And the Cannoli Was Amazing

As our trip comes to a close, there is much to reflect on. The weather was near perfection, ranging from 50-72 degrees with no rain. We had great favor regarding the T (subway). Most of the time, as we were arriving to the platform, a train would pull right up! Every meal had a unique feel, from lobster rolls at the hostel to choosing a local ethnic experience.

Our students got very good at traveling on mass transit. We walked a sum of 32 miles, so our legs are strong (some a little sore), plus we could justify eating all the yummy food. Our kids get along…surprisingly well. Many relationships were deepened and horizons expanded.

We have new perspectives of beauty through art. We saw (and even touched) coins older than the time of Jesus. Our students have a greater sense of awareness regarding their surroundings and being alert on sidewalks. Only one wheelchair was used in only one museum, and only three train cards were misplaced.

When asked about my favorite part of the trip, it is hard to choose one. It definitely falls into the category of ‘the sum of the parts is greater than the whole’. Each individual activity, meal, conversation, or transportation experience was excellent, and every one added to the cumulative experience making for what Dr. Clark called ‘a touchstone memory’.  Our capstone experience today was Mike’s Pastry…and the cannoli was amazing!

by Melissa Paul, parent blogger

Faith Expressed Through History and Art

Boston is an amazing place to explore Christianity through history and art. We began our third day with the Harvard Museum of Natural History where we found way more than just bones of creatures from long ago. This museum has one of a kind specimens (think deer the size of a bunny), a skeleton of a water dinosaur longer than seven of our students lying head to toe, cases and cases of glass replicas of plants created to help researchers study plant life, and much, much more. These exhibits prompted questions by our students (Mr. Clark was our guide through these muddy waters) about evolution theories and other important topics.

The questions (yes, more questions) led to several great discussions. While they could (and probably do) have these types of discussions at school, somehow the fact that so much time, energy and expense was given over so many years to express Christian themes give perspective and make it real. At the art exhibit they experienced pieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas and Cezanne. Between all of the museums we have seen so far, the students have noticed a strong focus on Christianity and themes of faith. There are so many different ways to depict Mary and baby Jesus, but all of them cumulatively in one trip express the importance of the subject to artists of many different centuries.

Speaking of Harvard, our Harvard graduate chaperone gave us the inside scoop – the iconic statue with ‘Veritas’ (truth) written on the side is known by Harvard students as the statue of lies. In case you like trivia: the year is off by two, the statue is of a stand-in student, and the name listed is not actually the founder, he is really the first benefactor.

Trinity Church was beautiful…and filled with faith based art. The students had plenty of time to view and explore the church, then we were off to see the city from 50 floors up. The view was a highlight for many students, especially because you could walk all the way around and see the city from every angle. Talk about perspective. It was just beautiful, with buildings old and new, a smattering of sailboats, beautiful bridges and wonderful teenagers!

 

by Melissa Paul, parent blogger

Light In The Darkness

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.”

John 1:5

Our day started at the Ford Theatre where President Abraham Lincoln had been assassinated. Both the students and chaperones were surprised by how much they enjoyed their time there. We had a highly knowledgeable and entertaining park ranger who treated us to retelling the story and aftermath of Lincoln’s death in a way that felt like a performance, highlighting the history, drama, and surprising details of how Lincoln’s death effected all those involved. The ranger finished by encouraging our students to be lights of their generation, shining in the darkest hours.

Following our time in the theatre, we crossed the street to see the museum, where a spectacular three-story tower of books greeted us. It was amazing to think that many books had been written about Abraham Lincoln, but it really only contained less than half the books written about him.

Leaving the museum, we stopped for an open-air lunch where the students enjoyed spending time together. It’s amazing to see our children still entertained by simple things in life like looking for a four-leaf clover. The day had been mostly overcast up until this point, but after a few raindrops fell, we left the green space with the sun shining.

Then we walked to the recently opened National Museum of African American History, which was new to all of us. Reading and listening to the stories told throughout the museum of horrible atrocities of slavery, segregation, and oppression led to some profound questions and discussions. It’s one thing to read about this subject and another thing to hear first-hand accounts.

