The Montessori children enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast as a culmination to the study unit on North America.  As we navigated through the physical geography of North America, we talked about the indigenous people of the region and how they utilized the natural resources available to them for their housing, clothing, jewelry, and food.

The children learned about the perilous journey the Pilgrims undertook to arrive in Plymouth, MA from England. The Wampanoag Indians already settled in MA helped the Pilgrims by teaching them to grow crops and hunt. We talked about the crops that the Pilgrims sowed and the bountiful harvest that followed. We discussed gratitude, giving thanks, and the virtue of sharing as exemplified by the Pilgrims sharing their first harvest as a Thanksgiving meal with the Native Americans. The children's admiration for Sarah Hale's effort to make Thanksgiving an annual National Holiday manifested in creating a thanksgiving tree. Thus we cultivated an attitude of gratitude by being grateful for the many blessings in our lives.

The children experimented making butter from heavy cream to go with the corn muffins that they baked. They wore handmade Pilgrim hats and Native American gear that included head bands, vests, and jewelry.

We are so thankful to our parents for all their contributions to make this Thanksgiving feast a wonderful experience for our students!

Last week the seniors and several juniors participated in the long lasting Ursuline tradition of Kairos. In the midst of all the work and celebration of senior year, the class had the opportunity to pause, reflect on their faith and personal growth. Organized by Sister Betty and several seniors, the retreat asks the girls to think deeply about themselves and the people around them, especially their families. At a time when they feel their lives and themselves in an uncertain transition, the girls can find stability and strength.

Each of the Upper School classes undertakes a retreat each year organized by Joe Louden. Though the retreats for the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will take only one day, we use the Kairos experience as a model, asking seniors to work with girls from each class to plan their day.