student engagement Archives - ��ɫ��

South Kent Students’ Journey into 18th-Century France

Sarah Chase — Tue, 20 May 2025 15:21:15 +0000

Exploring the Roots of Revolution: A Student Journey into 18th-Century France
Submitted by Francesca Romani, French Teacher at ��ɫ��

Over the course of the school year, three French classes at ��ɫ�� have brought history to life through a collaborative project on the French Revolution. The students explored the everyday lives of commoners, merchants, jugglers, farmers, small artisans—and, of course, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette.

Each student portrayed one of these figures, helping to illustrate the deep social and economic tensions of the time. By 1789, France was the most populous country in Europe. Daily life centered around bread, and when flour prices rose, hunger and unrest followed. Meanwhile, the country was drowning in debt, with half the government’s income going to pay interest, while the wealthiest avoided taxes under a system of privilege.

The final product—a student-produced video*—features a historical introduction, satirical images from the era, and lively performances that bring the Revolution’s key players to life. All of the actors were in their first year of French, and their courage and enthusiasm were truly impressive. One unforgettable highlight: la tricoteuse, the knitting woman who watched executions at the guillotine, was played by a towering hockey player with a fantastic sense of humor—and absolutely no knitting skills. As another student jokingly warned, “If this goes on YouTube, it will haunt me for the rest of my life!”

It’s a vivid, creative, and at times hilariously unexpected exploration of how inequality and hardship sparked one of history’s most transformative events.

We invite the South Kent community to watch and enjoy this student-led journey into the roots of revolution.

*(Please send an email to the Comms Team for the private link to view the video – thank you!)

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South Kent Hosts Local Experts on Land Preservation

Sarah Chase — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:54:31 +0000

On Friday, April 25, ��ɫ�� welcomed students, faculty, and local guests to Bringhurst Auditorium for a special panel discussion, Watershed Moments: Balancing Nature with Local Land Preservation, Waterways, and Fire Safety in Changing Environments. The panel brought together environmental leaders to discuss the vital intersections of land preservation, watershed protection, and fire safety in today’s evolving environment.
The discussion, moderated by South Kent’s Director of Constituent Engagement, Dillon Duncan ’04, encouraged students and attendees to think critically about the delicate balance between protecting natural habitats and proactively managing fire hazards.

The event was particularly impactful for students enrolled in Earth Science, Biology, and Physics, who had the opportunity to connect their coursework with real-world applications. The panel of local experts featured Rebecca Neary of the Warren Land Trust and Connecticut Land Conservation Council, Rich Chavka, South Kent’s North Campus Coordinator, and Michael Kronick, Fire Control Officer for Connecticut’s Western District. Together, they explored how community action, education, and innovative collaboration are critical to protecting natural ecosystems while managing emerging environmental risks.

Prior to the event, panelists toured South Kent’s North Campus sustainability programs and shared lunch with students and faculty, creating opportunities for informal connection and deeper learning. During the discussion, students asked thoughtful questions about the future of conservation, fire safety best practices, and the real-world application of their studies in Earth Science, Biology, and Physics.

The afternoon was a true example of community engagement, drawing participation from South Kent students, faculty, and even members of Kent’s Emergency Management team. The event also attracted interest beyond the school community. Kent’s Emergency Management team was invited to attend, reflecting the shared commitment to addressing these critical issues at a regional level.

Academic leads, Lindsey Lefevre and Michelle Borsavage, played an instrumental role in organizing the event, ensuring that the discussion aligned with the students’ academic interests and course of studies.

As ��ɫ�� continues to prioritize environmental stewardship, events like Watershed Moments serve as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and proactive management in preserving our natural resources. With ongoing discussions and initiatives, students and faculty alike are inspired to take action in protecting their environment for future generations.

Stay tuned for future panels and monthly in person talks at Bringhurst Auditorium.

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Real-World Approach to Language Learning at South Kent

Sarah Chase — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:53:09 +0000

At ��ɫ��, learning a language is about more than just memorizing grammar rules and vocabulary—it’s about engaging with culture, history, sports, and real-world applications to create a dynamic and meaningful experience. The World Languages Program takes a fresh and innovative approach, empowering students to use language in ways that feel natural and relevant.

