Fourth grade naturalists begin capstone year
Students in the Class of 2030 embarked on their first Forest Day of the year in September. As Lower School's senior naturalists, they looked ahead at how they can act as beacons of citizenship within the Tiger community. Continue reading for a full recap.
By Lauren Hagan, Lower School Naturalist Teacher
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Fourth graders visited the Lodge at Warner Park for their first Forest Day in early September. Our time began with discussions about the important and unique position our fourth graders hold in our USN community. They are the big students on campus in terms of their time in Lower School, and they will be making their transition to Middle School soon enough.
All the students in the younger grades look up to them as beacons of how to be engaged citizens and naturalists. With this in mind, students reflected on their naturalist hopes and dreams for the year and chose a word or phrase to define their final year in the program. Powerful words such as tenacious, flexible, determination, and fearless were chosen to shape this capstone year.
All the students in the younger grades look up to them as beacons of how to be engaged citizens and naturalists. With this in mind, students reflected on their naturalist hopes and dreams for the year and chose a word or phrase to define their final year in the program. Powerful words such as tenacious, flexible, determination, and fearless were chosen to shape this capstone year.
Next, students engaged in the all-time favorite activity of Forest Day — free exploration in the woods. Shouts of joy filled the air as students raced down the front field to enter the woodland forest. Their imaginations came to life as they began building, looking for fungi, engaging in pretend play, climbing trees, and swinging on vines. This unstructured play is the one of most important things we do during Forest Days, and it is truly astonishing to observe all the activities that unfold.
During this time, students were called in small groups to create a tie-dye bandana decorated with their defining word. They will wear them on journeys all year as a reminder of their hopes and dreams and as a symbol of their important place in our school community.
The Forest Day ended as it always does, with a closing circle under the canopy of Preston, the red oak tree. Students shared their defining words, and we paused to offer gratitude at having the opportunity to gather and explore in this beautiful place.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies
The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.Read More -
USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success
For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.Read More -
Middle School Quiz Bowl competes at national championship
The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.Read More
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Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
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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
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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.