![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Aggie-IMG_8141.jpg\")
<\/p>\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”MEET OUR NEWEST SAINT” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
If you missed the news on social media, Head of School Kirsten Adams has a new fluffy, gentle, and cuddly family member she’s willing to share, Aggie the St. Bernard. Aggie is already a big hit <\/span>on campus.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”DIGESTING SCIENCE” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n Seventh graders conducted a lab to investigate how the surface area of our food plays a role in efficient digestion as part of their study of the digestive system. The goal was to test the dissolving rate of Alka-seltzer in three different conditions, whole, broken, and crushed. The Alka-seltzer represented the food we eat, breaking down the tablets was mechanical digestion, and the dissolving of the tablets was the act of chemical digestion.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”SPACE MISSION” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n Honors Chemistry students learned what it’s like to be a NASA scientists when they analyzed CheMin energy emission data to solve for the empirical formulas of Martian rocks! The Chemistry and Mineralogy instrument, or CheMin for short, performs chemical analysis of powdered rock samples to identify the types and amounts of different minerals that are present. The CheMin was installed in Mars Rover.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”SENIOR COUNTDOWN ” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n March 3 marked 100 days until graduation for our seniors! The faculty cheered them as they arrived at school, where they were greeted with a huge balloon arch, banner, and bubble machine. At lunchtime, there was a pizza party and a photo booth, and the seniors were presented with commemorative baseball hats.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”OPEN DISCUSSION” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n An open forum on the Ukraine was hosted by the Upper School History Department. Students and faculty asked excellent questions about the historical context, causes, and future implications of the current crisis. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”SAINTS READ!” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n Lower School students came to school in comfy pj’s and snuggled up with books to celebrate Read Across Saints Day! There were drop-in story times, mystery readers, and members of the Upper School Book Buddies Club, who stopped by for a reading visit. Local author Kristi Guillory Reid (\u201cHarper Counts Her Blessings\u201d) visited with first graders and author Amina Luqman-Dawson (\u201cFreewater\u201d) visited with the fourth and fifth grades. What a day!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”WORKING TOGETHER” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n During a Middle School Saints Advisory bonding activity, students had to build the tallest tower with tape, marshmallows, and spaghetti. <\/span>A fun, collaborative exercise!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”COMMUNITY HELPERS” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n Early Saints (age 3) were excited to have a visit from the Alexandria City Fire Department in conjunction with their exploration of transportation through the lens of community helpers. They learned that each helper has a different type of transportation\u2014from police vehicles to sanitation trucks\u2014with different responsibilities, and then shared all the different ways that they can be community helpers in the classroom, on the playground, or at home.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEXAGONAL THINKING” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n To study for their upcoming test, ninth grade Saints used hexagonal thinking to find connections between terms before writing their responses! Hexagonal thinking is a way to review material and make connections between people, events, and key concepts. History Teacher Kate Hardwick uses hexagonal thinking in a variety of ways, including as warm up and review activities before a test. She either gives her students terms in the hexagons or the students create their own terms and then connect them together in a logical way and with explanations for each of the connections. This engaging activity is a great way to have the students demonstrate their understanding of the key terms and concepts. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n In the sixth grade Academic Skills class, students learned about growth vs. fixed mindset. A growth mindset means that you believe your intelligence and talents can be developed over time. A fixed mindset means that you believe intelligence is fixed\u2014so if you’re not good at something, you might believe you’ll never be good at it. With this lesson in mind, students created bumper stickers to encourage their classmates to be positive and do their best!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”COMPOSTING MATTERS!” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n To relaunch our composting program after the pandemic, the Sustainability Committee invited all students to submit creative and educational posters or videos about composting. More than 60 students from all three campuses participated. Each participant chose from a variety of Green Saints Award, including sustainable stainless-steel water bottles and straws, reusable tote bags, nature books and games, winter hats, stuffed animals, and pens all made from recycled plastic.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”ALL ABOUT ANIMATION” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n Kindergarten students used the Stop Motion Studio app to create an animation to illustrate their chosen word or phrase\u2014in Spanish! In an innovative project using skills learned in their art, technology, and language classes, the students drafted a storyboard that included a character who solved a problem by using the four Lower School character traits, honesty, respect, responsibility, and compassion. Next, they created a clay character during art class to animate using green screens in the technology lab. Everything was put together using the app, including an audio recording of the title in Spanish.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”A COMMUNITY CREATION” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n Alex Deas ’24 hosted an invasive plant\/storm debris cleanup at Fort Hunt Park to support the National Park Service. It was a thoughtful way for Upper School students to spend time outdoors while earning service hours.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TAKING THE LEAD” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n Fifth grade students presented the play, \u201cI Am a Thief\u201d for their kindergarten buddies! The plays were student-run and required creativity, dedication, and teamwork to make blocking decisions, painted the flats, and designed the costumes!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”ARTSTRAVAGANZA!” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n Lower School students enjoyed the 19th Annual ARTStravaganza, a day devoted to the arts. Professional artists joined our teachers in sharing their energy, passion, and knowledge with our students. Saints attended an array of lively workshops which gave them hands-on opportunities to learn about percussion instruments, shadow puppetry, magic, fiber art, theater improv, Hawaiian Music & ukulele, and much more. The students also had a chance to talk with the artists about their lives, how they discovered their passions, and the dedication required to master their crafts. The day culminated with a concert presented by Delta Spur, one of the Washington D.C. area’s hottest country bands.