Week One of the 2024-2025 school year is in the books, Panthers! The routine of life at SD is settling in with classes, calendars, names, and places all getting in sync. While the clockwork of the school day is consistent, the after-school activities vary. This week’s off-campus opportunities included heading over the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco’s Clement Street for “the best Chinese BBQ!;” Stonestown Galleria for shopping, food and fun; and a trip to downtown Fairfax for refreshing acai bowls at a unique locally-owned shop. Panthers also got crafty with some do-it-yourself projects, such as sanding and priming the giant chess board, and tie-dying t-shirts with Resident Faculty Em Polsinello!
In the spirit of the contagious power of joy, I asked students this week what their current joys are. Harry W. ’25 smiled, replying “playing Elden Ring and Black Myth.” Josie W. ’25 described “being close enough to home to visit my little sister.” Kris J. ’24 and Oskaras V. ’25 were very enthusiastic about “going to see the movie Blink Twice.” Nami W. ’24 didn’t hesitate to offer “furry little animals!” and encouraging resident faculty to bring out their pets more often for some snuggle time.
On Monday night, the prefects hosted the first community dinner of the year, a chance to talk to new peers, staff, and faculty; learn about this year’s boarding clubs; and write a list of shout-outs at each table to practice joy in gratitude. Mark P. ’24 spoke encouragingly to fellow prefects and seniors, saying “we have an opportunity to leave a lasting impression at SD, just like the senior class before us. Let’s leave a great legacy.” After a few more plates of mochi ice cream, and a collaborative clean-up of the dining hall, students attended Town Hall, a boarding assembly to go over updates for this school year, some policies, some advice, and questions and answers. Of course, after giving both food and information the chance to digest, it was time to bring back the joy with some friendly dorm competitions in the gym. North Dorm won the hula hoop contest, and dodgeball really got the crowd going, with our hype team of prefect leaders and DJ Ana W. ’24! On Thursday, students departed for their fall retreats, enjoying community-building activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, practicing improv, ropes course challenges, and camping under the stars. The fall retreats are a beloved tradition at the beginning of each school year, and students always return from these trips tired and happy. We can’t wait to greet our returning adventurers!
All of us here in boarding hope our students seize the opportunity of nature’s cosmic joy, camaraderie, and the renewal in a golden moment of sunrise.
– Rachel Greenmyer, Resident Faculty