Science Gets Slimed

Sixth graders Aahna H. and Phoebe K. worked together to make oobleck (slime) in their Integrated Science I class. “My favorite part was mixing it together, because it was cool seeing it transform from liquid falling through our hands to solid when we squeezed it with force,” Phoebe said.

Through making slime, students practice their measurement skills, make qualitative and quantitative observations, and differentiate observations from inferences. “Hands-on activities are where students truly
learn,” said Science Teacher Mike Montanari. “They develop a sense of accomplishment when they get to follow directions and create something. When students leave my room smiling and talking about the class, I know they are enjoying their learning.”

Phoebe said, “I love Mr. Montanari’s class because we are always getting to do hands-on projects. It makes it stick in my head better, and it’s fun to explore and do something with my hands.”

 

 

Pumas Pull, Pull, Pull!

After storming onto Dahl Playfield and barreling through their paper banner, the class of 2025 earned victory in the tug-of-war contest at Upper School Camp Day. Senior Jasper S. (pictured in gray t-shirt) reflected on what the win meant to him. “It’s not often that we get to see our whole grade gel together like we do on Camp Day, and it was fun to display some of our competitiveness,” he said. “Getting to watch the seniors that came before us take part in this school tradition made it extremely satisfying when we got to do it for ourselves. It was an awesome way to celebrate our final year at UPrep.”

 

 

Beyond Butter Chicken

Sixth grader Meghna B. recruited Pumas for her brand-new Beyond Butter Chicken (BBC) club at this year’s Middle School Club Fair.

“I started BBC to share the wonderful, complex world that is India,” she explained. “India’s films go beyond Bollywood, and its food scene goes beyond butter chicken.”

“The club is super well conceived and thought out by Meghna,” said Faculty Advisor Raj Bhat. So far this year, the BBC club has explored mehndi (henna designs), block printing, and Diwali traditions.

Meghna hopes BBC members learn something new, meet new people, and have lots of fun, while challenging stereotypes about Indian culture. “If people leave BBC feeling a little prouder, a little smarter,
and a little happier, then the club has done its job,” she said.

 

Yo Ho HoCo!

This year’s homecoming theme was “Pirates and Pumas,” and Puma superfans Director of Upper School Susie Wu and Library Director Annie Bingham dressed to impress! “Our dress-up days bring us together and show us that we are all playing on the same team. I like to show up and be a part of the community in that way—you get so much back from it,” Annie said.

ASB Vice President Kori B., 12th grade, really loves and appreciates when faculty/staff join in on the fun. “It creates memories and allows us to joke around with our teachers,” she said. “I think it also encourages more students to participate, which is always the goal when it comes to
school spirit events.”

 

 

A Playground for Builders

If you’re looking for any of the students on our Upper School Robotics Teams, you can find them in the ULab Makerspace several days a week after school and during all their spare time. This space has become a favorite hangout where Pumas can tinker with robots, explore virtual reality, learn to code, and connect with like-minded students. Take a step inside and you’ll be greeted with the sound of handsaws and power drills, the hum of 3D printers, and the buzz of invention.

Ninth graders Cole S. and Amar S. (pictured left to right) are members of one of our six student-led Upper School Robotics Teams. Each team competes in VEX V5 competitions, a global program that challenges students to design, build, and program robots for head-to-head matches, autonomous
tasks, and skill challenges. Students take on roles—from designer to builder to programmer—as they work together to construct a robot that successfully meets the competition’s strict specifications. “The program is strictly student-led,” said Robotics Coach and Development Database Manager Ho-Duong Nguyen. “I’m solely there to guide them and help keep them on track as they build their robots and their confidence.”

 

There's a New Sheriff in Town

This December, Founders Hall transformed into an Old West ghost town as our Middle School Play Production and Stagecraft classes presented A Golden Fleecing! Under the direction of Theatre Teacher Mike Nevarez and Technical Theatre Teacher and Theatre Manager Leroy Timblin, 25 young actors and stagecraft students took the audience on an adventure filled with abandoned saloons and hidden treasure, with lots of laughs along the way.

It was the first time that 6th graders have participated in the play, and Ethan D. gave a convincing and hilarious portrayal of the gruff old Sheriff Tumbleweed—thanks in part to a guest teacher brought in to teach a “Western” accent. “My favorite part about being Tumbleweed was all the funny things I got to do,” Ethan said. “I learned how to use comedic timing to help lines get more laughs.”

Mike loves working with Middle School students because they always surprise him. "They are playful, imaginative, and so full of energy and laughter. Watching them have their breakthrough moments of growth is truly inspiring to me,” he said. “Working with them reminds me of two things: It’s not that serious, and do not underestimate them!”

 

 

A New Destination for Global Link

During a lunchtime Global Link reveal party, these Pumas were thrilled to learn they will be traveling to Le Collège Lycée Saint-Pierre in Saint-Brieuc, France—UPrep’s newest Global Link partner. “With the addition of this French-language partner, Global Link now represents all of the languages taught at UPrep,” said Global and Outdoor Education Program Manager Kate Williams. “While this opportunity certainly benefits our French learners, the many attributes of this destination—medieval architecture, inspiring art, and delicious food, to name a few—will benefit students with a variety of educational goals.”

Tenth grader Julia A. is one of the students who will be representing UPrep in France this year. “I’m most excited about seeing my host buddy again [Julia’s family hosted a student from France last year] and seeing France for the first time,” she said. “I have never been to a country outside of the Americas, so I’m excited to learn about the culture.”

During her time at UPrep, Julia’s family has hosted four Global Link visitors. “My experience with all of them has been very positive!” she said. “The bonds and connections I’ve made have really made me want to visit them and see them again.”

 

¡Olé! ¡Eso! ¡Toma!

Every fall at the Puma Heritage Celebration, we share, learn about, and celebrate the many cultures, religions, ethnicities, and countries represented at UPrep. This year’s event featured more than 20 sharing and learning tables, workshops, and performances representing cultures from Russia to Colombia and everywhere in between.

Spanish Teacher Elena Tello Portoles, who counts the event among her favorite school traditions, performed a flamenco dance for our community. She has danced flamenco for five years. “Flamenco is so important to me; it has become almost a way of life,” she said. “It is a rich art form that has influences from many cultures and involves passion, emotion, intention, and lots of rhythm. I truly appreciate having the space to share it with the UPrep community.”