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Jacqui Nickell
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First grader Rygel Farr enjoys programming with Scratch, Jr.
Computer science drives innovation throughout the U.S. economy, but it remains marginalized throughout K-12 education. While nine out of 10 parents want their child to study computer science, only one in four schools offer computer programming.
 
Only 27 states allow students to count computer science courses toward high school graduation. There are currently 604,689 open computing jobs nationwide. Last year, only 38,175 computer science students graduated into the workforce.
 
The Hour of Code is a grassroots campaign focused on getting tens of millions of students to try computer programming during December 7-13, in celebration of Computer Science Education Week. 
 
Although Lakehill Preparatory School already offers a comprehensive computer science program, students of all ages joined in the fun of Hour of Code. Students in kindergarten through grade four used the iPads provided by Trek for Tech funds to explore coding apps, including Daisy the Dinosaur, Kodable, and Scratch, Jr. They also used the code.org site to for Minecraft and Star Wars coding projects. "The coding projects have been such a hit in Lower School that we are going to continue coding next week," said Lower School Computer teacher Casey Pike.
 
Middle and Upper School Computer Science classes have been coding all year, but were able to add new programs this week. Fifth graders have been building programmable robots. They also continued their study of coding with Scratch, while also earning a certificate for their work in a new program Tynker. Upper School began using Snap!, an advanced Scratch program from University of California Berkeley and MIT, while Middle School followed up their studies of picturing programs with Alice 2.
Jacqui Nickell
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Each year, the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce (GEDCC) recognizes teachers who have made significant contributions in the classroom and in the community.

Lakehill Preparatory School English teacher Elizabeth Schmitt was recognized as the Private Middle School Teacher of the Year. Schmitt said she was she was honored to accept this year's award. "Teaching is not a job about awards," said Schmitt, "but it is both humbling and gratifying to have my work honored by the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce. I have lived in East Dallas for 25 years and have worked at Lakehill for 15, which makes this award even more special for me. I love what I do, and being selected as a GEDCC Teacher of the Year is a tremendous honor. The smile of recognition from a student or a thank you note at the end of the year or years later, however, are my most treasured prizes." 

Lakehill Headmaster Roger Perry said he was especially thrilled at the way the business community turned out in force to support these teachers. "It is an honor to have one of our master teachers recognized for her outstanding accomplishments," he said. "It is reassuring to know that the business community recognizes the importance of excellence in education and supports this program wholeheartedly."

 

"We are very grateful to Ms. Schmitt and congratulate her on this wonderful honor," said Lakehill eighth grade grandparent Jim Lucius. "My wife Terry and I are so appreciative of her dedication and ability in teaching. She is pure class."

 

"Ms. Schmitt is really invested in making sure we understand the material and is committed to making learning fun," says a former student. "She encourages us and makes us feel as though our opinion matters."

 

Two additional Lakehill teachers were selected as finalists in the competition. Meredith Sauer was recognized in the Lower School category, while Martina Kroll was a finalist in the High School category.

The Teacher of the Year Awards Program solicits nominations from all public and private schools in East Dallas as well as from business and community leaders. On November 17, Chamber of Commerce Chairman Darlene Ellison presented awards to the winners at a luncheon in their honor. Set against the natural beauty of Lakehill's Alice and Erle Nye Family Environmental Science Center, the day was a fitting tribute to East Dallas's finest teachers.

 

Jacqui Nickell
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Fourth graders explore the OmniGlobe.
 
Lakehill received an out-of-this-world delivery on October 26. An OmniGlobe was installed in Dr. Martina Kroll's classroom in the Upper School science wing. Kids and adults love to engage with this mesmerizing spherical display.
 
Kroll has especially made use of this wonder in her geology class, utilizing its features to showcase how tectonic plates play a role in the formation of earthquakes and volcanoes. The OmniGlobe offers a new perspective for the students. "The 3-D aspect allows the students to really engage in what they are learning," says Kroll. "They gain a better understanding of global aspects such as ocean currents, weather patterns, and even the light cycle." 
 
