Raven Report: April 17, 2024

Second grade students took a mesmerizing field trip to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, exploring the wonders of art and nature. They marveled at the breathtaking exhibitions and the serene beauty of the Ozarks, deepening their appreciation for America’s rich artistic heritage. A day of learning and inspiration at one of Arkansas's cultural jewels! 

April 2024

19-22: NO SCHOOL - Home Stretch Holiday, Offices Closed

24: Volunteer Training, 8:45-9:15am

30: Grandfriends Day & EARLY RELEASE at 11:30 am

30: Summit Spring Concert

May 2024

1: Late Start, 9:30 am

7: High School Graduation/8th Grade Recognition, 6pm

8: SPO Meeting, 9 am

8: All-Stars Performance at Founders Park, 12pm

15: Field Day/Last Day of School & EARLY RELEASE at 11:30 am

20: Board of Trustees Meeting, 5-6 pm

27: Memorial Day, Offices Closed

You're Invited to Grandfriends Day on April 30

We'd like to formally invite you to join us at The Summit on Tuesday, April 30th to celebrate your Summit scholars on our annual Grandfriends Day!

The festivities will begin at 9:15 a.m. at our campus located at 202 East Walnut Lawn Street in Springfield, Missouri. Grandfriends may start arriving at 9:00 a.m. We have prepared a special morning for you that includes Summit classroom experiences, the book fair, refreshments, and more! We'll make sure you have a schedule of activities when you arrive so you'll know exactly where to go. And for those of you with grandkids in multiple grades, there will be ample opportunities to see all the students in action. 

We will conclude our Grandfriends Day Celebration at 11:20 a.m. and students will be dismissed shortly after at 11:30 a.m. All parents should complete the form below to let us know if your child's grandfriend will (or will not) be picking them up that day.

And don't forget about our Spring Music Concert for 1st through 12th grade students at the Gillioz Theatre (325 Park Central East) that night! The show starts at 6:30 p.m., but you're going to want to get there early to make sure you've got a good parking spot and a seat in the theatre (we pack the house)!

Drury Summer Programs Find New Home at Summit

This summer, The Summit Preparatory School and Drury University are thrilled to announce a new partnership as Drury's Summer Pals and Quest programs find new home here on our school campus!

The Summer Pals and Summer Quest programs, designed for pre-kindergarten and elementary school students, focuses on providing engaging and educational experiences during the summer break. Through a variety of enriching activities and hands-on learning opportunities, students are encouraged to explore their interests, build new skills, and make lasting friendships. These programs offer a dynamic range of courses and workshops to stimulate intellectual curiosity and personal growth.

We are confident that this new partnership with our school will enrich the learning experiences for all attendees and facilitate an inspiring summer full of learning and fun!

Registration for the summer sessions is now open, and we encourage interested families to secure their spots early. Financial aid scholarship are available. For more information, please visit Drury's Center for Gifted Education website. Join us in making Summer 2024 unforgettable!

Summer is Almost Here! Register for Camp Raven

Spend your summer at The Summit with Camp Raven! These weekly camps provide a fun, safe, and enriching way to continue learning over the summer break. Each camp, led by talented and enthusiastic instructors, focuses on a central theme from explorations in STEM and art to music and movement. Campers will have fun while learning and making new friends! 

New in Summer 2024! Before and after care available 8:00 am - 4:00 pm for additional fees.



Learn more about some of our exciting camp offerings below!

Every year, we have one week of special single-day or half-day camp offerings called Raven Days! These shorter sessions are the perfect way to break up the summer slump and make new friends while engaging in fun activities like scrapbooking, bead art, baking, coding, slime, role playing, and more! Use the link below to check out the full schedule, and register today!

Please note, there will be no camps on Wednesday, June 19th in observance of Juneteeth.

Celebrating Our Track and Field Summit Stars

At the recent Springfield Invitational Track Meet, our middle school track and field team shone brightly, showcasing exceptional talent across all events. Coach Jones says, "There were 18 teams competing at the Springfield Invitational Track Meet at Parkview. Even though we were the smallest team there, we did not disappoint, and our seventh grade boy team took 12th place overall!"

