BSU welcomes students from McGavock to USN
Students from McGavock High School and USN connected with each other, discussed their experiences as students of color, and learned about one another’s schools during McGavock’s visit to 2000 Edgehill.
By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
Middle & High School students and K-12 parents have opportunities to join affinity groups, which provide an opportunity for sharing and exploring experiences within safe and supportive spaces. Participants self-identify and can speak to that group’s collective racial or ethnic identity from the “I” and “we” perspective. These groups were founded and are led by students and parents with support from ODCL and faculty. The Black Student Union is a student-led affinity group that offers Black students a safe environment for unfiltered conversations, education around the overall Black-student culture at USN, and a celebration of the camaraderie that students have created within this environment.
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As part of a unique partnership with McGavock High School, students from the Black Student Union at USN welcomed a group of more than 30 students to the school during a recent visit.
While Durnan Auditorium served as the central gathering place for everyone, McGavock students spent the day exploring different parts of the school, with tours led by USN students, and learning what a day in the life of a USN student is all about.
After shadowing classes in the morning, students from both schools came together to hold a discussion about colorism and some of the similarities and differences between their respective educational experiences.
Dennis Hoge, a senior at McGavock who plans on studying entrepreneurship after graduation, was excited to see USN and connect with students from another school. He said one particular thing that stood out was the TIGERS schedule format that USN High Schoolers enjoy.
“At McGavock, we have much longer classes, so having shorter class lengths seems like it would help you stay focused the whole time during class,” he said.
The benefit was for more than just McGavock students, though. Students from USN took the visit as a chance to connect with their community and better understand some of the problems they may not be facing.
“One benefit was hearing the students’ insight and assumptions about independent schools and the Black students who attend them. We had the chance to have an open conversation about common misconceptions and stereotypes that we both face attending independent and public schools,” USN student and BSU President Tre Sheats ’24 said. “The visit was refreshing as a Black student at USN because we were given a safe space to be ourselves and be surrounded by other Black students who have overcome similar struggles. We could easily relate to each other and have deep conversations without fearing judgment or ridicule.”
The partnership with McGavock was formed three years ago with the goal of connecting USN students to the community and opening the school’s doors to all, regardless of where they go to school.
Director of the Office of Diversity and Community Life Roderick White sees the partnership as a natural progression for USN, given the school’s history and mission.
“USN has always tried to stay true to its roots as a demonstration school. In many ways, this opportunity to meet with and share with McGavock and their students keeps us true to those roots,” White said. “Both schools benefit from the opportunity to be in a space together to continue to learn about the similarities and differences that make up each of our life experiences. We are proud that McGavock and MNPS continue to partner with us in this type of dialogue, and we look forward to our next visit to their campus.”
Moving forward, USN will continue its partnership with McGavock and look to grow the program by hosting students from additional schools, collaborating on community issues, and opening doors for students through events like the upcoming HBCU fair in the fall.
Middle & High School students and K-12 parents have opportunities to join affinity groups, which provide an opportunity for sharing and exploring experiences within safe and supportive spaces. Participants self-identify and can speak to that group’s collective racial or ethnic identity from the “I” and “we” perspective. These groups were founded and are led by students and parents with support from ODCL and faculty. The Black Student Union is a student-led affinity group that offers Black students a safe environment for unfiltered conversations, education around the overall Black-student culture at USN, and a celebration of the camaraderie that students have created within this environment.
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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.