The LS Global Studies program, which took place March 2-11, was an eight-day adventure across Central and South America. The three phases of the program allowed students to conduct research on a select country and choose where they wanted to dive deeply into their learning. In the final phase, students built conceptual understanding through art, media, 3D models, and writing.

This interdisciplinary unit, coordinated between the Grade 6 English and History teachers, included a literary study of the book, A Long Walk to Water, and a unit on Northeastern Africa where students discussed the issues that have persisted in that region for thousands of years.

Our Model UN team had another successful conference at Harvard in early February. The conference was highlighted by a very productive participation of 22 students from all US grades and seniors Diana Degnan and David Shattan winning two prestigious awards. There were over 4,000 students from 55 countries creating a true international atmosphere that accentuated the hands-on global experience while the students debated their topics based on their positions. Our delegation represented Ukraine in the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, and we had several specialized assignments that enriched the overall experience of our team.

Denise Mihailoff, World Languages Faculty, created a project where US students could conduct research, and showcase and apply knowledge, understanding, and skills in a creative way. The project focused on students 'buying' a house in France and living there with their family. They conducted research on the most beautiful towns and various homes and then picked a house they liked.

Earlier this month, US students in the Introduction to Global Studies course visited Building One Community (B1C) and supported clients in an English language learning class and worked on a phrasal verb activity. Global education continues to build a partnership with King Cares, which provides more opportunities for our students to engage in authentic experiences. 

The King Model United Nations (MUN) team had remarkable success at the MUN conference at Brown, Nov. 8-11. Nineteen delegates from our Upper School participated in a variety of committees and became involved in engaging topics. Diana Degnan '20 received the best delegate and first place award Alec Sherman '20 received the honorable mention and third place.

The King community celebrated our first Indigenous Peoples' Day (IPD) in October. The SilverCloud Singers visited campus and spoke about Indigenous Peoples' Day and its significance for Indigenous groups in the United States today. By honoring cultural differences and intellectual diversity, we create a vibrant learning community where each person is valued.

Congratulations to Will Hall-Tipping '20 on being selected as a Global Citizens Initiative (GCI) Fellow 2019. "'I've always found it fascinating to learn the stories of others, and how aspects of people's experiences have come to formulate what they believe. To me, there's always something to be learned from every person and their experiences."

Congratulations to Milei Wyatt '21 on being selected as a Global Citizens Initiative (GCI) Fellow 2019. According to the GCI website, "Fellows are participants in the GCI Fellowship. They are outstanding and engaged global citizens from around the world with an innate commitment to build a better tomorrow and catalyze positive change."

A group of US students and chaperones are discovering the magic and history of Athens. On Day 1, they climbed the Acropolis rock and visited the Parthenon, home of Athena, goddess of wisdom.

It was a quick trip around the United States for visitors on Wednesday, May 22, as they attended the The Grade 4 State Fair. To prepare for the Fair, each student chose a state to research in class, using many different sources including books and websites. They created a poster board for the state and brought in props and a special food from their region for their audience to sample. The State Research Project is multi-disciplinary, with the learning crossing into special classes.

Our first Spanish assembly was truly successful as it met all the goals we hoped to achieve. It allowed the students to practice their Spanish and learn about a very important topic; that of environmental conservation and the ways we can take part in helping reduce our carbon footprint.

The King Community took a trip around the world last week and never left the LS gymnasium. It was an afternoon filled with memories of faraway places where the roots of our community began; delicious food once shared by families much like our own; and the differences that bring us together.

The US Gymnasium was transformed into a processing plant on Wednesday, March 6, as Diana Degnan '20 lead the charge to pack over 100,000 meals for the Feed My Starving Children organization and feed nearly 300 children for a year. At the end of the day, Middle and Upper School students and Staffulty helped exceed the goal and packed 101,304 meals (469 boxes) in total. This ambitious undertaking was part of Diana's Capstone Project for Global Studies and the effects of her work will be felt thousands of miles away.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award program is designed around four sections: community service, physical fitness, skill development, and adventurous journey. Grethe completed all four sections of the Award as well as undertook a residential component in Cambodia. Grethe, and her fellow recipients, will be presented with the Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award in one of the Royal palaces in London in the presence of a member of the Royal family.