I was filled with excitement on Thursday and I truly enjoyed my time as an MCS student. Evan (2nd) and Drew (8th) were great hosts. When I think of my day, the experiences of greatest impact to me was praying/worshiping with my fellow 2nd graders and discussing personal reflections on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) with my fellow 8th graders. It is so encouraging to see youth engaging in God's Word and talking with Him in prayer. I enjoyed being on the student end of having time to read a good book and being challenged by the teacher to do some deep thinking work within it. Mrs. Pfaff seized the opportunity to conference one-on-one with me to ensure I was heading in the right direction!! Evan taught me how to use a new app in math and made sure I knew how to borrow when subtracting. I also enjoyed viewing and rating some 8th grade student science presentations. I was impressed with the level of the projects and the serious nature of assessing/encouraging each other the 8th graders showed. I learned a lot about Alexander Hamilton as Drew beat me down in debate. As a  final thought, I have to mentioned how fun it was to play outside with the 2nd/3rd graders and with the 6th-8th graders.  It is refreshing to see how the joy of play is embraced at all ages (even mine). 

I am so proud of our teachers and students at MCS and so thankful to be a part of the continued legacy. 

Troy Moore Head of School

It was an incredible experience shadowing two students for an entire day with the goal in mind to better understand MCS through the eyes of a student. My personal stamina was definitely tested as I traveled through 4 class periods as a 6th grade student with one quick snack break. I felt my energy levels drop but found that my middle school teachers kept me going with engaging lessons that kept my attention and sparked my curiosity.  I was so amazed at how I was embraced by all of the 6th grade students during each period and very thankful for Luke, who kept me on track and prepared for each class. I then joined Ryder in 4th grade and spent the rest of my day experiencing an art class, lunch break, and back to the class for a read aloud and history lesson. I definitely won some points by playing soccer at lunch with 4th and 5th grade students! I participated in a reading book club, learned how to say the alphabet in Spanish, collaborated on a science lesson, created an art project for the art show, and participated in a history group project.  I was definitely ready for a nap at 2:55! 

Overall, what I valued most about my day was the quality time I spent with the kids. Seeing the day through their eyes and participating in all of the classroom activities, afforded me the opportunity to really understand their daily experience. I found myself thinking about the lessons differently, not as an administrator but, instead, through the eyes of a student. It was a privilege to participate in this experience and a joy to spend a day in their shoes! 

Reggie Biancalani Elementary Principal

What an amazing day! What amazing friends to shadow! Thank you Sophia and Katie! What amazing learning! What amazing teachers! Thank you Ms. Collier and the 6th grade teachers!

As I reflect on this day, I believe this was one of the most impactful experiences I have ever had as an administrator. I also believe it is one of the most important experiences any administrator can have because it provides the opportunity to see a school day through the lens of a student. To experience the high expectations we hold our students to firsthand. To sustain and maintain focus for long periods of time. To learn and be stretched in ways that our brains no longer have to learn and stretch. To observe them in their world and share in the stresses and victories, struggles and strengths. To gain valuable insight into life in elementary, an entirely new experience for me as a middle school educator. Most importantly, to connect in a way that otherwise isn't possible without putting ourselves in their shoes and walking with them. It was just one day but it was a powerful day that will absolutely play a part in shaping me as the middle school principal and in how I support the students and teachers. It was that significant! Being with the students and sharing in their day affirmed even more what amazing students we have at MCS and I am filled with thankfulness for each of them.

 

Being a student in the classroom with the amazing teachers confirmed even more what a tremendous group of teachers we have at MCS and how truly blessed our students are to have them. This day was such a gift and I was filled to overflowing. I only have one remaining question... when is the next shadow day?

Heather Harrison Middle School Principal

Walking up to MCS was exciting for me on Thursday, as I prepared for the day ahead from the perspective of a student.  I spent the first half of the day shadowing 7th grade student Lexie, and enjoyed life as a 1st grade shadow of Hailey for the second half of the day.  One of the highlights for me as a middle school student was the fact that I got to open my Bible for reading and reflection in two classes. I started the day in Mrs. Liu's homeroom class with a discussion about what Jesus teaches us about the Word of God and the Kingdom of God in Matthew 13.  Later, in Bible class with Mr. Hellreigel, I had the opportunity to think about how to apply specific truths from scripture to how I live. In history with Mrs. Shelton, I joined a fun collaborative group project that was in the process of writing a musical to retell history.  From middle school I headed straight to first grade, where I joined in for computers with Mrs. Wolford. I had my first-ever experience with coding, which was a lot of fun! Sitting at the lunch tables with my first grade friends, then playing on the bars and the playground was a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy some free time. Ms. DeAllen led my class through engaging math centers in the afternoon, followed by an exciting science experiment. I got lots of hugs from my classmates at the end of the day and I was filled with gratitude and joy.  

After going through a full day as a student, I'm struck by how MCS teachers provide a safe place to think, question, explore, and grow. Each class was full of creative opportunities to learn and meaningful ways to connect with others. I love being a part of this place, and having this first-hand experience as a student allowed me to grow a deeper appreciation for all the students, teachers, and learning that take place at MCS everyday. 

Megan Shahabi Vice Principal