“As apex predators, sharks are critical to the balance of all marine ecosystems,” she said. This summer, Erin engaged in a unique professional development opportunity aboard the research vessel “Garvin” off the coast of Miami, Florida. She returns to the classroom with a wealth of knowledge and a new perspective.
George School kicked off the 2023-2024 school year in style and started a new tradition with Community Convocation on Sunday, August 27 followed by a community cookout and camaraderie on Red Square.
Casey Maxwell hopes to make a difference with the next generation of athletes and trainers as Head Athletic Trainer at George School.
Two alumni and one long-time teacher are the perfect match for the George School Girls Varsity and JV teams. Elena Harris ’90 is delighted to serve as Varsity Head coach this season alongside her George School mentor Cheri Mellor, who serves as assistant coach, and George School alumna Cecilia Grissa ’04, who will lead the JV team as head coach.
Jason Geng ’25 is a student from China who helped coordinate Lunar New Year celebrations on campus during the winter of 2023—sharing his nostalgic family recipes at his home away from home.
Experiencing the power of service learning first through the lens of a student and then as a faculty trip leader inspired Meredith to take on the role of Service Learning Coordinator. Now, she is building upon the strong legacy of service learning at George School.
On an academic service learning trip to Athens, Greece, Franklyn, and Jake Whent ’24 volunteered with Love Without Borders, an organization that works with children and adult refugees. The trip—part of the Storytelling for Social Justice course being offered with the Signature Academic Program, allowed Franklyn and his peers to learn, firsthand, the day-to-day challenges facing refugees. For Franklyn, it was a worldview-altering experience.
Jō Adachi, the painting and drawing teacher at George School, creates as both a teacher and artist, educating with the mantra that everyone can develop the skills to be an artist with the right mindset and approach. Many of Jō’s students have gone on to have careers as artists and built the foundation of their creative process at George School.
In TOK, a philosophy course that encourages critical thinking, Sydney Burns ’10 remembers reading Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. “The conversations I had with Ralph Lelii, my Theory of Knowledge teacher, in and out of the classroom sparked an interest in philosophy that I later pursued in college,” said Sydney.
Mark your calendars: CulinArt will have lots of delicious food ready for lunch on Tuesday, October 3 for Oktoberfest
and Wednesday, October 4 for National Taco Day!
Questions? Contact Fred Long at fred.culinart@georgeschool.org.
Friends,
Banned Books Week takes place on October 1 – 7 this year!
This is an important week not only for libraries, but schools and readers everywhere as it celebrates every individual’s right to read, encourages us to use our voices in a respectful and productive way to speak out against censorship, and supports equitable access to information for all.
This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Read!” and MDA library staff has prepared book displays to help highlight the 13 most challenged titles from 2022, as well as titles that have been banned over the years. Stop by and take a look this week—you might be surprised to see just how many familiar titles are included!
Faculty: If you would like to schedule a class visit to the library for Banned Books Week, please email mdalibrary@georgeschool.org and a library staff member will be in contact with you.
Want to learn more about Banned Books Week? Visit https://bannedbooksweek.org/ for more information, or stop by MDA library.
Happy reading,
MDA Library Staff
The Waghorne Academic Study Hub (WASH) is a tutoring center open to all students.
It is home to Math Help, the Writing Center, and to a peer tutoring program in a variety of subjects. It is open Monday to Thursday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
See below for details, and click here to schedule a virtual consultation with the Writing Center.
Term 2: Week 1 Schedule (10/2 – 10/5)
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MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
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WORLD LANGUAGES |
Chinese (7:30-8:30)
French |
Spanish
Latin (8:30-9:30) |
Spanish Latin French (7:30-8:30) |
Chinese Spanish
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SCIENCES |
Biology (8:30-9:30)
Chemistry (7:30-8:30) |
Physics (7:30-8:30)
Chemistry |
Chemistry | Chemistry
Physics Biology
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Math Help is available every evening. |
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Writing Center help is available every evening. |
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Thursday evening: start your weekend with s’mores at the Marshall Fire Pit from 5:30- 7:30 p.m.
