experience:
“My favorite activity was definitely the ropes course. I got to go at the same time as some of my other teammates, and we encouraged each other when the course got challenging.” – Priyasha Munshi ’28
“Community Day gave us a great opportunity to connect with people we don’t usually see during the school day. It took a lot of positivity and communication within our group, which led us to get to know each other better.” – Molly Rotskoff ’28
“Being a cohort leader was an amazing experience. I really connected with my group by the end of the day, and I felt very happy that people were asking me questions and putting their trust in me to lead our group!” – Brooke Dunaway ’28
“I had a lot of fun on Community Day. I found that it really helped build connections, especially during the ropes course. I saw many people helping guide others who were more scared or nervous. It was also a great leadership experience, such as when we had to deal with some impromptu schedule changes because the ropes activity ran longer than expected. Overall, it was a great experience where everyone ended up closer by the end.” – Andrew Li ’28
“Community Day was a really fun experience, an opportunity to meet new people and bond with my classmates.” – Nandini Warrier ’28
The shared experience our tenth graders had of pushing themselves outside their comfort zone on the Go Ape high ropes course helped students slowly gain confidence while being deeply supported by their peers. And, it provided an excellent opportunity for students to get to know each other in new ways.