Upper School Retreat Day Promotes Service and Introspection

Collegiate School 9th-12th Graders, during their Spring Retreat Day, took part in activities designed for each grade level, with the goal of helping them get to know themselves, and others, better.
All 9th Graders visited Richmond-area nonprofit organizations for the day to volunteer, as part of the yearlong, grade-level Community Engagement program. The program encourages students to consider their responsibility toward others as they begin to understand local community needs, whether learning more about autism and elder care, or the obstacles that organizations and individuals face.   

Sites students are visiting this year include Adams Elementary School, Children’s Museum of Richmond, Lakewood, The Faison Center, Ridge Elementary School, Sarah Dooley Center for Autism and St. Francis Home.

Matt Bellace, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and motivational speaker for youths, spent the day with 10th Graders at the University of Richmond, during which he led them in discussions about how to make healthy choices. Students also experienced mindfulness, yoga and self-defense sessions. (Last evening, parents heard a presentation from Matt about how to effectively communicate with teenagers in a humorous and engaging way.)

Fourteen admission representatives from schools across the country (University of Notre Dame, University of Virginia, UCLA, Sewanee - The University of the South, Ferrum College, New York University, Elon University, Bates College, Gettysburg College, University of Delaware, Davidson College, College of William & Mary, University of Richmond and Washington & Lee) were on campus talking with 11th Graders. The admission deans and associate deans led students in mock application exercises to help juniors navigate the college search and application process. (This evening, all 9th, 10th and 11th Grade parents are invited to Sharp Academic Commons to hear the representatives as they serve on a panel and answer questions from the audience.)

Also on campus, seniors began the day with a presentation by Kathy Wrenn, Collegiate’s Wellness consultant. In addition, their schedule featured sessions on healthy relationships and mindfulness. In between workshops, seniors shared a pizza lunch with their Kindergarten buddies.

Students return to regular classes tomorrow.
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