The heart of this podcast episode revolves around the integration of physical and mental wellness in education, encapsulated in Detroit Country Day School’s motto, "Mens Sana in Corpore Sano," which translates to "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body." We dive into how educators at DCDS are actively fostering a culture that prioritizes the holistic development of students, ensuring they thrive both in and out of the classroom. By sharing stories supported by Mind Brain Education from various classrooms, we explore how movement, play, and community engagement are essential for learning. Our guests: Kathleen Pernick and Katie Maisonville - a PreK team, Chelsea Larsen - middle school theatre teacher, and Henry Upton - upper school history teacher offer insights on mind–body connection, balance and well-being, multimodal learning, and classroom community. Join us as we unpack the practical applications of this philosophy and its impact on student growth and success.

This episode dives into how the "Engineer Your World (EYW)" curriculum is engaging high school students in authentic engineering experiences and inspiring them to embrace an engineer’s habits of mind. Laura Beachum and I along with mentoring EYW teachers and faculty from the University of Texas at Austin explore the challenges students face when they encounter new concepts for the first time, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, teamwork, reflection and perseverance in overcoming discomfort. We all reflect upon our own experiences from a recent EYW Professional Development Summer Institute and how Laura and I plan to implement the human-centered engineering projects at Detroit Country Day School. The discussion highlights the necessity of creating a supportive environment where students can thrive and learn from failure, reinforcing the idea that education is not just about finding the right answers but about the journey of discovery and understanding. Join us as we unpack practical strategies that bring brain science to life in the classroom and make learning meaningful for every student.

Today, we are celebrating Stacy Penkala, a beloved figure in Detroit Country Day School's Counseling Program. Stacy reflects on her nearly three decades of experience, reminding us that every student deserves to feel seen and valued. Our guests, Andrew Callery and Josh Greenwald from the Detroit Country Day School College Counseling Department, share their insights on building meaningful relationships with students, emphasizing that it’s not just about getting into college but about understanding each student’s unique story and aspirations. We dive into the evolving landscape of college counseling with a focus on how personal connections make all the difference for students navigating their academic journeys. We all discuss the shift from a transactional approach to one that prioritizes individual growth and self-discovery, highlighting the importance of knowing students beyond their academic achievements. Join us as we explore how this relational depth is crucial in today’s educational environment, ensuring that school truly matters for every student.

Takeaways:

• In today's digital age, fostering deep relationships with students remains crucial for meaningful growth and learning experiences.
• The shift from a transactional college counseling approach to a relational one helps students become the storytellers of their own academic journeys.
• Starting college counseling in ninth grade allows students to develop their identities and skills before they enter the college application process.
• Every student defines success differently, which encourages a more tailored approach to college counseling, focusing on their individual needs and aspirations.