October 2008 |
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“To educate is to lead out of ignorance.” Mary Kimball Morgan
Principia Needs You (and Your Feedback)!
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What's NewPrincipia Coast-to-Coast Launches This Month!
Have you ever been so excited about something, you wanted to shout it from the rooftops? Well, that’s how we feel about Principia’s new campus leaders and what they have to share about Principia’s achievements and its future. But instead of climbing to the rooftops, we’re hitting the road! College President Jonathan Palmer and Head of School Marilyn Wallace are conducting a nine-state tour introducing themselves to friends of Principia. It all starts in St. Louis on Tuesday, October 28, and continues on to California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Principia Coast-to-Coast is a coordinated effort between the Alumni & Field Relations Office and Principia Clubs around the country. And while its purpose is to introduce Dr. Palmer and Mrs. Wallace, introductions work both ways, so they’ll also have the privilege of getting to meet many of you! There’s still time to RSVP for the St. Louis and Colorado events! See www.principia.edu/coasttocoast for more information. |
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What's NewStay Connected and Tuned In
Principia Internet Radio (PIR) keeps you in touch with Principia—both College and School—24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. With just a click of a mouse, you can listen to live athletic events, talks, concerts, call-in talk shows, student programs, campus updates, meetings, and much more. In fact, right now you could be listening and learning about prairie restoration from Assistant Professor of Biology Chrissy McAllister, gaining fresh inspiration from Kathy Merrill, a Principia alum, past faculty member, and frequent bible lecturer, or enjoying the smooth sounds of the Truman State University Jazz Band who performed this week at The Principia School. But listeners aren’t the only ones benefiting from PIR. Student radio hosts and producers work with professional technology and equipment—and face all the usual on–the–air challenges. As Rick Dearborn, PIR’s director, explains, “PIR provides an excellent academic laboratory. It’s amazing to see the character growth that takes place when students are confronted with a live microphone, an undefined audience they can’t see, complex equipment, unpredictable guests, and an absolutely unforgiving period of time that has to be filled—no matter what.” Based on feedback from listeners, students are meeting the challenge of real-time radio with great success. Here’s what we’re hearing from as far away as Europe and Singapore: “I am currently listening to the swimming broadcast. I can’t believe that parents with kids participating can actually listen to the competition from home and sort of be there!” “I enjoyed listening to the programming from Principia . . . the sound reception was excellent. I also enjoyed singing along with the carols and hymns. But as it is now 3 a.m., I will get to bed for a little sleep.” Whether you’re just down the road or on the other side of the globe, tune in to PIR! Start Listening |
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Top StoryPrincipia Needs You (and Your Feedback)!If you would like to participate in this way, please complete the online survey no later than Wednesday, October 29. Your responses will be gathered and read by members of the strategic planning committee. |
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Principia ShinesUpper School Senior Qualifies as Semifinalist
Upper School senior Devon Carnesciali has been named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist based on the 2007 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test administered by the College Board. From more than one million entrants in the US, Devon is one of only 16,000 semifinalists, representing less than one percent of each state’s high school seniors. “It’s very possible that Devon could be awarded National Merit Scholarship Finalist,” says Craig Fredrickson, director of the Academic and College Counseling Office. “Letters and all required application forms have been submitted, and now we wait for the Committee’s decision on Finalist status.” Finalist notification will begin in February 2009. Students named Finalists are eligible for further financial and scholarship opportunities. Devon, a recipient of the Whole Man Leadership Award, came to Upper School her sophomore year. Devon’s parents, Dan and Karen, are enthusiastic supporters of Principia and graduates of both the Upper School and College. |
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Principia ShinesUpper School Junior Named Athlete of the Week