“Almost no one likes grammar,” jokes Francesca Romani, World Languages instructor and part of South Kent’s Humanities Program. “You rarely hear someone say, ‘Let’s have a good hour of grammar!’ But at South Kent, we’ve taken an entirely different path. We equip students with a strong, essential foundation from the start, helping them realize how much they can express in another language with just a few core concepts.”

Instead of overwhelming students with grammar rules from day one, the program focuses on communication and practical application. Students begin by mastering essential structures—such as the present tense of ‘to have’ and ‘to be’—before progressively building their understanding of past participles, continuous tenses, and an expanded vocabulary.

“The words we learn most easily are the ones tied to our passions,” Romani explains. “So we help students build vocabulary in ways that feel personal and engaging. If they love sports, they watch games in the target language and annotate their new words in a journal. If they love travel, they create ‘tourist toolboxes’ with essential phrases for navigating a new country.”

Language courses at South Kent incorporate a variety of engaging real-world projects that go beyond textbooks:

French Sports Journalism: Inspired by their interest in sports, students launched “L’Équipe,” a French-language newsletter covering South Kent’s hockey and soccer teams.

Film & Literature Analysis: Students watch classic and contemporary films in their target language, then write and discuss their reflections entirely in French. “Our students were particularly drawn to François Truffaut’s Antoine Doinel films,” Romani says. “They connect with the mischievous, love-struck character on a personal level.”

Paris on a Budget: In this interactive exercise, students receive an imaginary budget and must plan a weekend trip to Paris,using only French-language travel websites to book hotels, transportation, and dining.

Create Your Own French Company: Students design a business from the ground up, writing an “about” section, mission statement, and contact page, then building a functional website using a French-language template.

Capstone Project—The French Revolution Reenactment: In collaboration with South Kent’s Student Clubs, language students will bring history to life by portraying real figures from the French Revolution, from farmers to noblemen to the king himself. “It’s an exciting way to immerse them in language while deepening their understanding of history,” Romani says.

South Kent’s Humanities Program emphasizes a well-rounded, intellectually rigorous education—one that cultivates engaged, thoughtful, and articulate students.

“Our commitment to the humanities is an essential part of preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world,” says Head of School Brian Sullivan. “Languages, literature, history, and the arts challenge students to think critically, engage with different perspectives, and communicate effectively. Whether they are analyzing historical events, debating philosophical ideas, or learning to express themselves in a new language, these experiences help build well-rounded individuals who will thrive in any field.”

Through interactive projects, global perspectives, and a commitment to experiential learning, South Kent’s World Languages Program is helping students become true global citizens—one conversation at a time.

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South Kent Students to Shine at Firefly Environmental Arts Festival

Sarah Chase — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:25:38 +0000

A selection of South Kent student photos and art that will be on display at the festival

��ɫ�� students are gearing up for an exciting evening of art, STEM, and sustainability at the inaugural Firefly Environmental Arts Festival, hosted by Millbrook School on February 21. This unique event brings together students, educators, and professionals to celebrate the intersection of science, creativity, and environmental advocacy.

The festival will feature keynote speaker Eileen Fielding, Director of the Sharon Audubon Center, who will deliver an inspiring talk on the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability. For South Kent students, this event is more than just an opportunity to showcase their talents in nature photography—it’s a platform for meaningful collaboration with like-minded peers and professionals who are making a difference in sustainability efforts across the region.

“The Firefly Environmental Arts Festival is a perfect example of how art and science can come together to inspire change,” said South Kent STEM Dean Michelle Borsavage, who played a key role in ensuring South Kent’s participation. “Our students are thrilled to be part of this event, especially as it aligns so well with the sustainability and environmental initiatives we’ve been cultivating at North Campus. The chance to share their work and engage with others who are equally passionate about conservation is truly exciting.”

South Kent’s North Campus has been at the heart of the School’s commitment to environmental education, regenerative agriculture, and hands-on learning in sustainability. Through applied STEM coursework, ecological restoration projects, and farm-to-table initiatives, students have developed a deep connection to the land and an understanding of the role they can play in shaping a sustainable future.

The Firefly Environmental Arts Festival offers South Kent students a chance to further highlight their environmental work, exchange ideas with students from other schools, and gain insight from professionals actively working in conservation. The evening’s collaborative art exhibit, featuring nature-inspired works by both professional and student artists, will serve as a testament to the power of art in raising awareness and inspiring action for environmental causes.