Kroll's classes are not the only ones getting to use this exciting new technology. Students of all ages are getting a chance to interact with the attraction. "This has been a fascinating addition to our studies," said Middle School geography teacher Patty Pippen. "We have looked at weather patterns and observed how pollution affects the entire globe. Perhaps the most interesting was following the course of a tsunami in the Indian Ocean--starting with the earthquake to the ripples of waves across the globe. You just can't see that on a map; but on a 3-D globe, you can see it all." 

John Trout spent time with fourth graders exploring the content of the 36-inch, 3-D sphere. The map of human suffering sparked much conversation. "I learned how lucky we really are," explained fourth grader Zoe Crist. "Even the worst-off in our country have it so much better than so many others in the world." Fourth grader Olivia Johnston agreed. "When you compare the entire world all at once, you really see the differences in what we have."
 
The OmniGlobe contains approximately 200 animations and models that demonstrate certain aspects of tens of thousands of years of environmental history, including the cycle of Pangea forming present day earth. 

The OmniGlobe is on loan from Earth Day Texas through November 13. Lakehill has partnered with Earth Day Texas for the past four years and will exhibit at this year's event on April 22-24.

 

By Afton Guedea
Marketing Intern, Class of 2016 
Jacqui Nickell
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When hundreds of people take to the streets for a good cause, a lot can happen.
 
Lakehill Preparatory School's 17th Annual Trek for Tech, the Parent Faculty Club's signature fall event, combined all the right elements: two great races, dedicated sponsors, enthusiastic volunteers, and a raffle with fantastic prizes. Uncertain weather couldn't keep the dedicated runners away. The results were a great time for all who attended and a lot of money raised to purchase new technology.

Students, families, and faculty members put their best foot forward in the one-mile Fun Run, while a large crowd hit the pavement for the 5K chip-timed race.

 
Eighth-grade parent Aaron Elliott was the first place overall winner with a time of 20:07. Eighth grader Addison Baumfinished second overall and was the top student finisher with a time of 20:41. Addison's mother, Christell Baum, was the top overall female runner for the second year in a row with a time of20:50. Avery Owen was the top-finishing female student, with a time of 24:29.
 
Organizers report that 364 people registered for this year's races. The Trek Committee is still counting the dollars raised through sponsorship, registration, and technology purchases.
 
The Pasta Dinner, a carb-loading celebration, was held on Friday evening before the race at the Nye Family Environmental Science Center. For $5, diners enjoyed pasta and pizza, sponsored by Comerica Bank. Guests were also treated to a beautiful musical performance during dinner by Lakehill juniors Tillie McCoskey and Lily Turner.
 
The Trek Committee thanks those companies, individuals, and families who supported the race through underwriting and equipment purchases, and the faculty, NJHS, and parent volunteers who helped the event run smoothly.
 
Lakehill thanks John and Karen Owen for chairing this event again and for their efforts in making Trek for Tech a huge success!
Jacqui Nickell
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On October 27, Michael Jones's eleventh grade AP literature classes had the opportunity to present their papers in Lakehill's first literature symposium:
Shakespeare Symposium: On Othello.

Students not only used both the primary text Othello and secondary texts to create their papers presented, but also had to undergo thorough peer reviews, instructor edits, and then more revisions. 
 
Students then presented their papers to a live audience and fielded questions as would happen at a graduate-level conference. "We intend to offer this opportunity to all students in the AP section of literature," said Jones. "I am confident that, after this process, these pieces of writing are near graduate-level work and contest some of the most recent Shakespeare scholarship in terms of insight."
 
