LS Suppers Offer Valuable Conversation
by Amy Woodson, head of lower school
If your family joined USN in the process of making an application to Kindergarten, you may remember having a sit-down conversation with the division head. During those conversations, one of the questions I ask prospective families is how they came to know of USN and what attracts them to our school.
If your family joined USN in the process of making an application to Kindergarten, you may remember having a sit-down conversation with the division head. During those conversations, one of the questions I ask prospective families is how they came to know of USN and what attracts them to our school.
By far the most frequent response has something to do with our diversity and our commitment to attracting people from all walks to our school. This year, I realized that we were not making the most of that interest and commitment once families were here. The seed was planted for a series of events throughout the year to bring people together to learn, discuss, wrestle, and generally engage with topics of diversity, specifically as they relate to the age group in the lower school.
We held our initial event recently, and I am pleased to report that the first “Family Supper” was a resounding success. I knew we needed to make it easy to attend if we hoped to get a critical mass, so we fed everyone dinner and provided child care; what’s not to love about that?
The Habitat for Humanity Club showed up in force to play, eat, and supervise the children who accompanied their parents. Between 50–60 adults ate an informal supper in the auditorium, with a light sprinkling of discussion prompts to focus the conversation. In addition to getting to know new people and finding out what “Uncommon Commonalities” we share, parents discussed parenting scenarios related to diversity issues.
The Habitat for Humanity Club showed up in force to play, eat, and supervise the children who accompanied their parents. Between 50–60 adults ate an informal supper in the auditorium, with a light sprinkling of discussion prompts to focus the conversation. In addition to getting to know new people and finding out what “Uncommon Commonalities” we share, parents discussed parenting scenarios related to diversity issues.
Admittedly, we have just stuck our toe into the water of important conversations. Each person completed an “exit ticket” to give feedback on the event. Participants unanimously wanted others to know how worthwhile, engaging, and fulfilling the evening was. The message they want to send to those who couldn’t attend? Make time for the next one: Tuesday, March 8 or Tuesday, April 26.
The other message was that parents want to engage in these somewhat difficult conversations to build our cultural competency in service of better parenting. We all want to know more about navigating the interpersonal landscape that will embrace all families equally. We could do worse than having deep conversation at a table where all are welcome.
The other message was that parents want to engage in these somewhat difficult conversations to build our cultural competency in service of better parenting. We all want to know more about navigating the interpersonal landscape that will embrace all families equally. We could do worse than having deep conversation at a table where all are welcome.
Put the other suppers on your calendar--March 8 or April 26. Come to the table.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Senior named UVA Jefferson Scholar
University of Virginia selected Margot Ross '24 to be a Jefferson Scholar. The highly selective scholarship includes the full cost of attending UVA for four years of study as well as numerous enrichment opportunities. It has been 16 years since a University School of Nashville senior last became a Jefferson Scholar.Read More -
UNISON Dance, USN Choir spring concert April 25
Dance and choral students will come together for their spring semester performances at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25 in Durnan Auditorium.Read More -
New softball facilities open at River Campus
The softball team opened the season with a new dugout, new equipment, and a renewed sense of school spirit.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.