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Grade 3 students are diving into the concept of communities as part of their first social studies unit. To enrich their learning, they recently visited the newly renovated Simon House on King’s campus, a cornerstone of the school's rich history. The visit provided an invaluable opportunity to connect the students' classroom studies with the school’s heritage, allowing them to explore how different roles and traditions shape a community.

In preparation for the trip, alumna Dana Johnson-Chernet KLHT’99, P’31, ’34, ’38, spoke to the students about her experiences and the history of King. Her talk set the stage for a broader discussion of how every community member, past and present, contributes to the school’s culture and environment.

The site visit on Thursday, September 19, was coordinated by Teachers Ellen Eagleton and Samantha Clark and featured visits with Director of Marketing Lakeya Newton and Special Events and Alumni Relations Manager Jill Hurley.

Newton led classes on a scavenger hunt across the three-storied building. As students poked their heads into the Development, Admission, Business, and Marketing and Communications offices, they discussed the various roles and responsibilities of each. Students counted the numerous fireplaces across the building and were quick to notice the various candies in each office.

“I really enjoyed the scavenger hunt and looking for all the fireplaces,” said Myra Tulsiani '34.

Hurley hosted a special visit in the Cooper Room with former Head Elizabeth “Sue” Cesare LH’48, P’78, ’81, GP’12, ’26 and former teacher Cathy Mishkin, who maintain the school archives. Cesare and Mishkin shared yearbooks, uniforms, and other relics from King’s founding schools with the students who eagerly asked questions about King’s history. 

“The uniforms were really different, the blazers were green, and the girls had to wear long blue dresses for gym,” Emmett Goodband '34 shared excitedly.

For the next part of their study, the students will take a more nuanced approach as they select members of the King community to interview and learn more about their roles.