Raven Report: February 7, 2024

This year’s Day of Play was another resounding success!

No screens, just creativity and smiles all around. From building forts to friendly sports, students broke free from routine and embraced the joy of play. Thank you to everyone who brought in donations of games and craft supplies to help make the day extra special!

Read more about this global initiative to reignite the imagination and highlight the importance of play below!

February 2024

9: Kansas City Chiefs Dress Out Day (No Charge, Red/Gold Theme)

10: Parents' Night Out, 5-8 pm

12-16: Teacher Appreciation Week

14: Late Start, 9:30 am

14: $2 Uniform Buy Out

15: Lower School Dance & Upper School Mixer

16: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Work Day

17: KY3 Women's Show at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 8 am-4 pm

19: NO SCHOOL - Presidents’ Day, Offices Closed

20: Board of Trustees meeting, 5-6 pm

23: Summit Annual Gala at The Barley House at Moon Town Crossing

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

29: EARLY RELEASE at 1 pm

March 2024

1: NO SCHOOL - Student Led Conferences

4-8: Spirit Week

8: Culture Day, Summit Family Fiesta

11-15: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

18: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Work Day

19: Board of Trustees meeting, 5-6 pm

27: Uniform Buy Out Day

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

KC Chiefs Free Dress Out Day on Friday, February 9

In anticipation of the Kansas City Chiefs' advancement to Super Bowl LVIII, The Summit is gearing up for a spirited celebration with a Free Uniform Dress Out Day on Friday, February 9th! Students are encouraged to don red and gold attire to honor the Chiefs (or the 49ers, but we'll assume you're supporting the Red Kingdom). Let's paint our campus in the colors of victory to cheer on the Chiefs!

Register for Parents' Night Out, Hosted by 8th Grade

Eighth grade students are hosting a Parents' Night Out event, creating a night of fun and laughter for younger students while raising funds for their eagerly anticipated class trip. With the support of adult chaperones, the eighth graders will host Early Learners through fifth grade students in an entertaining evening on campus filled with games, crafts and activities, a movie, and even a delightful pizza dinner!

When: Saturday, February 10, 2024

Time: Drop off is at 5:00 pm, and pick up is at 8:00 pm

Location: The Summit Music Room

Cost: $30 per student

Registration: Use the link below to register in advance

For questions, please contact Dr. Tara Bonebrake, Upper School Director.

Class Projects Take Center Stage in Silent Auction

In a celebration of creativity and community spirit, this year's annual gala fundraiser promises to be an extraordinary event with the return of class projects to the silent auction spotlight! With the guidance of parent volunteers, Summit classes have created a stunning collection of collaborative artistic masterpieces!

A complete deck of playing cards. Each card was designed by a

Summit Upper School student. One of a kind!

These projects not only serves as a way to raise important funds for our school but also fosters a sense of pride and unity among students, parents, and educators. As these unique class projects take center stage, the silent auction becomes a celebration of artistic expression, community collaboration, and our shared commitment to the success of The Summit. The winning bidders can expect not only to bring home a beautiful piece of art but also to take with them the sense of community and camaraderie that makes this school truly special!

The Summit Prep is proud of our amazing faculty! Every Tuesday we'll be honoring our faculty on social media. This week, we honor Mrs. Whitney Kelley, High School Science Faculty!

"Mrs. Kelley has a fantastic background in life science which she draws from to support class discussions and learning. She uses hands-on activities to support both skill-building and conceptual knowledge. She provides an awesome experience for our students, no matter the topic."

- Dr. Bonebrake, Upper School Director

"I love Mrs. Kelley's classes because she has a way of making her class very open and friendly. She has a great way of reeling us back in when we get off-topic. Overall, I enjoy her teaching style. We do slideshows and then do a 'fun-tivity' to show how we apply what we learned to the real world."

- Parker S., 10th Grade

Board President Named in SBJ's 40 Under 40

Our incredible Board President, James Ballard, has been named one of Springfield Business Journal's 40 Under 40! This prestigious award honors individuals under the age of 40 for their professional and civic work in our community. Join us in celebrating James’s well-deserved recognition for his outstanding leadership and the remarkable impact he has made not only in our school but also in the greater Springfield community as a Vice President and Private Client Advisor with Commerce Trust. Congratulations, James!

