The Progression of Being a Lower School Naturalist
by Lisa Preston, lower school naturalist
Each grade level in Lower school finished the year with a culminating journey, applying what they have learned to a final experience in the natural world.
Kindergarten went to Warner Park to walk in Vaughn's Creek to investigate what lives in the water and under the rocks, then drew a map of the creek, coloring it with natural paint they made using the creek gravel around them.
First grade went to Beaman Park to note the many wildflowers near the trail and to take time to explore in Henry's Creek.
Second grade went to the USN Wetland to investigate life in the water and to view the nesting osprey pair on top of the light post, a perfect ending to their animal and bird studies this year.
Third grade explored in canoes at Lake Woodhaven and Hall Springs to see the effects that water has on land over time and the many creatures that thrive in that environment.
Fourth graders paddled their own kayaks 5.5 miles on the Duck River, one of the most diverse rivers in North America, home to more than fifty species of freshwater mussels. Finally, they climbed trees on the front lawn to celebrate the trees of Tennessee and the gift they give us every day.
It has been a year full of discovery along the way.
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.
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.
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.
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.