• Finley P. (8th) ran a 16.42 in the 100 meter and threw the shot put 20' 7" (a personal best) 
• The Boys 4x100 relay ran a time of 57.35 (a team best)
• Nick M. (8th) threw the discus 78’ 6” (a personal best)
• Jasper K. (7th) ran the 200 m in 31.88 (a personal best) and threw the discus 50' 2" (a personal best)
• Jackson K. (7th) threw the discus 98' 5" (a personal best), earning 3rd Place and also ran the 100 meter dash in 13.97
• Miles P. (6th), running against all seventh graders, ran a 5 min 30 second mile (a personal best), earning 3rd Place. Miles also ran the 800 in 2 min 35 seconds, another personal best and earning 5th Place overall.
• Whit G. (8th) ran a mile in 5 min 36 seconds (a personal best), earning 9th Place overall. He also ran the 800 m in 2 min 38 seconds (another personal best).

Coach Jones continues, "For these kids to have so many personal best times and throws with a 35 mile an hour sustained wind during the whole was absolutely incredible!" Well done, Summit Ravens!

Senior Spotlight: Q&A with Wyatt Wistrom

What grade did you start attending The Summit?

I’ve been attending the Summit since preschool.

What has been your favorite memory at The Summit?

My favorite memory of The Summit has been the friends I’ve made, especially the ones I have known the longest.

Which teacher had the most impact on you, and what will you remember about them?

Mr. Powers has had the biggest impact on me. I’ll always remember him as the teacher I got along with the best, as well as his amazing guitar solos.

What class did you find the most enjoyable and why?

Chemistry with Mr. Powers. I remember getting the highest grade in the class.

What song will always remind you of this time in your life?

"School's Out" by Alice Cooper.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your younger self entering high school for the first time?

I would tell myself not to be intimidated by doing new things.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to continue classes at OTC and then transfer to Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska next spring. After that, I really don't know. It’s scary to think about, but I think I’ll be alright.

Dear Wyatt,

As your former first-grade teacher, I am filled with immense pride as I reflect on the incredible journey you have undertaken since those early days in our Chesterfield classroom. Watching you grow and mature over the years has been nothing short of inspiring, and I am filled with pride as I reflect on the remarkable young adult you have become.

Your ability to persevere and demonstrate independence in the face of challenges is truly commendable. From excelling in college-level courses to holding a job, or becoming the first in your class to obtain your driver's license, you have consistently shown determination and resilience in pursuing your goals. Your achievements are a testament to your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to success.

Beyond your academic and personal achievements, I have always admired your creative talents, your genuine kindness, and your unwavering determination. Your family’s love and support have undoubtedly been instrumental in shaping the person you are today. 

As you prepare to graduate from high school and embark on the next chapter of your journey, I have no doubt that you will continue to make a positive impact on the world around you. Remember to always stay true to yourself, follow your passions, and never lose sight of the incredible potential that lies within you. Congratulations on this milestone, and may your future be filled with endless opportunities and joy!

Warmly,

Mrs. Heet (Dr. Heet)

Upper School Science Faculty Selected for Grant

Congratulations to Mr. Rob Powers, Upper School Science Faculty, on being selected for the prestigious NSF-Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) grant project, Computer Science Research Opportunity for Smart Environments (ROSE) for 2024-2025!

This grant will provide Mr. Powers with an exceptional opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research in smart environments, enriching their knowledge and enhancing our science curriculum. This achievement not only elevates our faculty's expertise but also inspires our students in the ever-evolving world of technology.

Mr. Powers says, "I must admit I am humbled by this. I look forward to collaborating with other individuals who share my sense of adventure when it comes to learning new things and applying them in creative ways. I cannot say what endeavors await me during this program, but I know I will learn a lot, and learning new things is what makes me excited for each new day!" 

Yoga Faculty Achieves Advanced Certification

Congratulations to Mrs. Dulsey Stewart, "Miss D," our Lower School Yoga Faculty on completing the rigorous 300-hour advanced yoga teacher training course! After an 18-month journey, this achievement brings Miss D's total training to an impressive 600 hours, encompassing a 200-hour certification, a 100-hour children’s certification, and now this advanced level.