As South Kent students prepare to take part in this exciting event, the importance of hands-on sustainability education at North Campus has never been clearer. Opportunities like these allow students to engage with the broader environmental community, strengthening their commitment to conservation, scientific inquiry, and creative expression.

The Firefly Environmental Arts Festival promises to be a dynamic evening of inspiration and action, and ��ɫ�� is proud to be part of this regional movement toward a more sustainable future.

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South Kent Students Embrace Hands-On Learning

Sarah Chase — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 17:36:12 +0000

Over the past week, South Kent students had the opportunity to dive into a diverse range of courses, each offering a unique way to explore new skills, interests, and perspectives. From carpentry and stage combat to exploring religious traditions and Bitcoin, South Kent’s second annual Experiential Learning Week was filled with challenges, discoveries, and plenty of memorable moments.

The week, which embraces “hands-on, minds-on”learning, is designed as a transformative program that takes students beyond the classroom and into immersive learning experiences that spark curiosity, build self-reliance, and bring energy to the long New England winter.

Learning Beyond the Classroom
This year’s Experiential Learning Week continued to emphasize South Kent’s commitment to engaged, purpose-driven learning. Students selected from a wide range of courses, each crafted to ignite curiosity and encourage hands-on participation. All South Kent employees, not just faculty, were invited to teach courses, which meant that students were exposed to an array of professional talent and diverse skills.

Some of the standout offerings included:
Tapas: A Regional Tour of Hispanic Cuisine – Students explored the flavors of Spain, Chile, Uruguay, and Puerto Rico, learning the culinary techniques behind these vibrant dishes.
Carpentry Workshop – Students learned the basics of carpentry including how to frame walls and hang sheetrock, gaining real-world construction experience.
Introduction to Stage Combat – Hands-on training in choreographed fight scenes, including swordplay and hand-to-hand combat techniques, culminating in an end-of-week performance.
Bitcoin Unlocked – A deep dive into the history, technology, and future of Bitcoin, including the Lightning Network and the potential of decentralized finance.
Acting, Communication, and Media Techniques for Scholar-Athletes – Students learned improv techniques and practiced on-camera interviewing, learning how to speak with confidence in media settings.
Dungeons & Dragons: Side Quests & Stranger Things – Students embraced team-building, creativity, and strategic thinking through immersive role-playing adventures.
Spaces for God – Students explored diverse religious traditions, including a visit to the Buddha Ariyamettaram Temple in Morris, learning about spirituality across different cultures.
Paper Planes: Flight School 101 – Students experimented with airplane designs, testing lift, flight distance, and aerodynamics to see which designs performed best.
Troutbeck Symposium – A research-based course where students examined local history and artifacts, preparing for a presentation at a prestigious historical symposium.

One student shared, “I never thought I’d get to do something like stage combat at school. It was so cool learning how actors perform fight scenes safely and make it look real!”

Another student in the Exploring the Litchfield Hills Through Hiking course reflected, “I’ve lived in this area for years, but had never really appreciated these trails. The hikes challenged us physically, but they also gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy nature.”

Evening Activities & Community Building
Beyond the daytime courses, Experiential Learning Week included exciting evening activities that brought students together for fun, teamwork, and competition.

Some highlights included:
6v6 Intramural Tournament – A week-long, high-energy competition that had students competing for ultimate bragging rights.
“Chopped” Cooking Challenge – Inspired by the TV show, students faced off in North Campus’s kitchen, culminating in the Tournament of Champions on Friday.
Esports Tournament – Students battled it out in competitive gaming showdowns, showcasing strategy, reflexes, and teamwork.
DIY Pizza-Making Night – A fun, relaxed evening where students designed and baked their own pizzas from scratch.
Gaming Night – An evening filled with board and card games, strategy, and friendly competition.

The winner of “Chopped Challenge” was Ricards Dimants ’25, with a solo effort dish of Latvian inspired flavors, which featured such mystery ingredients as canned chicken, cream cheese, ginger, zucchini, and kumquats.

One student who participated in the “Chopped Challenge” championship shared, “I learned so much about cooking under pressure, but more than that, it was fun to work as a team and get creative with ingredients!”

Final Reflections
As Experiential Learning Week 2025 comes to a close, the students and faculty are already reflecting on how this unique week continues to shape South Kent’s approach to learning. The opportunity to apply knowledge in real-world settings, embrace new challenges, and collaborate with peers has left a lasting impact.

