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.
Sgt. Anthony Jones joined University School of Nashville in November as a School Resource Officer, a certified police officer who is primarily assigned to a school and provides safety and security-related functions, including emergency response, safety training, traffic direction, and patrol functions.
University of Virginia selected Margot Ross '24 to be a Jefferson Scholar. The highly selective scholarship includes the full cost of attending UVA for four years of study as well as numerous enrichment opportunities. It has been 16 years since a University School of Nashville senior last became a Jefferson Scholar.
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.