We began three levels down, in a dimly lit area, and as we moved up through history, the museum became a bright celebration of culture and achievement, literally moving from darkness into light.

We can’t wait for what our last day in D.C. will hold!

 

by parent bloggers, Chris Lemieux and AnnMarie Hoyt

Morning Colors, So Many Questions and Andy Grammer

Not much beats a beautiful morning ferry ride to a private tour of the USS Constitution. We weren’t exactly sure what to expect when the tour guide told us to cover our ears. Turns out, we were in for an unexpected privilege…we had arrived in time for the 8 am morning “Colors”. The canon was shot, (photo  anthems played and servicemen honored. Silence ensued until we got the “All Clear”.

All of our tour guides have been educational and entertaining. Also very patient. We have so many questions! Our crew has an amazing ability to pick up on an interesting fact and explore it to the limits of the tour guide’s either knowledge, patience level, or time.

At the end of each section of a tour, about 20 questions are asked, each leading to another interesting fact…then another question! Speaking of questions, when the tour guide on the ship asked if anyone in our group knew what Kedging was, I think he was genuinely surprised that one of our crew could explain the act of dropping anchor, then pulling toward it to be able to move a sailboat without wind.

It was an extremely full day including visits to the Bunker Hill Monument, lunch in the park, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, then capping it all off with Andy Grammer in concert with the Boston Pops.

You might think with the travel schedule these kids have been keeping that they would be sleepy in an orchestra concert. Not so! Andy Grammer brought the house down on opening night of the 133rd season of the Boston Pops. The kids were singing and dancing right along with the music, making for a very fun ending to a big day.

 

by Melissa Paul, parent blogger

Beauty, Structure, and Function

We started our day bright and early, not knowing what to expect.

We would never have anticipated that the actual structures built to house our government would be so thoughtfully planned. Those who built our government intentionally incorporated so many symbolic, artistic, yet functional components.

In the rotunda of the Capital Building, the story of our nation is told through art. Given its beauty, it’s hard to believe that so many people actually go to work there. Laws are still being passed, and in fact, the Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, walked through the room during our tour. Another group saw news crews prepping for interviews with lawmakers.

The Library of Congress is certainly one of the most beautiful buildings we had seen.   The art was absolutely stunning and the architecture and mosaics had an absolute wow factor. We are still in awe of it. It seems almost odd to think that it is still a functioning library, with over 20 reading rooms. In fact, Mrs. Brodrecht went to get a Library of Congress library card while we were there, and we later found out that one of our chaperones already had one.

The Supreme Court building was filled with symbolism, including a depiction of Moses. Students were able to enter the courtroom where cases have been heard since the 1930’s. We were surprised to see how small the actual courtroom is in relation to the grandeur of the building.

We ended our day at the National Archives. This building houses some of the most important documents ever written. Students were excited to view the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. They saw the Emancipation Proclamation and also the Magna Carta, which even though it was written in the 1500’s is still relevant and important today.

Thanks to what they had learned at Geneva in fourth, fifth, and sixth grade, our students already understood the context and significance of the documents and were happy to see the real deal.

It was a great day.

15,000 Steps

It all started bright and early at Orlando International Airport with 65 excited students, chaperones, and teachers.

Friends were excited to find out who was in their group for the week. Parents said their goodbyes. Teachers did a little last minute boarding pass shuffling to make sure students were all seated together. Flight attendants did their best to fit all of our carry-ons into the overhead bins.

Once we arrived at our destination, we realized that the teachers hadn’t been exaggerating when they’d said there would be a lot of walking.

After navigating the METRO, we walked to our hotel to drop off our bags. Then we headed in the direction of the National Mall and walked around the Washington Monument. We went to the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial, then stopped by the Lincoln Memorial, made our way by the Vietnam Memorial, and finished at the World War II Memorial.

The springtime weather was beautiful and perfect for a day of walking. Flowers were in bloom. Dandelions dotted the lawn, and dried cherry blossoms were on the pathways throughout the memorials. Students enjoyed their time moving between the memorials laughing, playing games, taking pictures, and spending time together with friends.

