eighth grade Archives - The Geneva School

And the Cannoli Was Amazing

May 14, 2018

As our trip comes to a close, there is much to reflect on. The weather was near perfection, ranging from 50-72 degrees with no rain. We had great favor regarding the T (subway). Most of the time, as we were arriving to the platform, a train would pull right up! Every meal had a unique feel, from lobster rolls at the hostel to choosing a local ethnic experience.

Our students got very good at traveling on mass transit. We walked a sum of 32 miles, so our legs are strong (some a little sore), plus we could justify eating all the yummy food. Our kids get along…surprisingly well. Many relationships were deepened and horizons expanded.

We have new perspectives of beauty through art. We saw (and even touched) coins older than the time of Jesus. Our students have a greater sense of awareness regarding their surroundings and being alert on sidewalks. Only one wheelchair was used in only one museum, and only three train cards were misplaced.

When asked about my favorite part of the trip, it is hard to choose one. It definitely falls into the category of ‘the sum of the parts is greater than the whole’. Each individual activity, meal, conversation, or transportation experience was excellent, and every one added to the cumulative experience making for what Dr. Clark called ‘a touchstone memory’. Our capstone experience today was Mike’s Pastry…and the cannoli was amazing!

by Melissa Paul, parent blogger

Faith Expressed Through History and Art

May 11, 2018

Boston is an amazing place to explore Christianity through history and art. We began our third day with the Harvard Museum of Natural History where we found way more than just bones of creatures from long ago. This museum has one of a kind specimens (think deer the size of a bunny), a skeleton of a water dinosaur longer than seven of our students lying head to toe, cases and cases of glass replicas of plants created to help researchers study plant life, and much, much more. These exhibits prompted questions by our students (Mr. Clark was our guide through these muddy waters) about evolution theories and other important topics.

The questions (yes, more questions) led to several great discussions. While they could (and probably do) have these types of discussions at school, somehow the fact that so much time, energy and expense was given over so many years to express Christian themes give perspective and make it real. At the art exhibit they experienced pieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas and Cezanne. Between all of the museums we have seen so far, the students have noticed a strong focus on Christianity and themes of faith. There are so many different ways to depict Mary and baby Jesus, but all of them cumulatively in one trip express the importance of the subject to artists of many different centuries.

Speaking of Harvard, our Harvard graduate chaperone gave us the inside scoop – the iconic statue with ‘Veritas’ (truth) written on the side is known by Harvard students as the statue of lies. In case you like trivia: the year is off by two, the statue is of a stand-in student, and the name listed is not actually the founder, he is really the first benefactor.

Trinity Church was beautiful…and filled with faith based art. The students had plenty of time to view and explore the church, then we were off to see the city from 50 floors up. The view was a highlight for many students, especially because you could walk all the way around and see the city from every angle. Talk about perspective. It was just beautiful, with buildings old and new, a smattering of sailboats, beautiful bridges and wonderful teenagers!

by Melissa Paul, parent blogger

Morning Colors, So Many Questions and Andy Grammer

May 10, 2018

Not much beats a beautiful morning ferry ride to a private tour of the USS Constitution. We weren’t exactly sure what to expect when the tour guide told us to cover our ears. Turns out, we were in for an unexpected privilege…we had arrived in time for the 8 am morning “Colors”. The canon was shot, (photo anthems played and servicemen honored. Silence ensued until we got the “All Clear”.

All of our tour guides have been educational and entertaining. Also very patient. We have so many questions! Our crew has an amazing ability to pick up on an interesting fact and explore it to the limits of the tour guide’s either knowledge, patience level, or time.

At the end of each section of a tour, about 20 questions are asked, each leading to another interesting fact…then another question! Speaking of questions, when the tour guide on the ship asked if anyone in our group knew what Kedging was, I think he was genuinely surprised that one of our crew could explain the act of dropping anchor, then pulling toward it to be able to move a sailboat without wind.

It was an extremely full day including visits to the Bunker Hill Monument, lunch in the park, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, then capping it all off with Andy Grammer in concert with the Boston Pops.

You might think with the travel schedule these kids have been keeping that they would be sleepy in an orchestra concert. Not so! Andy Grammer brought the house down on opening night of the 133^rd season of the Boston Pops. The kids were singing and dancing right along with the music, making for a very fun ending to a big day.

by Melissa Paul, parent blogger

Eighth Grade Dominoes and Finding Beauty

May 8, 2018

And the Eighth Graders fall like dominoes! No, they are not sick. Yes, we all made it to Boston and are safe. The falling came in during our first subway ride. The plane trip, no problem; bus ride, seamless (even with much luggage); but when we were safely tucked away in that first subway car and it lurched forward…each surprised student tipped back just far enough to tip the person behind them. It all happened very fast, the chain reaction of unprepared Floridian teens continued in just a few seconds all the way to the end until the last of our group was gently supported by the local seated at the back of the subway car who saw it all coming.

Springtime in Boston is full of beauty. Today our crew enjoyed lots of public transportation, an amazing lunch, a tour of the New State House and several open green spaces. A highlight of the day was an hour at Garden Park.

While it’s a big city, the contrast of the tall, modern buildings and shorter, older brick buildings provides such beautiful scenery. The foliage is in full bloom, dogwoods displaying their blossoms, tulips lining the park, monuments and statues everywhere we turned, even the cemeteries are beautiful.

The most beauty, though, was displayed in the relationships that shone through the day. Friends shared a bag, taking turns carrying it. Girls walked arm in arm across the busy streets. A kick line may or may not have erupted in the midst of the beautiful park. What a joy it is to witness such sweet beautiful students caring for each other in their newly expanded world!

by Melissa Paul, parent blogger

Tag: eighth grade

And the Cannoli Was Amazing

May 14, 2018

Faith Expressed Through History and Art

May 11, 2018

Morning Colors, So Many Questions and Andy Grammer

May 10, 2018

Eighth Grade Dominoes and Finding Beauty

May 8, 2018

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