On September 13, Drs. Beth Howells and Annie Mendenhall from Georgia Southern University's English Department presented a workshop to Upper School faculty entitled Responding to AI in our Classrooms. During the workshop, our guest presenters shared information about AI chatbots and writing services, explored a framework for AI in higher education, and encouraged faculty to consider their own thoughts, feelings, and concerns around the impact of AI on teaching, learning, and academic honesty. Faculty gathered by department to consider how they might adapt their teaching and assignments given the capabilities of AI, and how teachers might encourage students to use these tools ethically to support their learning. 

What a wonderful morning on campus! On Friday, August 18, we welcomed back our 184 Alumni Legacy families for a breakfast in the Quad, followed by the 8:00am ribbon-cutting for the newly expanded and renovated Minis Hall. Alumni parents enjoyed tours of the transformed 12,000+ sq.ft. space that will now house our Upper School humanities classes. Thanks to all who attended this special morning!

On the morning of Wednesday, August 17, the Upper School held its annual Convocation, a ceremony centered on reflection, contemplation, and commitment. The signing of the Honor Book strengthens our students' dedication to the standards of honesty and decency, and it signifies a pledge to both abide by our code of honor and to hold others to the same standard.

The tradition of signing the Honor Book dates back to Country Day's original founding, with some students adding their names amongst family members' names — as far as three generations back!

Another successful Mini-mester is in the books! While some students explored the Georgia coastline and North Georgia mountains, most students immersed themselves in experiential learning on campus! From pilates to fencing, culinary adventures, sailing, astronomy, and everything in between, Mini-mester is a unique opportunity for our Middle School students to explore something new and fun while interacting with students from other grade levels. Mini-mester encourages our students to be life-long learners and believe that self-initiated learning can be powerfully persuasive and lasting.

In its 4th year, the SCDS Clay Target Team won the 2022-23 State Championship in the General Division composed of the largest schools in GIAA. With a combined score of 1384, they defeated SCPS (1378) and Back-to-Back Champions BC (1367). Great shooting by senior Owen Haas, who received the Individual High Overall State Championship after tying with 3 athletes and winning the shoot-off. Ericka Ann McKeever was 2nd in the HOA for females. Scoring for the Hornets were Haas 287, Chase Buerger 283, Miles Carson 279, Dan Bradley 268 and Andrew Nicholson 267. A great showing for many SCDS athletes in this meteoric growth of clay target shooting throughout the country and now a varsity sport at many colleges. Congratulations to the coaches and team!