We ended our day quietly, settling into our hotel, with everyone looking forward to tomorrow. It was a great first day in D.C!

Eighth Grade Dominoes and Finding Beauty

And the Eighth Graders fall like dominoes! No, they are not sick. Yes, we all made it to Boston and are safe. The falling came in during our first subway ride. The plane trip, no problem; bus ride, seamless (even with much luggage); but when we were safely tucked away in that first subway car and it lurched forward…each surprised student tipped back just far enough to tip the person behind them. It all happened very fast, the chain reaction of unprepared Floridian teens continued in just a few seconds all the way to the end until the last of our group was gently supported by the local seated at the back of the subway car who saw it all coming.

Springtime in Boston is full of beauty. Today our crew enjoyed lots of public transportation, an amazing lunch, a tour of the New State House and several open green spaces. A highlight of the day was an hour at Garden Park.

While it’s a big city, the contrast of the tall, modern buildings and shorter, older brick buildings provides such beautiful scenery. The foliage is in full bloom, dogwoods displaying their blossoms, tulips lining the park, monuments and statues everywhere we turned, even the cemeteries are beautiful.

The most beauty, though, was displayed in the relationships that shone through the day. Friends shared a bag, taking turns carrying it. Girls walked arm in arm across the busy streets. A kick line may or may not have erupted in the midst of the beautiful park. What a joy it is to witness such sweet beautiful students caring for each other in their newly expanded world!

 

by Melissa Paul, parent blogger

The Geneva School
The Geneva School
April 16, 2024
  • Chamber Orchestra

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 7:15 am- 8:15 am
    See more details

  • US Praise and Prayer

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 7:30 am- 8:00 am
    See more details

  • 5th Gr - Track & Field

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 8:30 am- 11:00 am
    See more details

  • K4 Garden Club

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 1:20 pm- 2:20 pm
    See more details

  • Youth Volleyball 2-6th grade girls

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 3:20 pm- 4:20 pm
    See more details

  • 1st & 2nd Grade Garden Club

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm
    See more details

  • Philharmonia Orchestra

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm
    See more details

  • Varsity Beach Volleyball Away vs. Masters

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 5:30 pm
    See more details

  • Softball Home Game vs. Central Catholic (MA)

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm
    See more details

  • Varsity Baseball Away Game vs TMA

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm
    See more details

April 17, 2024
  • US Chapel

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 9:25 am- 10:10 am
    See more details

  • Kindergarten Garden Club

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 2:15 pm- 3:15 pm
    See more details

  • Youth Track K4-Kindergarten 2:30-3:15; 1-5 3:15-4:15PM

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 2:30 pm- 4:15 pm
    See more details

  • Typing Class (4th-8th Grade)

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 3:20 pm- 4:20 pm
    See more details

  • 3rd & 4rt Grade Garden Club

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm
    See more details

  • Brioso Choir

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm
    See more details

  • NHS Tutoring

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm
    See more details

  • Stitch Lab (3rd–6th)

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm
    See more details

  • Varsity Baseball Home Game vs Trinity Prep

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm
    See more details

April 18, 2024
  • Chamber Orchestra

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 7:15 am- 8:15 am
    See more details

  • 5th Gr - Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 9:15 am- 1:00 pm
    See more details

  • 8th Grade House Induction Day

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 10:30 am- 1:15 pm
    See more details

  • Percussio

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:50 pm
    See more details

  • Youth Sports Coed Flag Football

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 5:30 pm
    See more details

  • Varsity Beach Volleyball Home Match vs Lake Brantley***Senior Night

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm
    See more details

  • MS Baseball Away Game vs. Circle

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm
    See more details

  • Merely Players Production of You're a Good Man,Charlie Brown

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm
    See more details

April 19, 2024
  • Fathers Watch

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 8:00 am- 9:30 am
    See more details

  • 2nd Gr - Egypt Day

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 8:10 am- 3:00 pm
    See more details

  • NHS Induction Ceremony

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 8:25 am- 9:10 am
    See more details

  • Strategy & Board Games Club

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 3:20 pm- 5:20 pm
    See more details