Friday: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Shopping on Chestnut Street and Rittenhouse Square, Chinatown lunch and mooncakes for the 
Mid-Autumn Festival.
Saturday: Peddler’s Village, Bucks County Scarecrow Festival.
Sunday: Hawk Mountain hike and bird/raptor migration observation.
Sunday: New York City, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Manet/Degas Special Exhibition.
Refresh your spirit with a hike at Hawk Mountain this weekend!
Have you seen these people? What on earth do they do at George School?
Attend the Advancement Student Leaders Club on Wednesday, October 4 to:
Students: fill out this form if you’re interested!
The first meeting on Wednesday, October 4 will be during lunch in the Orr Room (basement of Main). Bring your lunch – dessert will be provided. 
Do you know any families interested in George School? Encourage them to attend our Fall Open House on Sunday, October 29!
Students and families planning to apply for the 2024-2025 school year are also invited to schedule their interview by calling 215.579.6547. Interviews begin in October and run through February. Families can either come to campus or meet with our Admission Team via Zoom.
Lawrence, NJ
Boarding Student
She/her
Involvement: Fencing, Volleyball, Dance, UNICEF, Psychology, FBLA, Amnesty, Asian Student Union
Favorite Activity as a Boarding Student: Stargazing with friends on South Lawn
“Sophomore year, I started a UNICEF club here at George School and I’ve had so much fun with this club ever since. Having never started a club before this, UNICEF was really a chance for me and the members to explore and take initiatives in advocacy while gaining lifelong memories.”
Seoul, South Korea
Boarding Student
She/her
Involvement: Volleyball, Lacrosse, Biochemistry Club, SEASU, Orchestra, Community Wellness Committee (CWC), GS Science Olympiad
Favorite GS Memory: Hosting a picnic under the cherry blossom trees during AP/IB exam season in the Spring to destress with friends.
Elizabeth finds community through her collection, her friends, and dorm parents. As a boarder, she views her dorm members as her second family, and appreciates how they all take care of each other throughout the school year.
There’s a WIN day coming up on Friday, September 29. WIN Days are for students to rest, socialize with friends, visit colleges, and work on long-term projects in between terms. There are NO classes on WIN Days.
Boarding students may leave campus on Thursday, September 28 only after their last school obligations (academic, performing arts, and sports) are complete. If you live locally and have an obligation over the weekend, you may go home and return to campus over the weekend for your obligation.
When you know your plans, please enter a “Weekend Leave Request” in REACH. Contact the Deans’ Office at deans@georgeschool.org with questions.
Trenton Van Information:
Classes resume at 8:15 a.m. on Monday, October 2 for the start of Term 2!
Get ready for Spirit Week, scheduled for the week of October 8-14. Student Council is busy planning themed days fan buses to Westtown games, and more! The week will wrap up with a campus Green and White dance on Saturday night. More details to follow—stay tuned!
Yardley, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Cheerleading, Lacrosse, Vocal Music, Jazz Club, Goldfish n Java, Student Council
Favorite GS Memory: Winning the last cheer competition of the year and celebrating all of their hard work throughout the season!
“I chose to come to George School because I was excited to start fresh. Coming to George School from public school meant new people, harder classes, and better athletics. Overall, I was just excited to make new first impressions and learn to become the best version of myself.”
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Boarding Student
She/her
Involvement: Book Club, Model UN, Community Chorus, Theater, Vocal Ensemble
Favorite Place on Campus: The Cherry Grove on South Lawn
Elspeth describes her collection as a strong, cohesive community inside the larger community of George School. Her advisor, Eric Wolarsky, provides advice for those who need it and her collection is composed of a group of students with varied GS experiences, such as people in different grades, from different countries, and who are both boarders and day students.
Pennington, NJ
Day Student
He/him
Involvement: Cross Country, Swimming, Theater, Model UN, Film Club (leader), ARGO (editor)
Favorite Place on Campus: Underneath the skylight at the Mollie Dodd Anderson Library
“My favorite class was the very first class I took at George School, Essentials of a Friends Community, with Pete Holland. It was just such a great class to start my GS career with, and an excellent introduction to the values and traditions of George School.”
