Overlooking the city landscape on the 4th floor of Presbyterian School, fifth-grade students are interacting with more than just textbooks and worksheets. They are immersing themselves into the world of environmental science. Aligning with Presbyterian School's ethos of environmental respect, students are tackling current environmental issues, researching causes and brainstorming solutions. The culmination is the Environmental Summit Museum, where each student creatively presents their findings. Through diverse mediums like posters, model displays, and iMovies, they inspire action and reflection, prompting us all to consider our role in nurturing our planet.

In a world where technology often competes with the joy of picking up a good book, initiatives like the PS Book Drive and Nehemiah Book Fair stand as beacons of hope, nurturing a love for reading in young hearts. Led by PS Chaplain, Brenton Smith, and being an added bonus for the year-long fourth-grade service project, this unique opportunity not only fosters a passion for reading but also cultivates empathy and leadership skills among the participants.

Embarking on an extraordinary voyage of discovery, the PK4 students recently took flight aboard Pre-K Airlines, venturing into the captivating realm of ancient Egypt at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. As part of our immersive Pre-K Airlines curriculum, students embark on a global adventure, traversing seven different countries, including Colombia, India, Italy, and Egypt. Each stop along their journey offers a rich exploration of art, music, food, language, and culture, fostering a deep appreciation for our shared humanity.

Students Blake and Sean proudly showcased their innovative projects at the 8th grade STEAM Museum, marking the culmination of a month-long exploration into a diverse array of scientific subjects. From the fascinating realm of visualizing sound waves to the practical application of honey as a preservative, these young minds delved into the realms of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). 

In the realm of early childhood education, Presbyterian School (PS) stands out as a beacon of innovation and uniqueness. Unlike other peer schools, PS takes pride in offering formal art and music instruction to students as young as PK 3. This distinctive feature not only sets the institution apart but also provides a valuable and enriching experience for the fortunate students who are part of this educational community.

In this week's snapshot, we delve into the fascinating world of opera with Ben Rorabaugh, Presbyterian School’s Middle School Choir Director, a talented singer and performer currently involved in the upcoming production of Wagner's "Parsifal" at the Houston Grand Opera. Ben shares his journey, experiences, and insights into the intricate world of opera.

In the heart of Houston at Presbyterian School, a shining beacon of dedication to the well-being of students, staff, and families has been recognized with the prestigious Good Samaritan Foundation Gold Medal Award. Julie Brunson, the school nurse, has not only been nominated for this esteemed honor but has emerged as one of the six gold medal recipients for the 2023 Excellence in Nursing, a remarkable accomplishment given the record-breaking 1229 total nominations this year.

In an effort to expand the amazing world of music, Early Childhood and Lower School Music Teacher, Vasti Adkins, is taking students beyond the vocal and performing outlets to a behind the scenes approach to the process. A surge of student interest has led to the creation of a unique and innovative course: Panther Music Lab. We sat down with the creative force behind this musical venture to explore the inner workings of the class and the exciting projects that have emerged from it.

In the heart of a vibrant middle school, a unique and innovative approach to student leadership is taking root—the Middle School Student Senate. This revolutionary student council, inspired by the Roman Senate's egalitarian model, aims to provide every student with an equal voice and a chance to shape their school's future.  Read more about the process of selecting these young leaders and the exciting journey that lies ahead.

Art has the power to transcend time and connect generations. In this insightful conversation with Brandy Collins, our early childhood art teacher, we explore the creative and innovative ways art history is introduced to young minds. Brandy shares her passion for teaching art through the lens of history and the magical "aha" moments that occur in her classroom.

In honor of kindness month, PS Grandparent, Kelly Penrod (Olivia '27), brought her sculpture "Kindness" to display in Founders Hall. Created as a labor of love and collaboration, "Kindness" showcases how small acts of kindness, much like the recycled materials that form it, can be transformed into something beautiful and meaningful in a world that yearns for unity and compassion.

Last week, our 8th grade students found perseverance and courage on their class trip to Colorado as they embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime backpacking journey into the Collegiate Peaks.

In the fall of 2009, PK4 teacher, Lindsay Renken, sat down with colleague, Leanne Gotcher, with a simple idea of incorporating travel into the curriculum spurred on by her personal experiences in travel. This was the beginning of Pre-K Airlines. The curriculum now encompasses multiple countries that change year to year based on students' interests and the freedom teachers have to design a unique curriculum.