Checking in from school

by Vince Durnan, director

We're making time at school to address the what, how & why of this historic time, respectfully & inclusively.
There are days when we realize we are living through history that will be long remembered and often referenced. Today strikes me as one that will reside in that category. Almost none of those who claimed to be in the know saw it coming, and while I'll leave it to others to parse this experience, we are sharing in a convulsive phenomenon that has manifested in elections internationally, indicative of our times. 
 
Through our big doors this morning walked hundreds and hundreds of young people and many dozens of grownups from households that may have been glued to returns into the wee hours and others whose screens were off, whose bedtimes didn't vary, and here we all are together.
 
USN hasn't, doesn't, and shouldn't endorse political candidates, platforms, or policies. Instead, we embrace the beautiful and time-tested responsibility to help students learn to think for themselves, to reason with civic responsibility in mind. That, it strikes me, is a commitment around which we can rally as we share this campus. 
 
A wise colleague once told me to let the scope of a child's question define the breadth of my answer, and that advice wears well. We'll make time today, as appropriate, to address the what, the how, and the why of this historic time, respectfully and inclusively. I am confident this place draws people who rise to that challenge.
 
The other imperative today, in the face of what comes as a nearly unprecedented presidential surprise, is to reiterate our fundamental priorities as a community of people who care about one another, person by person and as a big, intentionally different kind of group that celebrates the idea of learning from difference. If not us, then whom? My strong sense is that the children in our midst will look to us to be a constant for them, to help place this news in context, to confirm that we mean what we say. And happily, there are opportunities everywhere we look to be good to one another.
 
So pardon the sermon if that's how this all sounds, and please send any constructive suggestions my way. We're determined to work our little acre here, without presuming or looking partisan, and we're grateful for the people who make USN possible, across constituencies. We'll seek out the teachable moments, today and in days to come, and I pledge to take none of the strength of the USN community or your trust in us for granted. The importance of education in shaping the arc of American democracy is starkly evident. Now back to work.
 
As always, let me know if we can help on your end.
 
In that spirit,
Vince
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Athletics News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Mountain Bike Team Takes on “Electric" State Champs Trails, Dehner Snags Overall Podium Medal

    Steve Smail & MTB Team Coaches
    With trail names like Megawatt, Electric Avenue, High Voltage and Livewire, the mountain bike team knew it was time to pedal out some extra watts for their NICA/TICL State Championships at Raccoon Mountain, and survive the technical trails above Chattanooga full of boulder gardens, rock drops and sandy rubble.
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  • Mountain Bike Team Takes on Winged Deer Trails, HS Makes Podium Appearance

    Steve Smail
    Winged Deer Park and trails in Johnson City hosted our 4th race on Sunday October 11th, and despite a bit of hurricane outwash winds and showers - and reduced team numbers due to fall break and distance from Nashville - our racers utilized all available skills and speed which helped “wing" Sophomore Claire Dehner to a 4th place podium spot, our first podium appearance and medal for the season.
     
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  • HS athletics recaps for September 11-17

    Tiger golfers have officially qualified for the region tournament, and our other teams are not far behind. Volleyball sits near the top of the district, finishing up regular season play next week with Senior Night. Girls soccer continues to hold first place in the district after another 9-0 win, and our cross country runners are chasing after some school records. To round it all out, our mountain bike team traveled to Oakfield to continue to improve on their times for the season. There’s plenty more where that came from- so be sure to come out to the River Campus, Sperling Gym, or out on the road to cheer on our Tigers before their seasons end.
    Read More

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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

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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.