Jenkintown, PA
Day Student
They/them
Involvement: Field Hockey, Ultimate Frisbee, Softball, Theater, Thrift Club, Goldfish n Java
Fun Fact: I started the Ultimate Frisbee team and also organized two live music festivals!
“One of my favorite activities to do on campus is go on walks in the vast woods that we have. It’s always really peaceful to go on a walk and I’ve found so many cool niche spots on campus that I’ve been able to show my friends.”
Ottsville, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Lacrosse, Soccer, Goldfish n Java Club, Thrift Club
Fun Fact: My brother is also a George School student! (Class of 2025)
“I love being a day student because it allows me flexibility with my schedule. It allows me to be able to do sports on campus and off campus really easily, and it also gives me the option to go back to GS when I want to to do the weekend activities GS offers.”
Yardley, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Cross Country, Softball, Track, Instrumental Music
Favorite Place on Campus: The swing on South Lawn
“I decided to attend George School because of all of the opportunities I saw here. It is also set up much like a college campus, so I know that I will be well prepared when the time comes for me to go to college.”
Monastir, Tunisia, and Amman, Jordan
Boarding Student
He/him
Involvement: Basketball, Soccer, Track, Ultimate Frisbee, French Club, MATES (School publication for STEAM subjects), MSA (Muslim Students Association)
Fun Fact: I am a triplet and have been playing soccer with my siblings for 8 years!
Laith was drawn to George School because he loved the dorm community at and how everyone is connected, in addition to the large number of courses and options for involvement and academics offered at George School.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Boarding Student
He/him
Involvement: Lacrosse, Soccer, Climate Action Club
Favorite GS Memory: Storming the lacrosse field after a memorable win
“As an international student, I really like the birthday celebrations that Orton (Dormitory) puts on for every member of the community. It is one of the many traditions that makes boarding life feel more like living at home.”
Hopewell, NJ
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Cross Country, Swimming, Track, Science Olympiad, USAYPT (United States Association for Young Physicists), Food and Culture Club, Astronomy Club
Favorite Subjects at GS: Science and Art
“I really love the support system my collection provides. I feel my collection is becoming a second family. Everyone in the collection is there for both your triumphs and struggles, and they really care about helping you through them.”
Pennington, NJ
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Basketball, Volleyball, Vocal Music, SAMOSA, Women’s Empowerment
Fun Fact: I play travel basketball outside of school and travel the country with my team for tournaments and showcases.
“I have always gone to public school growing up and moved once so I’ve been through lots of change. Also, switching to a private school is a big step. I was nervous at first, but George School was the perfect place for me!”
Pottstown, PA
Boarding Student
She/her
Involvement: Softball, Tennis, Goldfish n Java (leader), LASO (Latin American Student Organization)
Fun Fact: I was born in Brazil and have lived in Madagascar, Lesotho, and Colombia since then! I also speak Portuguese.
“I wanted to go to a school that could push me and be challenging while at the same time not be too competitive. Since being here, I don’t feel as though I am constantly trying to stay ahead of everyone, but instead I find myself working together with my friends and teachers to do better as a whole.
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, México
Boarding Student
She/her
Involvement: Basketball, LASO (Latin American Student Organization), Women’s Empowerment Club, Morgan’s Message
Why she chose George School: “A perfect combination of a strong academic program, a great basketball coach, and an extremely diverse student body”
Whether it be teachers, coaches, classmates, teammates, or advisors, Bree has met people at George School who care about each other and the community. Bree has learned that at George School the faculty and staff care for the students and are invested in their growth.
Shanghai, China
Boarding Student
She/her
Involvement: Cross Country, Swimming, Standing Room Only (SRO), MATES (School publication for STEAM subjects), GS Athletic Media Team, Psychology Club
Favorite Place on Campus: The Mollie Dodd Anderson Library
George School gave Celine a chance to explore her previous passions in a new setting. Live Music Weekend is her favorite weekend where students can sing and play music, reminding her of the past eight years she spent in the most famous Children’s Choir in Shanghai.
