Our Kindergarten Naturalists were invited by Dr. Joe and Billie Little (grandparents of Kindergartners James and Caleb Little) to spend the day at Basin Spring, their beautiful haven in Fernvale, Tennessee.
As soon as we arrived, Joe and Billie greeted us and began sharing their love and knowledge of wildflowers. Walking along moss-covered paths, we observed Twisted Trillium, Sweet Betsy Trillium, Spring Beauties, Shooting Stars, Phlox, Phacelia, Green Dragon, Hound's Tongue, Tooth Wort, Yellow Poppies, Jack in the Pulpit, and more.
Dr. Little also showed us a great collection of natural treasures, including an owl skull he had found. He spoke with our Naturalists about the importance of an owl's vision and how that relates to its eye sockets. Fascinating. Next, we all made our way up the creek. As we walked, Dr. Little caught a toad, a frog, a few salamanders, a crayfish, some cased caddis. Clearly, the stream was teeming with all sorts of life right under our feet.
One highlight of the day was the moment Dr. Little thrilled us with one of the best owl calls I have ever heard from a human voice. To hear it with your eyes closed, you would have thought it was the real thing – it was amazing!
Fernvale is truly a magical place, and made for a magical adventure.
Every year, the American Library Association (ALA) invites libraries and communities to uphold the freedom to read by observing Banned Books Week. Read on to find out how the Hassenfeld Library celebrates this occasion, and to learn about an inspiring project from Emily Holt’s Book Art class last spring.
Alondra Martínez Ordaz ’26 recently won the Grand Prize at the Conexión Américas Orgullo Hispanic Awards Ceremony for her essay on the strength and resilience of the Hispanic community.
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.