Creativity, Unleashed: The Global Day of Play

The Global Day of Play underscores the vital role of unstructured play in a child's development. Celebrated globally, including at The Summit, this initiative highlights the importance of fostering creativity, social skills, and overall well-being through play. By temporarily setting aside conventional classroom activities, students are encouraged to explore their imaginations, collaborate with peers, and engage in activities that promote physical activity.

This day holds immense importance as it breaks the monotony of structured learning, allowing children to recharge their minds and bodies. Play is not just a break from academics; it is an essential component of cognitive development. It enhances problem-solving abilities, emotional intelligence, and resilience.

The Global Day of Play promotes a holistic approach to education, recognizing that learning extends beyond screens and textbooks. It champions the idea that an enriched educational experience involves not only acquiring knowledge but also developing crucial life skills through hands-on, unscripted interactions. Our annual celebration of the Global Day of Play reflects a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped for the challenges of the future!

Dare to Play: The Importance of "Risky" Play

At The Summit, students and teachers know the benefit of free play, especially during our hour-long block for lunch and recess in the upper school. The research supports students getting outside and moving their bodies throughout the school day.

“Above all, outdoor play – with the risks that come with it – can bring many developmental benefits for children. For example, outdoor risky play, such as independent exploration, rough-and-tumble play, climbing, chasing, building, and so on, can promote children’s social and physical development, emotional well-being, self-confidence, risk management and physical activity” (Play Outside Lab).

Our Big Backyard provides the perfect landscape for students to engage in this kind of play in a safe and secure environment. From pick up games of football to the giant spider net to the nature-based elements in the backyard perfect for climbing and jumping, there are so many opportunities for students to have fun while being active in the outdoors.

Check out this article from LetGrow for more information about the power of unstructured outdoor play.

First graders wrote in their writing journals all about what they learned about tornado safety outside in the wonderful (and tornado-free) weather!

Tornado Safety: Knowledge Is Power in First Grade

First graders have been studying the weather, and this week they have been focusing on one particular type of weather – tornadoes. First, they discussed how a tornado forms. Tornadoes are large columns of rotating air that develop out of thunderstorms. Conditions are right for a tornado to form when warm air rises and cool air falls within the cloud of a thunderstorm, eventually turning into a vertical spinning current. 

The most important thing the class discussed was how to remain safe during a tornado. First graders learned the warning signs to look out for (funnel-shaped clouds, odd colored sky, large hail, roaring sound). They observed that hail and tornadoes often occur together because they are formed by a similar process of air moving up and down from cold to warm. Together, the class discussed the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning and where to find the information you might need in a storm - phones and the TV can be very helpful tools in keeping an eye out for severe weather. Students also listened to the sound of a tornado siren so that they can easily identify the sound if they hear it. 

After learning how to spot tornado conditions and warnings, the class talked about what to do to stay safe. At school we practice tornado drills and “duck and cover”. We paid attention to putting our hands over our head and necks to protect them. First graders noted that it’s important to go to the lowest floor of a building and stay away from windows, mirrors, large bookshelves or other things that may be displaced and fly towards you. The safest place in a typical home is a basement or bathroom with no windows. With spring and storm season just around the corner, be sure to review this article from the Weather Channel "Tornado Safety: How to Stay Safe During the Storm" to make sure you're prepared.

High School Begins WWII Collaborative Research Project

As High School American History students conclude their examination of the Great Depression, the next historical chapter unfolds with a focus on World War II. Working in pairs, students will delve into the intricacies of this pivotal historical period. Through collaborative research efforts, they will gather insights and facts, ultimately weaving them into persuasive presentations. This engaging classroom approach not only fosters teamwork but also encourages students to develop critical thinking and presentation skills. The interactive nature of the project promises an immersive learning experience, allowing students to explore the complexities of World War II while honing their abilities to communicate effectively with their peers.

Celebrating our teachers year-round! Sometimes, teachers need a brain break, too. Thank you, Kelly with Show Me Goldens, for sharing your snuggly friends with our faculty!

Teacher Appreciation Kicks Off Next Week

It's almost here! Teacher Appreciation Week is NEXT WEEK (February 12-16) at The Summit! Our incredible volunteers in the Summit Parent Organization (SPO) have been hard at work planning an extra special board game-themed appreciation week to celebrate our hardworking educators.

There's still time to help out! Check out the Sign Up Genius link below to see what opportunities are available to jump in and lend a hand, or contact Amanda Wheeler-Johnson, Summit Appreciation Committee Chair.