Saint Mary's School News

With only four sessions able to take place during in-person classes before Thanksgiving break, groups quickly began to build trust with each other and learn some of the collaborative tools that the program offers. When in virtual class, each group met with their on-campus business partner to grow their understanding of their assigned problem.

Departments from across campus offered their time to the students, and students considered issues from all aspects of campus: the head of school’s office, auxiliary services, dining services, athletics, parking, and the advisory program.

Most of the research and initial idea generation had to be completed virtually, and students had only one session back in person—a dress rehearsal with their coaches—before pitching to their business partners in the second week of January.

Students embraced the challenges of online group work thanks to the design process embedded in the District C curriculum. With lessons on tools and mindsets at the beginning of classes and then group worktime that was managed based on each group’s needs and progress, students experienced real world scenarios that required skills that many adults have had to learn during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It was great to hear and see how we can better our connection and communication from a different viewpoint,” said faculty member Margaret Geiger. “I collected a ton of great ideas on communication, website design, and on how to connect to multiple demographics. I appreciate the groups presentations, organization, and thoughtful answers to questions. We are also already working on some changes and additions based on the pitches, and hope they enjoy seeing their ideas come to life!”

When asked to reflect on their experience, students clearly identified skills that they cultivated as well as the high value of an experience that allowed them to make an impact on our school community.

Here are some of the students’ personal highlights:

“In my work with District C during the Innovation track of Seminar I learned how to break down primary information and use it accurately in business pitches. I am proud of my seminar group for coming up with our advisory solution and working together to create our presentation.” Gillian

“In my work with District C during the Innovation track of Seminar, I learned that often problems are bigger than they seem. When we first started this track to be completely honest I didn't think that it was going to be as difficult as it turned out to be. At least with my group's work, we realized that there are so many hidden facets to Saint Mary's that as students we don't think about. I'm proud of my determination to get our work done. When learning virtually it is very difficult to pay attention and stay on task, so I am proud of my ability to be able to participate in small group time as well as at the beginning of class.” Laura Grace

“In my work with District C during the Innovation track of Seminar, I learned that I have to tell others about my opinion about certain things. I learned that I have to take control of the group when it's going far away from what we're working on. I learned that being a leader is not that easy and it requires a lot of push on other people to be able to have our work done. I am proud of my work with my teammates. It is a work of all of us and I think it was super awesome! I'm also so proud of the way I was able to help my teammates with certain areas, like the slides, and creating the script so we have an idea of where we are during the pitch.” Nhi

“In my work with District C during the Innovation track of Seminar I learned a lot about working with a team in the real world (solving real world problems) and presenting a project/public speaking. I am really proud of how my team worked together and delegated tasks. I'm also really proud of our solution and our presentation, from the look of the slides to the actual things we presented. I loved this project!” Emma Claire

In my work with District C during the Innovation track of Seminar, I learned how important it is to communicate well with a group. I hated group work before doing this project, but now that it is over, I feel like I learned how to communicate and work effectively and efficiently with other people who I previously hadn't known well. I think that my group collaborated really well, even while we were virtual, and we played to our own strengths and weaknesses while also challenging ourselves. I am proud of being able to come up with a good idea for the Dining Hall with my teammates, and I'm glad I got to do this with them alongside me. Adele

The students presented to their on-campus partner, and each adult had the opportunity to engage the group in a Q&A session after their pitch. Our on-campus partners truly made the experience special for our students as they not only gave feedback on their ideas but gave them the opportunity to practice speaking on their feet to defend and explain their work and process.

A multi-year participant with this process, Lois Utt, executive assistant to the head of school, said, “I was impressed with the depth of thought that went into the discussion around communication. The groups offered concrete suggestions and they were focused on how better communications could build better community. I loved it! We are already working to implement some ideas.”

The Saint Mary’s School Seminar program integrates what we know girls need, with what we know of the changing world girls will be facing, to provide relevant, forward-looking, real-world opportunities to prepare girls for college and life.

Written by Alison Chernin, English instructor and 10th grade Seminar team lead