The Glance
August 20, 2023
Leading the Way: 8th Grade Leadership Retreat
Being an eighth grader at St. Luke’s comes with something special: the opportunity and responsibility to lead.
Last week, our Class of 2027 traveled to Mustang Island Conference Center in Port Aransas, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, for our annual 8th Grade Leadership Retreat. Away from school and routines, this time is intentionally created for our students to reflect on what leadership looks like, how they want to show up for one another, and the legacy they hope to leave behind.
Throughout the retreat, students were guided through activities and conversations centered on teamwork, communication, character, and community. Our eighth graders were challenged to think beyond titles and positions and to recognize that leadership often happens in the small moments: stepping in when someone feels left out, setting the tone when others are watching, encouraging younger students, and choosing to do what is right even when it’s not the easiest choice. Everyone can be a leader.
At the same time, the retreat is designed to provide students with time to simply enjoy their time together, which becomes increasingly rare in the busyness of the school year. They laughed, collaborated, challenged one another, and strengthened relationships that will carry them through their final year at St. Luke’s.
One of the advantages of a PK3-8 school is that our eighth grade students are the leaders of our campus. At St. Luke's, leadership is so much more than something we teach in a classroom. No one knows this better than our eighth grade students. Leadership takes shape in their daily lives: in chapel, as teammates, classmates, chapel buddies, student leaders, and role models for younger Tigers. Whether they realize it or not, our community is watching them and learning from the example they set.
Being an 8th grader is as much a celebration as it is a calling. For years, they have been guided by the St. Luke’s Way, shaped by people and experiences that have helped them grow. Now, they have the unique opportunity to turn around and help lead the way for those who will follow in their footsteps.
Valerie Vied
Middle School Dean of Students
Our October Parent Council Coffee has been moved up to Tuesday, September 29 to accommodate Episcopal Schools Week and all the exciting activities that come with it!
Join us in the Parlor after Big Chapel for a closer look at Academics at St. Luke’s with our Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Chad Knesek.
We hope to see you there!
Week 4: Encouragement Over Praise
This semester, Rachel Sanborn’s Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Snapshot will feature weekly, parent-friendly takeaways from Jessica Lahey’s book The Gift of Failure. Mrs. Sanborn, along with Student Achievement Coordinator, Donna Finch will wrap up the series with a book talk during the December 1st Parent Council Coffee.
There is a difference between saying, “You’re so smart!” and saying, “You worked really hard on that.” Lahey encourages us to focus less on labeling our children and more on encouraging their effort, strategies, persistence, and growth. Instead of making success about being “good” or “smart,” we can help children notice how they accomplished something. Try phrases like, “What helped you figure that out?” or “I noticed you kept trying even when it was frustrating.” This helps children see themselves as capable learners.
