USN faculty Lauren Hagen and Jody Reynolds “rescued” a tree damaged during the derecho for USN students to enjoy.
By Jody Reynolds, Kindergarten Teacher
While out walking the streets of Nashville, our very own Naturalist Lauren Hagan, noticed a beautiful 200-year-old Chinkapin oak had come down on Whitland Avenue. I noticed them as well, and our plan began for a rescue mission. Good thing my son, Ry Dukes (a former USN student) is home. What a workout!
Lauren asked the tree owner, Drew Alexander ’88 for permission to take some rounds for the nature play area of our playground that Naturalist Lisa Preston established in her tenure at USN. He graciously donated them to us. While we were there, we were able to rescue some big logs from a downed magnolia as well.
How wonderful for the students at USN to be able to work with this 200-year-old wood.
Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.
Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.
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.