San Domenico students look forward all year to the first week of April, when everyone heads outside for Spring Discovery. During week-long class trips to destinations such as Washington, D.C., Colorado, and Peru, our students will be learning more about their world, applying their knowledge first hand, and working on service-learning projects.
Spring Discovery Trip Itineraries
Ninth Grade: Students are heading to Southern California to camp at Cedar Lake to focus on building community and expanding their comfort zones.
Tenth Grade: Students will be camping under the stars and diving beneath the ocean at our traditional Santa Catalina Island trip, honing self-awareness while also building upon their biology coursework on this close-yet-remote island.
11th and 12th Grade: Students will embark on their choice of several regional and international trips. For those studying Mandarin, Spanish, or Ecology, our international trips to Taiwan and Peru will give students the chance to put their language skills to the test, as well as get some real world experience for their Ecology coursework. Other students are all set to explore the continental United States, such as those attending Disney’s Imagination Campus workshops in Los Angeles, and those headed to Washington, D.C. to explore our nation’s capital and visit its world- famous museums and monuments. Intrepid adventurers will be white-water rafting through Black Canyon along the Colorado River. And, last but not least, many students will be working on their ROSE Projects and gaining service-learning hours building housing with Habitat for Humanity.
This week, our students are packing bags and getting their gear ready for all of these trips! On Friday, we offered trips to REI (a local camping supply store) in order to stock up on supplies. Students gathered in groups to figure out what they have and what they may need, and to create their final packing lists.
On Saturday, students headed to Sonoma County to visit various camping and outdoor supply stores, as well as explore our less-frequently-visited neighborhood to the north! In the evening, we were joined by Photography Teacher Yoel Iskindir for our second night of “Night Photography.” Students including Aarya C. ’24, Fernanda P .’25, Chris D. ’25, Kris J. ’25, Jean Z. ’25, Ridwaan A .’26, and Max L. ’25 joined Mr. Iskindir to take some unique photos overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge! Back on campus, Kayla L. ’26 hosted a boba making activity, while other students made matcha green tea lattes with quick boba, complete with simple syrup to satisfy a sweet tooth!
Charis Adams, Director of Alumni Engagement and Resident Faculty member, took students to REI on Sunday, helping those new to camping select their camping supplies, and offered tips on how to choose the right gear for the right trip. Meanwhile, Director of Boarding Melissa Taylor took students to Crissy Field in San Francisco to watch kite-flying under perfect blue skies.
The school week began with a celebration of Holi, a Hindu holiday, led by Aarya C., Sharifa H. ’24, and the Multicultural Club. Aarya C. took several photos of the event, highlighting the joy and celebration of color. Watch for her soon-to-be-published article in The Panther Press!
As we depart for Spring Discovery and then Spring Break, we wish all of our students the best trips and happy travels!
– Resident Faculty Supervisor and Dorm Head Jessica Farley