At some point, we’ve all attended a sporting event when the final score didn’t reflect the determination, drive, and pure excitement witnessed by fans. This was certainly the case when the Principia Panthers recently battled John Burroughs in football. Although Prin trailed 22–6 in the fourth quarter, junior Larry Patterson and his teammates were determined to fight to the end—and fight they did! “We’re all in this together,” Larry said. “The coaches know what kind of potential we have and they are constantly pushing us to go on and on and not give up.” With some gutsy and smart plays, the Panthers moved the board to take the lead with only one minute, 15 seconds remaining. A throw and 60–yard dash by Burroughs gave them the victory, but the game spoke volumes about the gold and blue athletes that graced the field. During the game, Larry caught two giant touchdown receptions, posted an interception, and delivered serious poundings to the Burroughs defense. As a result of his performance, the St. Louis Suburban Journals named Larry as their Athlete of the Week. Reflecting back on the game, Larry commented, “It’s a hard loss, but I’m so proud of our team and how we didn’t give up. It was beautiful to see.” Larry, a junior from Tucker, Arkansas, came to the Upper School as a freshman. A competitive athlete, he has participated in Principia’s football, basketball, and track teams. |
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Principia ShinesCollege Senior Receives Prestigious Lincoln AwardEach year Principia College selects one senior to receive the Lincoln Award. Students are nominated based on overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. After considering seven nominees, the committee—comprised of heads of faculty from Creative Arts and Communication, Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Academic Staff—chose Katherine J. Palmer as this year’s recipient. As the Lincoln Award winner, Katherine will become a Student Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. The Lincoln Academy, now in its fourth decade, was established to honor Illinois’ most distinguished citizens. The Lincoln Academy’s Student Laureate Medallion is given each year, along with a $150 honorarium and a certificate of achievement, to one member from the senior class of each four–year, degree–granting institution of higher learning in Illinois. Katherine is a double major in Sociology and Business, and is minoring in Women’s Studies. She is a Trustee Scholar and has been on the Dean’s academic list several quarters. Katherine, along with her parents, Sue and Jonathan Palmer, Dr. Pamela Kaye, Associate Professor of Sociology, and Rosalind Hibbs, Assistant Professor of Business, will attend the ceremony with her in Springfield, Illinois. |
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School NewsMusic Class Goes High Tech
The integration of computers into curriculum continues to expand, and with this year’s debut of SmartMusic, the computer now makes a bold entry into the music experience for many Principia students. SmartMusic is an innovative and interactive computer–based practice system that helps band students improve their skills faster and makes practicing more fun. It’s currently being used by fourth through eighth grade band and choir students, with plans for it to reach the Upper School next year. With SmartMusic, students never practice alone. It offers accompaniments for more than 30,000 titles, challenging exercises, and the ability for students to customize their practices and learn at their own pace. Not only can they choose tempo, hear just the melody or accompaniment, but they also receive a real-time, pictorial evaluation of their performance. “Practicing can be lonely activity,” remarks Band Director Martha Stitzel, “but now it’s much more fun. In fact, parents are commenting that they’ve never seen their children practicing so much. One parent had to make her daughter stop practicing and go to bed!” Another benefit already apparent is the increased interaction between teachers and students. As students practice, SmartMusic can capture their performances and transmit the recordings electronically to the instructors, who listen to and assess the student, providing written comments and a score. Instructors then send the assessment back to the student for their review. “It’s pretty cool to think that I send my teacher an assignment from my home, and from her computer, she can hear my actual playing,” comments a seventh grader. Stitzel agrees. “They want to play for us! We’re definitely getting to know our students better through this program, and it allows us to differentiate our instruction. We are very grateful to Principia for funding this software for each family for this first year.” |
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School NewsUpper School Students Chart Their Own Course