Jesse Brennan, Dean of Mastery Learning & Curricular Innovation, summed it up best:
“Experiential Learning Week is about more than just trying something new—it’s about stepping outside of comfort zones, discovering self-reliance, and building a sense of purpose in learning. Seeing our students grow, collaborate, and thrive this week has been truly inspiring.”

��ɫ�� is already looking forward to next year’s Experiential Learning Week, which will continue to expand opportunities for students to explore, create, and connect with the world around them.

Enjoy the of this year’s photos!

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North Campus a Hub for Culinary Education and Sustainable Agriculture

Sarah Chase — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 20:25:08 +0000

South Kent students prepare meals during culinary class at North Campus

��ɫ�� Transforms North Campus into Hub for Culinary Education and Sustainable Agriculture

��ɫ�� is proud to announce the ongoing transformation of its North Campus into a dynamic hub for hands-on learning in culinary arts and sustainable agriculture. The initiative, designed to deepen students’ understanding of food systems, sustainability, and climate solutions, has already achieved significant milestones with more growth planned for 2025.

The transformation focuses on two primary areas: weekly culinary experiences and enhancements to the campus’s agricultural infrastructure. Together, these efforts provide students with immersive, real-world learning opportunities that blend practical skills with academic study.

“The transformation of our North Campus reflects our commitment to experiential education, environmental stewardship, and the power of community collaboration,” said Brian D. Sullivan, Head of School. “By fostering enduring partnerships with local chefs, community members, and sustainability experts, we are creating a living, learning environment that benefits not just our students, but the wider community. This initiative invites people from all walks of life to join us in a shared mission to develop innovative solutions for food systems, climate resilience, and sustainable practices.”

Culinary Education Brings Food Systems to Life

One of the most celebrated additions to the North Campus programming has been the return of weekly Friday night culinary sessions. Each week, local chefs, South Kent faculty, and culinary experts from SAGE, the school’s food service partner, lead cooking workshops for students. From learning knife skills to preparing international cuisines, students are exposed to the artistry and science of cooking.

“The kitchen has become a space of creativity and collaboration,” adds Mr. Sullivan. “It’s more than cooking—students are learning to appreciate nutrition, cultural diversity, and the joy of sharing meals together. These experiences teach them to see food as a tool for connection, education, and wellness.”

These sessions emphasize the “plow-to-plate” philosophy, connecting the culinary experience to the sustainable farming activities happening on the rest of the campus.

Building Infrastructure for Sustainability and Student Engagement

While culinary lessons happen indoors, significant work has also taken place outside to create a hands-on learning farm. Students have played a direct role in several major infrastructure projects, including:

28 Custom-Built Raised Garden Beds – Designed and constructed by students using pine and aluminum to house a wide range of crops.

Upgrades to the Hoop House – Students installed a three-zone drip irrigation system to promote water conservation, and the entrance was renovated to meet ADA compliance, making the space accessible to all.

Future Projects – Plans are underway for the construction of large compost bins and chicken tractors in the spring, offering students hands-on experience in regenerative farming and waste reduction.

“Every project on the North Campus is student-driven,” said Richard Chavka, Director of North Campus Operations. “From designing irrigation systems to building raised beds, our students are taking an active role in shaping this space, which is at the heart of experiential learning. Our goal is to create a space where students, educators, and community members can come together to build something that endures beyond the school year.”

These developments are part of ��ɫ��’s broader vision to create a sustainable, student-led farm that incorporates no-till farming, carbon capture, agroforestry, and hydroponics. The North Campus aims to become a living laboratory where students explore food production, climate change, and ecological stewardship.

Looking Ahead

As winter approaches, ��ɫ�� is working with the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) to pursue certified organic designation for the North Campus. This designation will ensure the farm follows sustainable agricultural practices and serves as a model for future student-led initiatives.

��ɫ�� is also developing a comprehensive North Campus Development Plan that will guide future activities, from farming expansion to student research projects. This plan will integrate sustainability concepts across the school’s curriculum, empowering students to address pressing global challenges like food security and climate change.

To support the further development of North Campus in 2025 the School will be launching a section of their web site solely devoted to North Campus programming and events, as well as a new student-led social media account for the program. For more information on ��ɫ��’s North Campus transformation or to learn how you can support this initiative, please contact Richard Chavka: chavkar@southkentschool.org

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