The fourth graders are studying the trees of Tennessee as part of their "All about Tennessee" naturalist program.
Since trees are an important part of the environment and improve our quality of life for decades and sometimes centuries, it seemed appropriate to spend time appreciating them.
Two of their early naturalist journeys this fall included drawing a map of the trees on USN's front lawn and doing a tree study at Long Hunter State Park, where each student researched a tree and taught their classmates during a hike as a part of their naturalist day.
In October, the students began a phenology study of trees on Peabody Green. Each student chose a tree to visit and then draw and write about each month as they note the natural phenomenon that occur with their tree using a phenology wheel. (A phenology wheel is a circular journal created by Anne Forbes to display observations over time.)
The fourth graders will not only draw what they see each month, but they will write stories, poems and note details of their tree as they study them throughout the year.
Students were treated to a visit from Maria Zoccola, our 2025-2026 Author in Residence. Zoccola is a bestselling poet whose most recent collection is "Helen of Troy,1993."
Rodney Crowell, two-time Grammy winner and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, will perform a full set on Saturday, April 11, for Music Night, our annual adult-only concert in Durnan Auditorium. Tickets are available now for this fundraiser, which supports the arts and athletics at USN.
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.