Tartan Snapshots: Spring 2024
ExEd Block Introduces Unique Learning Opportunities for Upper School Students
On select Wednesdays throughout the school year, Upper School students spread out across campus to learn in new ways, taking part in a variety of educational opportunities that build relevant life skills, foster health and well-being, and promote community.
The experiential education (ExEd) block serves as a break from traditional academic subjects where students take part in nontraditional learning opportunities of their choice. The activities range from cooking 101 to ultimate frisbee to vehicle maintenance to yoga to chess.
St. Margaret’s Sets Up Seismograph as Learning Tool for Earth Science Students
St. Margaret’s science department installed a Raspberry Shake seismograph, which monitors local seismic activity and pinpoints the location of earthquakes in the area.
“We are monitoring 24/7 from the grade 6 earth science lab,” Middle School science teacher Ashley Baffa said. “Our students are able to access the activity from our seismograph through a web link, so those who are interested can keep an eye on our data anytime they want. It’s been a great learning tool for our students.”
The idea to bring a seismograph to St. Margaret’s was started by a student, Ross Johnson, who’s now in the Upper School. Several years ago, Ross set up a Raspberry Shake seismograph in his home, and shared the details of his setup and some of the recorded data with classmates.
Lower School Field Highlights New Campus Upgrades
Among the campus upgrades for the 2023-2024 school year was a new Lower School field, featuring a new play area with FieldTurf and the division’s Scottie Dog mascot in the midfield circle.
The Lower School field is located between Campaigne Center and the LS playground and the new turf will allow for year-round play for Lower School students.
Tartan Delegation Attends NAIS People of Color Conference to Explore Topics Around Equity and Inclusion
A Tartan delegation of six students and 17 professional community members attended the National Association of Independent School’s People of Color Conference and adjacent NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference in St. Louis, Mo.
The events brought together independent school students and educators from around the country to explore topics around equity and justice in teaching, learning and sustainability for independent schools. St. Margaret’s has long had a large delegation attend both events.
“The People of Color Conference was a wonderful opportunity to build community with educators and students across the country,” said Victor Cota, St. Margaret’s director of equity and inclusion. “We unpacked some of the most pressing issues facing independent schools and our society at large. We tackled hard truths, explored opportunities at our schools, and reimagined a hopeful future. It is always a powerful experience to join more than 8,000 people from around the country who firmly believe in a world that can be shaped toward equity, justice and love.”
Grade 3 Students Lead Tartan Participation in FAM Hunger Walk
Lower School students in grade 3 led a Tartan delegation of students, professional community members and parents last weekend at the Family Assistance Ministries’ annual Hunger Walk in San Clemente.
The grade 3 involvement is tied to the grade-level focus on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 2, zero hunger. In addition to spreading the word about the event and raising funds to support FAM, the grade 3 students also invited their kindergarten buddies to take part in the walk.
In total, more than 100 members of the St. Margaret’s community took part, and more than $4,100 was raised in support of FAM, which works to assist people in need in Orange County.
Upper School Seniors Named National Merit Scholar Semifinalists
St. Margaret’s Upper School students Tai Guo and Alexander Kim have been named National Merit Scholar semifinalists.
Tai and Alexander are among 16,000 students nationwide who were named semifinalists, representing less than 1 percent of high school seniors. They were recognized based on their PSAT scores taken as juniors.
In February, semifinalists will be notified if they have advanced to be a National Merit Scholar finalist. From there, National Merit Scholarships are awarded to about 7,250 students nationwide based on abilities, skills and accomplishments.
Girls Cross Country Wins CIF Championship
St. Margaret’s girls cross country team captured its third CIF team title in the past five years, winning the Division 5 title in November. The Tartans were led by Joyce Li, Sarah Bendzick and Coco Johnson, who earned All-CIF honors.
Grade 5 Students Preview Middle School Athletics Through Cross-Divisional Connection
Students in grade 5 had the opportunity to visit Middle School athletic practices for either flag football, cross country or girls volleyball to preview opportunities in Middle School athletics.
The Middle School athletic coaches in all three sports collaborated with the Lower School personal fitness and wellness teachers to plan a fun and engaging practice, where grade 5 students and grade 6 students could train together. .
Early School Students Visit St. Margaret’s Garden to Explore Life Cycle of Sunflowers
An inquisitive class in the Early School currently learning about the life cycle of sunflowers spent time in St. Margaret’s garden further exploring the science of the giant flowers and the many environmental factors that affect their growth.
“The garden offers a rich curriculum where children, driven by their natural curiosity, actively explore, investigate, and care for the natural world,” Ms. Garcia said. “Through hands-on activities like planting, nurturing, and harvesting, they not only engage in the process but also contribute to building their knowledge. This interactive approach allows them to learn actively and develop a deeper connection with the environment.” .
Grade 4 Lighthouse Project Illuminates Classroom Learning
Lower School students in grade 4 built lighthouses in science teacher David Beshk’s class, applying a variety of lessons learned throughout the first semester.
The lighthouse project is the formative project in which grade 4 students study electricity, circuits, light waves, and lenses. Additional learnings include electrical concepts, series circuits, how conductors and insulators are used, open versus closed circuits and how a switch can govern the flow of electricity. Moreover, students applied the concepts of refracting and reflecting light using both mirrors and lenses.
Class of 2024 Student-Athletes Commit to Top Colleges and Universities
The fall and winter college athletics signing period was fruitful for St. Margaret’s Class of 2024, as 13 students have pledged to play intercollegiate athletics at the next level. The list includes 11 student-athletes during the winter signing period and two during the fall signing period.