The Keys to Success (Gold Medal Winner in the 2017 Brilliance Awards)
October 2016
Lower School Counselor Shanti Majefski ’95 sits within a circle of children. They have just finished making glitter jars, which is a glued container of colorful glitter and water. She explains to them that a shaken glitter jar represents what we may feel when our brains are overwhelmed with emotions. It’s hard to think clearly and make rational decisions when we’re shaken up. If we take the time to “settle our glitter,” we can calm our minds, clarify our thoughts, and approach challenges in a mindful way.
A Tradition of Fostering Respect
April 2017
Respect is a guiding force at Greenhill School. It is a principle so entwined with Greenhill’s mission, foundation and fortitude that the concepts are inseparable. Respect for each other and ourselves, for the world around us, for varying viewpoints, for individuality and community, for curiosity and opinion; we see inspiring examples on our campus and within our people every single day.
Finer Dining
April 2015
It’s 12:45 pm as fourth period draws to a close. Junior Keaton Butowsky and 467 fellow hungry Upper School students rush to Crossman Hall cafeteria. A sudden line spills out the door and Keaton is brought up short, forced to stand and wait while precious seconds of his free period tick by. “I find myself waiting for 15-20 minutes just to get through the line and get my food. And then if I get out late from class or have a meeting with a teacher at 1:00 pm, I don’t really have time to eat.”
Literacy at Greenhill: A Balanced Approach
October 2014
Early in his tenure at Greenhill School, circa 2007–2008, Head of Lower School Michael Simpson met Bernard Fulton, visionary founder of the exceptional School we know today. The single most memorable point of Mr. Simpson’s meeting was a quote from Mr. Fulton: “Lower School is all about reading. They’ve got to learn how to read,” he said.
A Salute to Process: Project-Based Learning at Greenhill
April 2014
“As you know, today is the day to test our wind turbines,” Engineering and Design Instructor Don Myers tells his sixth grade exploratory design class. Groups of three to four students are sprinkled around the classroom, making final adjustments to their windmill-like creations of PVC piping, dowel sticks, cardboard, duct tape and aluminum foil.
Speaking Volumes
April 2013
His history classmates sit in concentrated silence, their pens poised in note-taking fashion. On the side board is a written list entitled Ideas for Compliments. Eye contact, use of notes, pace of speech and familiarity of subject are bullet points in this list. The class has been asked to evaluate the speaker on things he did well.
Q&A With Weiss/Manfredi
October 2013
Architecture firm Weiss/Manfredi has been selected to design the performing arts and assembly center, the renovation of the dining hall, and the new athletic fields. We sat down with husband and wife team Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi to discuss the project. Prepare to be inspired.
The Griggs Era
January 2018
In a special magazine tribute full of heartfelt quotes and memories, Greenhill School saluted its Head of School Scott Griggs for eighteen years of leadership.
Voyage Dallas Interview
June 2018
I was thrilled to be invited as a feature in Voyager Dallas’ nod to creative professionals in the DFW metroplex. My words describe my creative journey and singular perspective as an artist.