  • Youth Tennis K-5th Grade with Stefanie Majstorovic

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:45 pm
    See more details

  • Varsity Track Meet MDCA

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 4:00 pm- 8:00 pm
    See more details

  • Varsity Baseball Home Game vs. Altamonte Christian **Senior Night

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm
    See more details

  • Merely Players Production of You're a Good Man,Charlie Brown

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm
    See more details

  • Softball Away Game vs. Winter Park

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm
    See more details

April 20, 2024
  • Merely Players Production of You're a Good Man,Charlie Brown

    Date: April 20, 2024 - April 20, 2024
    Time: 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm
    See more details

April 16, 2024
  • Chamber Orchestra

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 7:15 am- 8:15 am
    See more details

  • US Praise and Prayer

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 7:30 am- 8:00 am
    See more details

  • 5th Gr - Track & Field

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 8:30 am- 11:00 am
    See more details

  • K4 Garden Club

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 1:20 pm- 2:20 pm
    See more details

  • Youth Volleyball 2-6th grade girls

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 3:20 pm- 4:20 pm
    See more details

  • 1st & 2nd Grade Garden Club

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm
    See more details

  • Philharmonia Orchestra

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm
    See more details

  • Varsity Beach Volleyball Away vs. Masters

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 5:30 pm
    See more details

  • Softball Home Game vs. Central Catholic (MA)

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm
    See more details

  • Varsity Baseball Away Game vs TMA

    Date: April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024
    Time: 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm
    See more details

April 17, 2024
  • US Chapel

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 9:25 am- 10:10 am
    See more details

  • Kindergarten Garden Club

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 2:15 pm- 3:15 pm
    See more details

  • Youth Track K4-Kindergarten 2:30-3:15; 1-5 3:15-4:15PM

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 2:30 pm- 4:15 pm
    See more details

  • Typing Class (4th-8th Grade)

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 3:20 pm- 4:20 pm
    See more details

  • 3rd & 4rt Grade Garden Club

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm
    See more details

  • Brioso Choir

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm
    See more details

  • NHS Tutoring

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm
    See more details

  • Stitch Lab (3rd–6th)

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm
    See more details

  • Varsity Baseball Home Game vs Trinity Prep

    Date: April 17, 2024 - April 17, 2024
    Time: 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm
    See more details

April 18, 2024
  • Chamber Orchestra

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 7:15 am- 8:15 am
    See more details

  • 5th Gr - Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 9:15 am- 1:00 pm
    See more details

  • 8th Grade House Induction Day

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 10:30 am- 1:15 pm
    See more details

  • Percussio

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:50 pm
    See more details

  • Youth Sports Coed Flag Football

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 5:30 pm
    See more details

  • Varsity Beach Volleyball Home Match vs Lake Brantley***Senior Night

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm
    See more details

  • MS Baseball Away Game vs. Circle

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm
    See more details

  • Merely Players Production of You're a Good Man,Charlie Brown

    Date: April 18, 2024 - April 18, 2024
    Time: 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm
    See more details

April 19, 2024
  • Fathers Watch

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 8:00 am- 9:30 am
    See more details

  • 2nd Gr - Egypt Day

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 8:10 am- 3:00 pm
    See more details

  • NHS Induction Ceremony

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 8:25 am- 9:10 am
    See more details

  • Strategy & Board Games Club

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 3:20 pm- 5:20 pm
    See more details

  • Youth Tennis K-5th Grade with Stefanie Majstorovic

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 3:30 pm- 4:45 pm
    See more details

  • Varsity Track Meet MDCA

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 4:00 pm- 8:00 pm
    See more details

  • Varsity Baseball Home Game vs. Altamonte Christian **Senior Night

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 4:30 pm- 6:30 pm
    See more details

  • Merely Players Production of You're a Good Man,Charlie Brown

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm
    See more details

  • Softball Away Game vs. Winter Park

    Date: April 19, 2024 - April 19, 2024
    Time: 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm
    See more details

April 20, 2024
  • Merely Players Production of You're a Good Man,Charlie Brown

    Date: April 20, 2024 - April 20, 2024
    Time: 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm
    See more details

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