Category: Traditions

Categories
Traditions

A Few Days in March

By Kaye Hauschild
Head of Middle School, Lakehill Preparatory School

You all know that March is well known for Spring Break. In Middle School at Lakehill, March is equally anticipated for Adventure Week. This is our time to hit the road and learn while we are experiencing new places, foods, activities, and ideas. Every year, our students travel on a different adventure that enhances their regular classroom curriculum. As one of the trip planners, I am continually impressed by our students as they experience history, science, ecology, and positive leadership, and turn their experiences into knowledge.

This year, I had a rare experience. I traveled with a new member of our faculty with whom I had traveled years ago when she was my student. I am sure it was something she had never imagined as a Middle School student that she would one day be the chaperon reminding students that it was time for light’s out! Who would? But I watched as she slid seamlessly into her new shoes, leading with that right mix of authority and humor.  

It is not always possible to learn through experiences, but I am more convinced than ever that the knowledge our students gain during their Adventure Week journeys is the kind that lasts a lifetime!  

 

Categories
Back-to-School Technology Traditions

Off and Running

By Lara Gajkowski, Assistant Headmaster
Lakehill Preparatory School

We are quickly nearing one of my favorite events of the year – Trek for Tech.

I love Trek for Tech for several reasons. It is our best avenue for ensuring that our school is equipped with the latest advances in technology. It is also a time that I more seriously train to run (following Coach Karen Owens’s Training Schedule), and I renew my yearly pledge to challenge myself physically, mentally, and creatively.

As I was running/walking my three miles last night, I thought about all of our students and a sudden rush of mental connectedness and empathy came over me. The first few weeks of a school year are challenging. The first few weeks of training are challenging. As I was struggling with my ¼ mile running lap, concentrating on my strides, breathing, and self-talking (“You can do this”), I thought, this is how the kids must feel. They are concentrating on getting to class, keeping up with their studies and activities, and self-talking (“I can do this”). I was humbled and encouraged by the daunting fortitude it takes to be a Lakehill student. I thought, if the kids can do it, I should give my best effort. Newly inspired, I wiped my brow and ran another lap.

I hope you will join me in my support of our students and our common journey of striving and working to be the best we can. I challenge you to challenge yourself. Coach Karen is only a walk/run away.

Save the date for Trek for Tech – Saturday, November 5, 2016.

Look for more information on Coach Karen’s Couch to 5K in the September 22 issue of The Warrior Weekly.

 Trek for Tech

 

Categories
Traditions

A Great Day Out

By Kaye Hauschild
Lakehill Preparatory School, Head of Middle School

Do you know when there is a day that is so close to perfect that you are kind of waiting for the stray rain cloud to fly over and mess it up? I had one of those perfect days last Friday and was able to share it with all of my students and my fellow teachers. It was Fall Day Out at Lakehill, of course, and we took the day off to go to the farm.

I am not normally an outdoorsy person. I cringe at cow paddies and have to stop myself from sending really creepy spiders into a different atmosphere. A day at the farm is so much more than bugs and such; it is a day to get to know each other in a whole different way.

At the farm, everyone is free to explore. We walk the open grounds of the pasture and we build something with the tree branches saved for fire wood. We get to know some very skittish chickens and we soar high on a rope swing. We laugh as loudly as we like without disturbing anyone and we join in games that do not require a plug.

We get to sit on the porch and talk, sometimes making new friends and other times celebrating such rare time with old friends. These are just some of the things that make for a special day and a long-kept memory. I truly love Fall Day Out!

Lara Gajkowski and Kaye Hauschild grill burgers for 150 hungry Middle School students.

 

Hayride Fun

 

Having fun with good friends.

Categories
Traditions

Measuring Memories

By Kaye Hauschild
Head of Middle School, Lakehill Preparatory School

Last spring I was recognized for my thirtieth year of teaching at Lakehill. I did not think that I would be affected by the moment, but I was.

I started looking at the many ways I could measure my thirty years. For instance, I have thirty consecutive yearbook photos that serve as some kind of review of hair and fashion choices. I accumulated a huge number of keys on my key ring by virtue of collecting them from my different classrooms and activities. I counted three shelves in my closet dedicated to my Lakehill T-shirt collection, vintage and current.  And I have a cabinet that holds my many souvenirs from Adventure Week travels like Mexican flowered headbands that I cannot help buying every time we visit El Mercado in San Antonio.

What is most important to me about my time as a Lakehill teacher are the students, teachers and administrators with whom I work every day.  Being a part of a community dedicated to every child’s growth and achievement is challenging, exciting and edifying.  I believe that working as a team to direct our students toward their goals will continue to be the best thing in the world to do.

One of my favorite annual celebrations is Homecoming.  (Yes, I have attended all thirty!)  At Friday’s football game, many of our alumni will return to share a meal, watch the game, and enjoy the opportunity to spend time reminiscing and hearing of everyone’s families and successes.   The event is the perfect combination of past, present and future, and I hope you will bring your family out to join in the tradition and the fun.