For several years now, Blair Lindsay has been helping students take charge of their education. An Upper School social studies teacher, assistant track coach, and girls’ cross–country coach, Lindsay combines his teaching and coaching strategies in “Learning Trek,” a two–term course for sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in pursuing individual study projects of their own design. Students in “Learning Trek” meet as a group to discuss their projects and in one–on–one meetings with Lindsay to review their progress. Some students work on one project for the entire course; others on several shorter ones. Current projects underway include musical analysis, video game design (including programming and animation), learning guitar, researching careers by shadowing professionals, learning Chinese, and fabric painting. Emphasizing the process as much as, if not more than, the product, Lindsay encourages students to determine not only what they want to learn but how they plan to learn it. Most students work individually, but some work in pairs. Some learn an entirely new skill; others delve more deeply into a familiar subject. Everyone is required to make a final presentation, but as with the projects, no two presentations are the same. Along with giving students an opportunity to acquire—and apply—skills beyond those offered in the curriculum, “Learning Trek” provides a perfect opportunity for character growth as well. As Lindsay says, “The opportunity to take responsibility within a supportive environment fosters self-government. When students take charge of their learning, they more easily see the connection between what they put into the process and what they get out of it.” |
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College NewsFirst Annual Canoe Race Gives New Meaning to Thinking Outside the Box
Would you set sail on the Mississippi River with only cardboard, packing tape, and acrylic paint? Contestants in the first annual Principia College Cardboard Canoe Race were clearly up for the challenge. On a balmy October afternoon, thirteen canoes piloted by students and faculty shoved off from the starting point on the Elsah side of the bridge near the historic Gate Lodge. A few canoes either sank immediately or were uncontrollable, but if a craft proved seaworthy, it was paddled through the bridge and 150 feet up river to a buoy, then back to the starting point. The trick was to complete the circuit before the cardboard was saturated and the canoe disintegrated. Sometimes the paddlers ran out of steam before the canoe sank, but three canoes completed the race. College professors Mike Rechlin and Steve Shedd organized the competition. “This is not a unique concept,” said Shedd. “Others have built and raced a variety of vehicles using creative materials. The main reasons we did this were to have fun and to engage our students in a team-centered project.” College President Jonathan Palmer praised the resourcefulness and engineering skills of the students and faculty. “This is another great example of inspired experiential learning,” he said. Freshmen Bekah Charlston and Megan Brown won with the fastest time of four minutes, 44 seconds. |
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College NewsA Convention Becomes a Classroom
This year’s election brings unique opportunities for learning and new ways for students to become informed, public citizens. For one College sophomore and political science major, it also means extraordinary experiences too numerous to count. While many of us were watching the news media’s coverage of this summer’s conventions, Ron Meyer was entrenched with Fox News operations at the Republican National Convention. It was a College professor who informed Ron about The Washington Center (TWC), an independent nonprofit organization that provides challenging opportunities for selected students to work and learn in Washington, DC. TWC was offering a two-week academic seminar that included the chance to attend the convention the second week. As part of the program, TWC partnered students with various organizations, and Ron was assigned to Fox News. Responsible for ensuring that high-profile guests arrived at the right studio, Ron met many well–known public figures, including Senators Fred Thompson, Joe Lieberman, and Trent Lott, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Speaker Newt Gingrich, and Governor Mike Huckabee. However, the real highlights didn’t stop there. In a column in The Principia Pilot, Ron writes about having breakfast with Karl Rove and discussing the significance of the Palin vice–presidential pick, an unexpected two-hour walk with political consultant and pollster Frank Lutz who offered career advice and insightful political analysis, and his lunch with Congressman Ron Paul. “We discussed Austrian Economics, constitutionalism, and foreign policy theory,” said Ron. Although they didn’t see eye-to-eye on foreign policy, “by the end of the meal, the Congressman offered me backstage passes to his events, as well as an internship at his office in Washington.” “The Political Science Department wholeheartedly supports students in active civic engagement opportunities—attending conferences, working for campaigns, conducting polls, etc.,” explains Dr. Julie Blase, Assistant Professor of Political Science. “These are some of the ways students can learn how ideas become practice.” Ron is not the only current College student fully engaged during this election year, of course. James Poindexter, a sophomore political science major, is spending this quarter working for the Obama campaign. |
