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.
An academic and educational leader with experience working with elementary grades in Australia and California, Kristian Noden will join USN for the 2024-2025 academic year.
At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, we will bid adieu to MS/HS Art Teacher Delia Seigenthaler, Operations Staffer Don Brown, and Head of LS Amy Woodson. A retirement reception will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10 in Gordon Multipurpose Room
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.