Happy May from SD Boarding!
This week was off to a quiet start, with students preparing for AP exams, bake sales, finishing up their spring sports, and enjoying time outside in beautiful and breezy, sunny weather. The student lounge and library have been buzzing with study groups; some huddling around chemistry videos playing from laptops, some editing video projects on ipads, some typing and reading in the zone with their stack of notebooks, making the most of quiet hours. Students Natalie K. ’25 and Kayla L. ’26 were baking treats in the kitchen to raise money for Red Collar Rescue, an animal shelter. At the end of weekend studying, there were smores around the fire pit and student chefs on the BBQ, upbeat rhythms drifting through the courtyard to signal the fast approach of summer.
There were some off campus trips this week for fitness and fun; the usual malls, power yoga, plus the San Jose flea market, Santa Rosa Plaza, and Bon Air shopping center. Some students were getting their outfits and accessories for Prom, including May W. ’24 and Sharifa H. ’24, who made some fun purchases and had a blast getting some ideas in dress and makeup stores. Over the weekend new and returning prefects went to a retreat at the Athenian School, which included a tour, lunch, and a chance to exchange ideas and seek advice from graduating seniors. New prefect Natalie K. mentioned that she really appreciated that the seniors gave great insight on the role of the prefect, how to strengthen problem solving skills, and the perspective of what works well in different boarding programs. She also remarked that she was the first prefect to introduce a dorm pet to their school, SD’s very own Frederico the fish!
As we head into the final stretch towards graduation, I asked Resident Faculty and Director of Alumni Engagement Charis Adams to reflect on a recent Alumni Event at SD, including what memories felt most alive to returning alumni during their tour of campus:
“The connection with the alumni and the San Domenico campus is touching. Many say that the friendships and time they spent here at SD shaped them and their life. Being able to tour the boarding program with Dorm Parent Crystal Jimenez and Director of Residential Life Melissa Taylor brought about great stories and laughter. Living on campus gives me a unique perspective and opportunity to connect the alumni and current students. It is amazing that our students have such similar values and interest as our alumni, it is as if the values thread through each student who matriculates through SD. The alumni are deeply rooted in Service, Reflection, Study, and Community, and each discussion between an alum and a current student illuminates how connected the entire SD community truly is.”
Here’s to another great week as we sprint toward the end of the school year!
– Resident Faculty Rachel Greenmyer