Your dedication to deepening your practice and expertise is truly inspiring. Your commitment not only enhances your teachings but also enriches the lives of our students. Well done on reaching this significant milestone!

Upper School Faculty Accepted into Masters Program

Congratulations to our esteemed Upper School History Faculty, Mrs. Emma Smith, on being accepted into Missouri State University's Master of Science in Counseling program! This acceptance marks an exciting step forward as Mrs. Smith pursues her second master's degree. Her commitment to expanding her educational horizons is not only a testament to personal growth and lifelong learning but also to Mrs. Smith's passion for supporting and guiding others.

This new journey will undoubtedly enhance Mrs. Smith's ability to make a profound impact on the lives of students. We are incredibly proud and look forward to seeing all that she will achieve in this new chapter!

Faculty Announcements for 2024-2025

As we near the end of the 2023-2024 academic year and look ahead to 2024-2025, we wish to inform you of some changes to our faculty team next year. We bid farewell to several esteemed colleagues who are pursuing new endeavors beyond our school. While they will be dearly missed, we celebrate the diverse paths they are choosing to explore and extend our deepest gratitude for their invaluable contributions to our community. We are excited to see what the future holds for them and wish them the very best in all their pursuits.

Be sure to check your email for further details regarding incoming faculty members and additional updates for the new academic year being shared soon.

Ms. Dawn Eckstein

Upper School Math Faculty

"Ms. Eckstein brings a wealth of experience and passion when working with students. Be it math, board games, or Dungeons and Dragons, she supports student interest and engagement."

- Dr. Tara Bonebrake

"Ms. Eckstein is always so nice and great at explaining all of the topics that we talk about in class. She always makes sure that we all understand the topics in class well, and she helps us, and we have great class conversations."

- Garrin (8th)  

Mrs. Anna Cook

Upper School Math Faculty

"Anna's innovation in using thinking classroom strategies for math supports such a great learning structure for her students. There is never a dull moment in her class, students collaborate, move around the room, and work to create an excellent learning community."

- Dr. Tara Bonebrake

"You can tell that Mrs. Cook is really passionate about her subject and her teaching. She brings a lot of joy to her teaching."

- Nicole (9th)

Señora Emma Souza

Spanish Faculty (4th-12th)

"Señora Souza embodies the love and joy of learning about language and culture. She challenges students to be creative in their learning and supports growth in global mindset embodying the progressive model."

- Dr. Tara Bonebrake

"You can tell Señora Souza is really passionate and enjoys what she does which enhances her Spanish class greatly. I appreciate your willingness to help and adjust content if you are struggling. Señora provides a safe, judgement-free class that is very fun to be in."

- Will (10th)

Mrs. Emma Gauldin

Upper School Art Faculty

"When you walk into the high school annex, you are immediately greeted by Mrs. Gauldin's creativity and homage to the Summit community. I appreciate her willingness to explore different avenues of art with our Summit students."

- Dr. Tara Bonebrake

"You can tell that Mrs. Gauldin is very creative and has great attention to detail. She always helps you to get better at your art. She has a really good vibe. We really enjoy her class and the opportunities to be creative." 

- Cheyenne and Brie (8th)

Elise recently graduated from the Missouri Department of Conservation Volunteer Program, Class of 2024.

The Summit Welcomes Outdoor Education Specialist

We’re excited to share that starting in Fall 2024, The Summit Preparatory School will enrich its curriculum with a new Outdoor Education Program, adding a vibrant dimension to our specials programming. This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to a well-rounded education that not only focuses on academics but also emphasizes holistic student development.

Leading this new adventure is Elise Bowsher, our newly appointed Outdoor Education Specialist. Ms. Bowsher comes to us with extensive experience in STEM and outdoor learning, bringing a deep passion for environmental education and a wealth of knowledge that will greatly benefit our students.

Ms. Bowsher says, "The Outdoor Education Program will seek to expand hands-on opportunities for students to engage with the natural world, cultivate a deep appreciation for the environment, and develop essential life skills. The curriculum will integrate outdoor activities, environmental science, and teamwork to empower students' in becoming confident and environmentally conscious individuals."

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to embark on this exciting journey of exploration and learning!