There were so many choices of activities over the long weekend! While many students chose to leave campus for food and fun, most elected to stay on campus for various events. Students cheered on their classmates at the Varsity Women’s Tennis senior event, Women’s Volleyball Senior Day on the 11th and Golf’s Senior Day on the 13th, celebrating with their cohort as they ended their athletic seasons as seniors. Additionally, students made a trip to downtown 4th Street in San Rafael for their weekly ‘Farmers Market’—which in actuality is a street fair and festival! Between late night restaurant openings and the street being blocked off for activities and entertainment, students had so many fun opportunities to kick off the three days weekend.
Saturday was a gastronomical delight. Students had several trips hosted by faculty from the Upper School, including a trip to the MOMA and to eat dim sum with Ms. Li and Mr. Moore. Additionally, students requested a trip to Vintage Oaks to restock on supplies for the week or grabbing acai bowls in Larkspur at a local Brazilian restaurant. The evening ended with two trips for sweets: one to get ice cream at Scoop and the other for Frozen Yogurt at Swirl in Redhill.
Sunday was a continuation of more off-campus events, as students explored Union Square in San Francisco, visited Marin County locales in Novato, San Anselmo, and Fairfax, and hiked the San Domenico campus. The weather over the weekend cooled down due to our San Francisco Bay Area fog and overcast skies, so students were able to curl up with a nice book and various streaming services (including offerings in their lounges for groups to get together). Many students took advantage of the cold weather to study individually or in groups. As the semester continues, many juniors and seniors used the time to study together or work on college applications and essays.
Monday was a Professional Development day for faculty and staff (no classes), so Boarding students were able to enjoy the time off while having the support of their faculty on campus. Some students met with their instructors, while others took advantage of the extra day to prepare their Halloween costumes. Every year, a temporary store called Spirit Halloween opens in nearby Terra Linda, where students went to buy costumes, decor, and other accoutrement. Additionally, students went off campus to pick up personal supplies while others enjoyed on-campus offerings such as the weight room, gym, conservatory, and dance studio.
Classes resumed on Tuesday, with students enjoying after school activities with their friends, including board games, watching movies, and television shows (Avatar: The Last Airbender), painting on canvas, or playing ping-pong. Students also watched the Upper School and Middle School flag football teams practice on Kesterson Field. For students looking to spend more time with their coach, or be supported in developing their athletic goals, Coach Fulton opens up the weight room most mornings for all students.
As the school year continues into the fall, all SD students have been working on their personal goals. Our Boarding students are lucky to have the opportunity to experience more individualized and personalized support. For example, students interested in athletics have more support in the gym and weight room, with coaches working on site with them. Those participating in the Virtuoso Program have ready access to their practice spaces and our instructors both during and after school. Many students who want more one-on-one academic support have the opportunity to meet with instructors and use the Library outside of usual school hours.
– Jessica Farley, Resident Dorm Head