Maker Week: Bridge Building Design Challenge
At its core, a design challenge is simply a problem that needs to be solved. A true design challenge has a range of solutions. Every bridge design in this activity was different from the next...
What does it take to survive in the wilderness?
The Survival Trip is a cross-curricular field trip based on the book Hatchet by author Gary Paulsen. It chronicles the path back to civilization by Brian, the main character of the book, after he survives a plane crash in the wilderness...
Creativity in the iTech Lab: 3D Printing
To start the new seventh grade technology class off for the school year, we dove right into 3D computer-aided design. Computer-aided design (or CAD) is a way for students to create 3-dimensional models that can then be printed on a 3D printer. The students were introduced to Tinkercad design tool and then created their own keychain model.
Navigating the Admissions Process (Fall 2022)
The school search process starts well before applying to any independent school. As you begin the search to find the best school for your children, you will find...
Spooky: Are you familiar with the Will o’ the Wisp?
At its core, cross-curricular approaches are fundamental ways to teach concepts by combining multiple subjects at once. It is a great way to engage children in learning a topic. Cross-curricular activities promote learning by interconnecting topics, like in [...]
Lower School Reflections: From the Desk of Dr. Gosnell
Children are constantly watching, taking in information, and looking toward us as models for how to deal with complex emotions and how to solve problems. Our actions over time suggest the best way to cope with challenges. When we experience a setback, our response can demonstrate to our children...
Are you looking for a fun outdoor activity to do this weekend with your toddler?
Autumn is here and it is Apple Harvest time in the Shenandoah Valley! If you are looking for a fun outdoor activity to do this weekend with your toddler, try the Sink or Float Apple Investigations Activity from [...]
Making Math Fun!
Yes, this is math. “Our small class sizes allow for a lot of collaboration between students,” says Mrs. Kesler, an Upper School math teacher. “This leads to higher levels of student engagement in the classroom. They are learning from each other, which provides a whole deeper level of immersion and understanding. They begin to share problem-solving strategies and might approach questions from a different perspective. Regardless of how challenging a math activity is, if you are able to get the peer-to-peer element going in the classroom, the engagement goes through the ceiling.”
STEM: Motion & Acceleration
Students worked on a project that incorporated science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) as they explored the subject of motion. Small groups of students built carts out of LEGOS capable of carrying a smart phone. Using an app on their phones, students then tested for acceleration and deceleration on the ramps inside the McIntosh Center for the Arts & Sciences...
Upper School Student Council Officers Elected
Elections for Upper School Student Council Officers were held on Tuesday morning. Congratulations to all of the students who stood up and gave election speeches to the Upper School. Those elected include: President: Abby E. Vice President: Victoria [...]
The Value of Upper School Retreat
Take a minute to listen as Mr. Schiavone, our Upper School Retreat Leader, gives us a few final thoughts on the 39th annual Upper School Retreat. https://youtu.be/Zy7sr__3pa4 Learn More About Powhatan School!
Advisement & The Full Value Contract
A centerpiece of Upper School Retreat is the Full Value Contract. One of the unique facets of the Upper School community is the Advisement program. Throughout the regular school year each faculty member mentor meets with twelve students [...]