For the fourth year in a row, Ravenscroft's student-led fundraising team for Crucial Catch has been recognized as the top fundraising school in the nation, exceeding their goal of $30,000 by more than $6,000, and once again winning the prestigious Pink Cleat Award.
Three Ravenscroft art students have been recognized for their submissions to the Fine Arts League of Cary Teen Show.
Six Middle School students took the global Pegasus Mythology Exam in March, with all winning awards for their performance.
by Karen Shore | Back to Table of Contents
“Girls on the Run taught me to be more confident and how to be comfortable with being myself. It helps girls look deeper inside themselves to find courage and strength.”
— fifth-grader Alexianne Playe
How can something as important as health and wellness be taught to our youngest Ravens? The Lower School’s integrated approach — combining a fun and age-appropriate physical fitness curriculum and nutrition education with extracurricular opportunities, citizen leadership development and a foundation for social and emotional wellness — gives students the tools, knowledge and experience to make good choices for lifelong success.
Lower Schoolers Liam King and Austin Short have fun during the after-school program “Learn to Ride a Bike on Two Wheels.”
Girls on the Run builds self-confidence and life skills through fun, engaging lessons, building toward a
5K that Coach Michelle Schulze says “validates goal-setting and gives them a sense of accomplishment.”
Guidance in making good choices: Third-graders learn about nutrition in the classroom and via the interactive website ChooseMyPlate.gov. As they master information on how to make healthy selections, they’re able to take advantage of “free-choice lunches” in the Dining Hall — giving them more independence in deciding how to fuel their bodies.
Then-Lower School student Will Eichler ’25 runs laps to warm up for P.E. class.
Building community across grades, younger students get the chance to high-five departing fifth-graders at the final Tree Talk of the school year.
Building Blocks in P.E.
The Physical Education Department’s curriculum for PreK through third grade develops and refines fundamental movements, basic manipulative skills, creative exploration and an awareness and appreciation for fitness and wellness. Fourth- and fifth-grade students participate in more sport-specific activities, incorporating skills into complex movements in a structured game setting.
Unstructured Play
Lower School students enjoy recess, which Head of Lower School Nicole Girvan calls an “integral part of a child’s development,” every day and may visit the playground more often on days when they don’t have P.E. “It is a time to get physical exercise, be creative, learn and foster social development, giggle and laugh, and really just decompress,” Girvan said.
Extended Fun and Fitness
Before- and after-school programs such as “Jump Start” morning activities, Girls on the Run, Little LAXers, bicycle-riding instruction, yoga and others provide our youngest Ravens with even more opportunities to stay active the fun way.
Lead From Here
Classroom teachers use “launch lessons” to introduce the competencies of the citizen leadership curriculum in age-appropriate ways. Competencies are reinforced throughout the school day, including during P.E. classes. David Myers, chair of the P.E. Department, noted that activities such as the Keypunch Challenge on the basketball court reinforce “problem solving, cooperation, conflict resolution and memory.”
Tree Talks
Quarterly gatherings called Tree Talks provide opportunities to strengthen the Lower School community through music, conversations and the exploration of LFH competencies such as self-awareness, resilience, empathy and resourcefulness.
Mental health support
The Lower School counselor, a licensed mental health clinician, supports healthy child development through direct work with students, faculty and staff consultation, and parent education. The counselor also maintains strong relationships with community partners for family referrals when needed.
SAIS Magazine, Spring 2019
Jen Baccus, assistant director of admissions
An Investment for a Lifetime: The Value of Independent Education for the Youngest Learners