Participants and the topics they presented were:
Shakespearean Intoxication: The Many Forms of Alcohol in "Othello"
Varun Iyer
 
An Unhomely State of Life: Iago's Shifting Identities in "Othello"
Abi Price
 
Moral Transitions and Maliciousness: A Study of Evil Influence in "Othello"
Kelly Carlson
 
The Opposing Self: Iago's Contest of Self-Definition
Chambliss Pierson
 
The Stop Sign of Identity: Identity as a Liminal Space as it Appears in "Othello"
William Skipworth
 
Iago's Storm and Othello's Downfall
McKinney Waggoner
 
Color Imagery in "Othello"
Claire Crow
 
"I am excited to be a guiding part of the eleventh grade literature classes," said Jones. "I could not have asked more from these wonderful scholars and look forward to our next symposium."
Jacqui Nickell
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For three weeks this fall, Lakehill Preparatory School faculty members could be seen gliding across the water, strengthening their muscles, building teamwork, and enjoying the sunsets at White Rock Lake.

The idea for this Lakehill faculty crew team came from Lakehill's Director of Admission, Lisa Bracken. "While living on the East Coast, I had watched the rowing teams and always admired the unity and sportsmanship that went into the effort," she explained.

The team was coached by Jonathan Stevens, a Lakehill kindergarten parent and the founder of Dallas United Crew. "When I heard that Lakehill was adding Crew as a team sport, I was thrilled and asked Coach Stevens if they ever worked with faculty," said Bracken. "He said no, but that sparked a conversation, and now we just finished an amazing season of rowing twice a week. Not only is it the best exercise I've ever done, it's been a great way to get to know faculty outside of school."

The team rowed in a vessel known as "the barge," which is wider than a traditional racing boat. The barge can accommodate four rowers on each side, with room for the coach to move up and down the barge in the middle, making it the perfect boat for beginning rowers.

"I have enjoyed kayaking on the lake and have always wanted to learn to row," said Cristy McCarty. "I loved learning the technique and teamwork involved. And it has been great rehab for my knee. My favorite part has been the serenity of being on the lake at night."

Although he has lived within a mile of White Rock Lake since 1978, Bill Dunklau said he had never been out on the water. "I had been wanting  to go out, but it was going to be a hassle to put my friend's kayak into the water, so we never got around to it."

Dunklau says he was surprised at the amount of knowledge and awareness required. "We thought that achieving precise synchronization with the other rowers was difficult enough with our eyes open, until we were told to achieve that result with our eyes closed!" he said. "That specific exercise was one of the highlights."

"Crew was awesome," agreed Sacha Troxler. "I have already signed up to continue crew. I am looking forward to being on a competitive team and am very thankful Lakehill provided me the opportunity to try crew!"

Jacqui Nickell
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Students in Lakehill's Lower School recently unveiled their artistic entries for the annual Triangle Rules poster contest. 
Each fall, students in Lower School participate in a poster contest to illustrate the three rules of the Lower School Behavior Code. Known as the Triangle Rules, they are based on respect, safety, and providing a welcoming environment to all.

Winners were announced on October 23 during a special assembly. Assistant Headmaster Lara Gajkowski and Head of Lower School Patti Brooks presented the awards.   

This year's winners were:
Aileen Edwards, fourth grade - first place
Sophia Cirillo, third grade and Madeline Reister, fourth grade - second place
Madeline Jones and Elisa Haden, second grade, - third place
Cece Degeyter, second grade, Paulette Maney, third grade, andEmma Bassman, second grade - fourth place

Aileen's winning poster, selected from 45 entries, will be displayed throughout the Lower School.

There were also awards for Honorable Mention. Recipients were first grader Karly Davis, second graders Jason Dickerson,Maya Patel, and Mason Pedroza, third graders Esther Neerman, Hudson Wallace, and Harper Kuhn, and fourth graders Abby Dondis and Kellen Kahn.
 
See more photos from the ceremony. 
Jacqui Nickell
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Carlos Lopez, III
 
The Lakehill Warriors hosted Temple Holy Trinity Catholic in their district-opening game on Monday at the Warrior Athletic Complex. Lakehill's first "Monday Night Football" game came courtesy of the heavy weekend flooding that forced a postponement. 
 
