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As part of their French and art history studies, on October 18, Westminster’s 7th-grade students ventured to the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC. There, they learned more about French artists from the Impressionist period, and viewed for themselves some of the great paintings in this style. The students enjoyed several hands-on activities. They pretended that they were characters in a Renoir painting and acted out what they would be doing in the next moment. The students analyzed why certain paintings were presented in the same room, and also created their own Impressionist sketches.
Nora, a 7th-grader, commented, “It was very interesting to see the paintings, and even the architecture of the building. We didn’t get to see the entire collection, but I will probably go back with my family to see the rest of the paintings. It also helped that Mme O’Neil explained Renoir’s painting, ‘The Boating Party.’ We were able to make comments about the painting and answer the docent’s questions.”
the 7th graders observe the museum’s beautiful architecture
“Field trips are recognized as important moments in learning; a shared social experience that provides the opportunity for students to encounter and explore novel things in an authentic setting (caise Informal Science web site).” Their importance is supported by professional organizations such as the National Science Teachers Association, which asserts that field trips can “deepen and enhance” classroom study (NSTA 1999), and by independent researchers, such as Salmi (2003), Falk & Dierking (1997), and Wolins, Jensen, & Ulzheimer (1992) who found that field trips are experiences that can be recalled and useful long after a visit.
The trip to the Phillips Collection is one of several that the 7th-graders will take this year as part of Westminster’s rich field-trip program. The school strongly supports the idea that students learn best from direct experience of what they are studying. The wide variety of field trips also introduces children to the cultural richness of the greater Washington area and gives them practice in appropriate behavior in a variety of sophisticated venues.
On November 6, 2014, 8th grade students from Westminster School visited the U.S. Census Bureau- unique in itself because school group visits are extremely rare. The trip consisted of a tour of the bureau’s state-of-the-art facility (including a video studio), two engaging presentations by U.S. Census representatives that made connections to the role of statistics in history, science, and even literature, a videotaped lesson of Mr. Hwang leading the students through various activities from the Statistics in Schools program, teacher and student interviews, and a question/answer session with the director of the U.S. Census Bureau himself.
On Monday, September 15, Westminster School’s 7th and 8th grade students pledged to help make the world a better place as members of the Builders Club service organization. The Builders Club is an international, student-led organization providing members with opportunities to perform community service, build character, and develop leadership. Westminster student members learn to work together and develop service and leadership skills as they labor on behalf of their school and community.
Builders Club officers apply for their positions and are elected by their peers. The officers for the 2014-2015 school year are Ejun Kim (8th grade, President), Carder del Rosario (7th grade, Vice-President), Divya Kumaran (8th grade, Secretary), and Nicole Hisey (7th grade, Treasurer). At the induction ceremony for 2014-2015 members, each newly elected officer lit a candle and recited one of the principles of the Builders Club. Mr. Miller led the members in taking the Builders Club pledge to “commit to serving others in need.”
This year the Builders Club will sponsor the annual Homeless Walk-A-Thon, Mr. Turkey Drive, and the holiday gift card program. Additionally, our students will participate in many other service projects throughout Northern Virginia.
In the highly anticipated annual tradition, Mr. Glover closed the program by announcing the upper-school plays for the 2014-2015 school year: Romeo and Juliet (7th grade) and The Sound of Music (8th grade).
Builders Club Core Values
Character building: The ability to do the right thing, even when it might be the unpopular choice.
Leadership: The ability to listen, communicate, serve and guide others.
Inclusiveness: Accepting and welcoming differences in other people.
Caring: The act of being concerned about or interested in other people or situations.
Builders Club Pledge” I pledge on my honor to uphold the objects of Builders Club: to better my school, my community, my nation, and myself; to aid those in need while enhancing leadership capabilities;, and to encourage the fellowship of all mankind.”
