Chapin’s student body grew by 75 — at least for one special evening — with the return of our distinguished alums for this year’s Back to School event!
Alums had the opportunity to experience being a student again by participating in one of four classes, selected from a range of offerings inspired by our current curriculum. (Class options are listed below.)
From assembling stools out of pieces of wood in the Hayot Center for Innovation to engaging in rich conversations about the retelling of past history in Hamilton on Broadway, classrooms across Chapin were alive with curiosity, thoughtful dialogue and hands-on collaboration. After these dynamic, hour-long sessions, alumnae from across the decades joined members of the professional community for a lively reception — an opportunity to continue conversations, share memories and celebrate the Chapin community.
Class Descriptions:
- Of Mice and (Annoying) Men: Roman Satire
Led by Dr. Christopher Barnes, Classics Teacher
What made Romans laugh? How did they construct social commentary? Did Latin word order matter? Come to this session to find out. Any questions you may have will be most welcome. This will not be a lecture.
- Hamilton and History: Founders’ Chic: Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Our Story
Led by Ellen Baylor, Head of Upper School History
On this tenth anniversary of Hamilton on Broadway, let’s evaluate how the play tells our story. How does the play present the founders and their relationship with revolutionary ideals and values? What are the ways in which the creative choices do and do not reflect the historical record and what are the implications for our understanding of the past and how we bring those ideas into the present and the future?"
- Tinkering & Making
Led by Dr. Jonathan Olivera, Director of the Hayot Center for Innovation and HCI Intern Student Volunteers
Come try out some of the tools in The Hayot Center for Innovation (HCI)! By tinkering, we learn about the properties of materials and capabilities of tools. This very often leads to making something and is the foundation for more complex design and creation using technology and engineering skills. In this hands-on class, we will engage in the design thinking process and face some engineering challenges that will put your creativity and problem-solving skills to the test. Experience how fun learning can be here in the HCI!
- I Am From: A Journey Through Memory
Led by Miranda Orbach, Head of Lower School Literacy and Social Studies
Step all the way back into the Lower School classroom (with bigger chairs!) as you channel your creativity and curiosity through a beloved writing tradition, I Am From poems. In this interactive workshop, you’ll tap into nostalgia, rich language, and reflection as you write your own “I Am From” poem, celebrating memory, identity, and voice. Guided by playful prompts and shared laughter, we’ll explore how writing connects us to our past and to one another.
Browse more photos HERE. (Click on the brackets in the upper right corner to view the photos in full resolution.)