Chargers hit the ground running this first full week of school. Here are some of the highlights!

Like millions of Americans on Monday, August 21, students (K-12), faculty, staff, and administrators donned protective eyewear to catch a glimpse of The Great American Eclipse. While Oklahoma’s view wasn’t totality, US science teacher Dr. Karen Thurston said the event provided an “incredibly cool” campus-wide opportunity to mentor curiosity and a love of learning.

“I talked with students about why it was happening, thereby reinforcing scientific applications. We discussed how ancient people viewed eclipses and how those views differ today; and how life is so much bigger when we step out of our worlds and view things on a universal level,” Thurston said.

Fourth grade teacher Maggie English commented, “Even though we did not experience complete darkness, it was a chance to not only learn about what a total solar eclipse is, but also experience the change of daylight illumination, the cooling of the temperature, and the visual changes as the moon blocked out portions of the sun.”

Eighth grade science teacher Andrew Morris appreciated the opportunity for students to “observe science in action” and experience the “type of ‘aha’ moment that often sparks scientific interest in students.”

Overheard from students:

“The solar eclipse was big, bright, and beautiful – it was awesome!”

“I loved how the entire school came together as one community to go outside and watch a memorable moment in history together.”

“I thought it looked like a piece of macaroni and cheese in the sky.”

“I’m glad I got to share in the experience with my brother, who’s in a different class.”

“I was impressed by what I was able to observe.”

Every Friday morning during Charger Shine, a student who has exemplified The Code is recognized and invited to place an item into a bucket of school supplies which, once filled, is donated to an elementary school in need. Just three days into the new school year, Sir Ivy-Patton ’29 became the first Lower Schooler of the new school year to be recognized for living the Charger Code, making him the first to drop a school supply item into the bucket. Ivy-Patton was nominated by Head of Lower School Betsy Horn after hearing his mother, Babette, describe his compassionate attitude and willingness to pitch in while she recovers from a leg injury.

At today’s Charger Shine, Lindsay Roberson ’29 was honored for her response to hearing about school budget cuts. Roberson, along with her parents and sister, Lilly ’21, chose to skip eating out occasionally and instead use that money to purchase supply setups for 20 children, which were then distributed to three area elementary schools. Mom, Laura Batchelor, said the girls enjoyed the project so much, “we’ve decided to make this an annual back-to-school tradition at the Batchelor-Roberson household!”

We look forward to hearing more examples of students living The Code and to watching bucket after bucket fill up with much-needed supplies.

Earlier this month, James Tien ’24 and Robert Boersma ’22 showcased their talents onstage and on the field, respectively.

At the International Keyboard Odyssiad Festival and Competition in Fort Collins, Colorado, Tien, a gifted pianist, was awarded the bronze medal in the Concerto Division. Tien was the youngest competitor in the division, which had no age limit; the other two prize winners were both 28. In addition, Tien was awarded the Linda Leirfallom Brewer Award for the Best Performance of Chopin.

Boersma’s soccer skills caught the attention of FC Barcelona coaches at the Summer at The Hall Barcelona Soccer Camp. Boersma was recently invited to attend their renowned camp for boys ages 11-17 in Barcelona, Spain in October where he will play at the Ciutat Esportiva, visit the Camp Nou, and have workshops to learn about FC Barcelona’s training methods, strategies, sports nutrition, and psychology.