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”DO THE TECH TANGO” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n The Middle School MERIT team, a group of tech-savvy teachers, offered a series of lunchtime activities called \u201cTech Tango\u201d to Middle School faculty and students. The focus of the MERIT team (Making Education Relevant & Interactive through Technology) is to support the technology curriculum integration program and enhance the use of educational technology on their campuses. The first activity, \u201cLoving Logo,\u201d gave participants an opportunity to blend their creative and \u201ctechy-side\u201d together. The Merit Team was on hand to support them while they designed a key chain or pet ID tag using the online design program, Canva, to later be engraved on wood using a laser cutting machine. During the process, students and faculty had to figure out how to get their information onto the small surface in both a functional and aesthetically pleasing manner. To produce their masterpieces, they had to consider contrast, layout, and other design elements, as well as learning how to use the design software and format their final projects to the correct specifications. Other Tech Tango sessions included \u201cSpring into Action\u201d and learning how to make a gif and \u201cTop Spin\u201d in which participants used LEGO robotics kits to design a top that would spin the longest.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Students, faculty, and parents took the lead in \u201cgreen\u201d efforts across the school from April 18-23, celebrating both on- and off-campus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Saints community made an effort to reduce their carbon footprints by biking, walking, skateboarding, or carpooling to school. The school also ran a \u201cno idling\u201d campaign, encouraging SSSAS drivers to turn off their engines while waiting in carpool lines. The school recommends idling for no more than ten seconds, to help protect the health of our community and environment.<\/span><\/p>\n Other activities included a community mural painted by Lower School Saints with some help from the Upper School Branching Out Club who stopped by for a visit; junior kindergarten classes had a live presentation from a local group about \u201cWho Polluted the Chesapeake\u201d including a Live Oyster Demo; kindergarten Saints learned about the benefits of worms and planted beans, cucumbers, and spinach in their garden; the fifth graders visited Huntley Meadows Park to take a guided hike with a wildlife expert through the wetlands habitat; Lower School Girl Scouts had a clean-up at Lucky Run Stream; and the Middle School held an Earth Day chapel in the Fort Ward amphitheater. Additionally, students and faculty on all campuses wore green\/blue for Earth Day on April 22.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whether in the classroom, at a chapel service, or on a bike ride to school, our students, faculty, staff, and parents aspire to fulfill the mission of living a more sustainable life. Through education and a belief that every positive action makes a difference, our Saints aim to contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” collapsed=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/EAW-2-WEB.jpg” title_text=”EAW-2-WEB” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/EAW-1-WEB.jpg” title_text=”EAW-1-WEB” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/EAW-4-WEB.jpg” title_text=”EAW-4-WEB” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/EAW-Gardening-WEB.jpg” title_text=”EAW-Gardening-WEB” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px||2px||false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n The Upper School Stage One Players presented four magical performances of the musical, \u201cCinderella,\u201d by Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (book and lyrics) based upon the fairy tale \u201cCinderella\u201d by Charles Perrault.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”3255,3253,3259,3254,3251,3252,3261,3262,3260,3258,3264″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#a39e98″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Fourteen Saints received top honors for their artistic and literary skills in local and regional contests and exhibitions.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” collapsed=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Jack Gans ’25: \u201cA Fall Day\u201d” _builder_version=”4.9.10″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” border_color_all=”#a39e98″]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2.7-MS-Science-2_1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDIGESTING SCIENCE<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2.24-NASA-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSPACE MISSION<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3.3-100-Celebration-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSENIOR COUNTDOWN\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3.10-US-Ukraine-Forum.jpg\")
<\/p>\nOPEN DISCUSSION<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3.2-Read-3.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSAINTS READ!<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3.3.-MS-Bonding-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWORKING TOGETHER<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2.10-Firemen-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2.10-Firemen.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCOMMUNITY HELPERS<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3.9-US-Hexagonal-Thinking-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHEXAGONAL THINKING<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/4.4.-6-Acad-Skills-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nANYTHING IS POSSIBLE<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2.4-Composting-Campaign-Awards.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCOMPOSTING MATTERS!<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3.9.-K-Project-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nALL ABOUT ANIMATION<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3.1-Deas-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nA COMMUNITY CREATION<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3.11-Gr5-Play.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTAKING THE LEAD<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ARTSJUB_2413.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ARTS-JUB_2232.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ARTS-JUB_2331.jpg\")
<\/p>\nARTSTRAVAGANZA!<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3.29-Merit.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDO THE TECH TANGO<\/b><\/h3>\n
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS WEEK<\/b><\/h2>\n
Cinderella \u2014 Dreams Really Do Come True<\/b><\/h1>\n
Winning Artists and Writers!<\/b><\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/1-JackGans_WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\nIn The Phillips Collection<\/b><\/h3>\n
Jack Gans ’25: \u201cA Fall Day\u201d<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/4-Charlotte-Barnes-WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/7-Minor-WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/2-MakaylaJones_WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/5-EllieMinor_WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/8-Emma_Lacy-WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/10-Allison-Kleeblatt-WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/3-Ella_Joshi-WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/6-Micah_Gura_WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/9-Reese-Lai-WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ATH-Ceaser-WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Track-Girls-MUM_1561_1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ATH-Noah-WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ATH-Mason-WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ATH-Payne-WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Ingraham-IMG_3519_1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ATH-Wayer-WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sssasmagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ATH-Lavayen-WEB.jpg\")
<\/p>\n