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Alumni ActivitiesIt’s a College Homecoming and Athletic Hall of Fame WeekendGrab your gold and blue and head to this weekend’s (October 17–19) College Homecoming and Gold & Blue Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony! Friday night there’s a free screening of Two Million Minutes, a documentary about education produced by alum Bob Compton (C’78), followed by a bonfire and pep rally. Saturday is jam–packed with the official opening of the Hall of Fame, an alumni volleyball game, Panther football and soccer games vs. Eureka College, and the Gold & Blue Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. It’s a day to celebrate Principians’ athletic accomplishments spanning the Junior College years (there’s a Hall of Fame inductee from the Class of 1916!) all the way up to today. Finally, on Sunday, share inspiration with classmates, current students, and their families at a church service in the Chapel. Then cheer at—or compete in—the men’s alumni soccer game. If friends, fall colors, fierce—but friendly—competition, and inspiration sound enticing, the College is the place to be this weekend. What if you’re too far from campus to make the trip? For the first time ever, you can take part in many Homecoming activities via your computer. Whether it’s the Bob Compton event or live coverage of any of the games, Principia Internet Radio (PIR) puts you right in the front row. Learn more For full details about Homecoming and the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, go to www.principia.edu/alumni/homecoming2008. |
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Head of CampusPutting Ideas into Practice at The Principia SchoolHead of School Marilyn Wallace identifies priorities for thought and action
Wholeness. Freshness. Simplicity. Like pillars, these three ideas underpin the School’s priorities. “I love these three ideas,” Mrs. Wallace told teachers, “because on the highest level, they emanate from divine Mind and have permanency and power.” Setting divine ideas as goals isn’t a distant, intangible proposition for Mrs. Wallace. On the contrary, she describes it as “starting with the desired result and working back to detailed implementation.” In the course of an all–faculty and staff meeting, Mrs. Wallace identified specific points, or “enduring understandings,” essential to the implementation of these three ideas. We have space here to share only a few of those points. Wholeness Urging faculty members to model whole man character education, Mrs. Wallace, noted, “Just as we do not encourage our students to specialize in one aspect of the whole man, so we must not be specialists. ‘Whole man’ should define each individual on staff and enable each of us to inspire our students through our spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, and physical capabilities.” Not only should coaches teach and teachers coach, she explained, but all faculty and staff members should be “active church members, perpetual learners, principled budget managers, and whatever else our students need us to be in order to help them reach their potential.” Freshness Stressing two important instructional approaches being implemented—“understanding by design” and “differentiated instruction”—Mrs. Wallace reminded teachers that these approaches “complement each other beautifully in ensuring that educators identify and teach the essential knowledge, skills, and enduring understandings that shape each discipline, and in making certain that each learner has maximum opportunity to benefit from high–quality experiences with those essentials.” Though not unique to Principia, these instructional approaches fit the School’s founding principles perfectly. As Mrs. Wallace pointed out, they connect Solomon’s proverb about understanding being “a wellspring of life” (Prov. 16:22) to Mary Kimball Morgan’s caution that “scarcely any two children can be handled in exactly the same way” (Education at The Principia, p. 27). Simplicity Reminding teachers that oftentimes “less is more,” Mrs. Wallace encouraged the faculty to eliminate traditional classroom practices if they no longer benefit students. With these words from Science and Health, she stressed the importance of shedding the ineffectual: “We cannot fill vessels already full. They must first be emptied. Let us disrobe error. Then, when the winds of God blow, we shall not hug our tatters close about us” (Mary Baker Eddy, p. 201). Elaborating, Mrs. Wallace explained the importance of not wearing—or even appearing to wear—tattered, or raggedy, academic practices. “If our programs are not neat, clean, and fresh,” she cautioned, “they will hold no appeal for prospective families, prospective employees, and other educators in search of models for their own fledgling initiatives.” (About the latter, Mrs. Wallace was referring to Principia’s mentorship—by example—of the “fledgling” schools with Christian Science foundations springing up around the world.) Wholeness, freshness, simplicity—what perfect pillars to uphold day–to–day practice at The Principia School! |
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