The game started well for the Warriors. The defense forced a flurry of Celtic turnovers in the first half, and Lakehill's offense capitalized each time. Safeties Carlos Lopez, III, Warren Lester, and Gerard Franklin each had an interception, with Franklin returning his for a touchdown. Seniors Brandon Douglas and Kason Burt were a wrecking crew up front, generating several sacks and forced fumbles and keeping the Celtic offense off-balance all game. Lakehill led 42-6 at the half.

Offensively, Franklin provided over 300 total yards and five touchdowns. He found freshman Ben Palmer on several long passes, and ended the game with a 50-yard touchdown pass toWill Skipworth. The game was stopped in the third quarter due to the six-man "Mercy Rule," with the Warriors claiming a 56-6 victory. 

With the win, Lakehill secures a berth in the TAPPS State Playoffs for a third consecutive season. The Warriors will now travel to Waco to take on the #1 state-ranked Live Oak Falcons for a share of the district championship. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 31 in Waco.
Jacqui Nickell
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The Lakehill Preparatory School Varsity Volleyball team secured another undefeated district championship on October 22, beating East Texas Christian Academy 25-6; 25-8; 25-13. The team finished the regular season 28-2 and will now go into the playoffs as one of the #1 seeds. The team will hosted the last home volleyball game of the season in the Bi-District playoffs against Austin Veritas on October 28, defeating them in three sets.
 
Prior to today's game, the team traveled to Waxahachie Prep to take on the defending 1A state champions in a warm-up game for the playoffs. The girls fought hard, but lost in four sets 27-29; 16-25; 25-23; 25-18. Though the game had no playoff implications, it was a game Coach Cayme-Mosley thought was necessary to play. 
 
"You never want to take off too much time in between the end of district and the first game of playoffs," said Cayme-Mosley. "The girls are accustomed to playing at least twice a week so I try to maintain that schedule even after district is completed. Waxahachie Prep is a great team and I thought it was beneficial to play a team of that caliber so we know exactly what we need to improve on heading into the playoffs." 
 
The team next takes on Waco Live Oak in the Area Round of playoffs on November 3 at 6:00 p.m. st Italy High School in Italy, Texas.
Jacqui Nickell
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The Lakehill Preparatory School Eighth Grade Volleyball team finished up a near-perfect season with a victory in two sets (25-15, 25-22) on October 27 over DeSoto Canterbury. The win was their fifteenth-straight victory and earned them the coveted IAA Championship.
 
"I knew the girls had the talent and athleticism to win," said Head Coach Ellen Kufel. "They are a remarkable team and I had complete faith in them. We have spent the season working on teamwork, positioning, and coverage, and it really paid off."
 
After defeating CCA in the first round of the Southern Conference IAA Championships, the Lakehill eighth grade volleyball team defeated Canyon Creek at home in the second round on October 22. 
 
The win earned the team a spot in the IAA Championships, played at Fairhill on October 27, against rival DeSoto Canterbury. After losing to Canterbury in the first game of the season, the team has not dropped a game since, and Tuesday night was no exception. 
 
After defeating Canterbury in straight sets, 25-15, 25-22, the Warriors took home the trophy and the title of IAA Champions. The team finishes the season 16-1, winning 15 straight games on the road to the Championship.
 
"We had some amazing serving by Claire Howard, Stella Palmer, Lynley Waggoner, Jada Silas, and  Zuri Williams," said Kufel. They really came through when we needed them and led the team for the most completed serves. Jada had an amazing match across the board." 
 
"I also wanted to give a shout out to Ella Witherite for being such a wonderful manager after her injury."
 
Loveth Heard and Stella Palmer were selected for the IAA All-Star game on October 29. Congratulations to all of the Middle School volleyball players on an amazing season!