student Life

Each year, Hewitt students collaborate on scene-writing projects with Rattlestick Playwrights' Theater, then experience what it means to bring a script to life as professional actors perform their work. Designed to encourage students to think deeply about their own sense of purpose, these annual playwriting projects give middle schoolers the chance to immerse themselves in themes and ideas of personal, social, and global relevance.

This winter, seventh and eighth grade French students embarked on a journey to Québec City, where they learned about the province’s history, culture, and customs while putting their French language skills into practice. Whether bundling up for some of Canada’s famed winter activities, immersing themselves in First Nations history, or bonding with their host families, these eager middle school travelers embraced every aspect of their trip and returned to Hewitt with a new respect for the diverse viewpoints and experiences they encountered. 

This February, seventh and eighth grade Spanish students had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica, where they immersed themselves in the country’s language and culture while studying its impressive environmental sustainability efforts. As they journeyed far beyond the walls of Hewitt, students discovered that they were not simply practicing their Spanish, but in fact using the language to understand Costa Rica’s commitment to conservation practices and environmental education.

In Food Fights: Eating and Controversy in American History, juniors and seniors study American life through the history of food. Students learn about the “food fights” that lurk just beneath many prominent and lesser-known controversies, and they use food to understand the intimate lives of the people who have inhabited this continent for thousands of years. 

Eleventh and twelfth graders relied on their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills as they developed active and engaging P.E. lessons for our second graders. Whether leading a winter wonderland-themed yoga sequence or overseeing complex obstacle courses, the upper school students confidently stepped into their roles as teachers, sharing their passion for physical activity with their young students.

We are delighted to announce that Launa A. Schweizer will be Hewitt’s next head of middle school, effective July 1, 2019. Launa is thrilled to join the Hewitt community and work with our outstanding team of middle school teachers and fifth through eighth grade girls and families. 

Hewitt Athletics saw an increase in the number of skilled and determined students participating in fall sports, and it was clear that our middle and upper school teams worked their hardest this season no matter the outcome. The positivity and excitement of the season shone through at each practice and game and it was clear that Hewitt athletes were proud to be a part of their respective teams.

One of my favorite questions is: "What does a day in the life of a librarian look like?" In addition to being a quiet spot to study and learn, the library is also a shared community space where students can gather for meetings and lead group discussions. Today was a good example of the many ways a librarian works with student scholars and researchers at The Hewitt School.