Beijing, China
Boarding Student
He/him
Involvement: Baseball, Cross Country, Theater
Favorite Class at GS: Painting and Drawing
Jerry loves being a boarder at George School because of the constant support and community. For example, during the week of the school musical, Jerry returned to his dorm after a late night of rehearsal to his roommates waiting for him in the lobby to congratulate him and his castmates on their hard work.
Yardley, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Cross Country, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Climate Action Club, Book Club, Thrift Club
Favorite Class at GS: AP U.S. History
Ivy’s favorite parts of the day are getting fresh air on her walk between classes and eating at the picnic benches outside of Main. Her best memories of George School have been made while sitting on those benches eating lunch with her friends and relaxing under one of the many trees on campus between classes.
Beijing, China
Boarding Student
She/her
Involvement: Equestrian, Swimming, Theater, Instrumental Music, Psychology Club, Plant Club, Science Olympiad
Fun Fact: I travel around the world every year with my family and I have been to more than 20 different countries. I love doing exciting sports such as rock climbing, skiing, ice skating and snorkeling.
“George School is famous about its wonderful and diverse group of students, it makes me feel safe and welcomed as an international student in this community.”
Holland, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, SAGA, Percussion Club (co-leader)
Favorite Place on Campus: Betty’s Place or the Woodshop!
Irina chose George School for the loving community she grew up with at Newtown Friends School. She hopes to show prospective students that it is possible to maintain good grades and a social life on campus while pursuing all of your interests at George School.
Langhorne, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Cheerleading, Vocal Music, UMOJA, Women’s Empowerment
Favorite GS Memory: Volunteering at the Haunted Trail Walk during Haunted Hayride Day
“I had come from a small Quaker school, and I wanted to continue being in a community that was as respectful, diverse, and fun as the one I came from. When I toured George School, I immediately felt that same sense of community, and I knew this was the right place for me!”
Ringoes, NJ
Day Student
He/him
Involvement: Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, Vocal Ensemble
Favorite Class at GS: AP Language and Composition with Joelle Sanphy
“If you asked 14-year-old me what 16-year-old me would be like, he wouldn’t guess it in a million tries. George School has taken all of the areas I lacked in and transformed them into the highlights of my character and I can’t wait to see what I will be like my senior year.”
New Hope, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Tennis, Climate Action Club, Ski Club, Yearbook Committee
Favorite GS Memory: Bonding with her teammates during preseason on the tennis team
“Being able to be outside in between each class and walking to each building in the fresh air and sunlight is such a special gift we have as students here. When I catch myself taking it for granted, I have to stop and just look around at the beautiful buildings, trees, and nature that surrounds me.”
Dreshner, PA
Boarding Student
She/her
Involvement: Soccer, Softball, Ultimate Frisbee, Dance, ARGO, Thrift Club, Climate Action Club
Fun Fact: My mom is a George School alumna!
“I’m so happy I am a boarder because I love the moments that spontaneously happen in the dorm, like when everyone on my hall ends up watching a tv show together, or just laughing with my friends before lights out.”
Yardley, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Lacrosse, Women’s Empowerment, Dance, UNICEF, ARGO, Climate Action Club, Thrift Club
Favorite GS Memory: Dancing to “Closing Time” by Semisonic to celebrate the end of Live Music Weekend
“I chose George School because not only did the community and environment seem like the place I wanted to put myself, I learned what it was like to be in the George School community. It is a place that highlights inclusivity and equality as well as the strive to push and challenge students to do their best in and out of the classroom.”
Yardley, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Tennis, Softball, Equestrian, Basketball
Favorite Themed Weekend at GS: Harvest Weekend
Charlotte knew George School was the high school for her because of the instant connection and kindness from everyone on campus. Even when doing virtual zooms, everyone was so friendly and willing to answer any questions she had.
Doylestown, 
PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Student Council, Women’s Empowerment Club, Morgan’s Message
Favorite Themed Weekend at GS: Student Council Weekend
For Caroline, community comes from sports, where she adores her teammates and looks forward to seeing her friends at every practice, workout, or game—even if it is early in the morning. The bus rides back from field hockey and lacrosse games have become her favorite memories at George School.
Yardley, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Model UN, Climate Action Club, Women’s Empowerment Club, Outdoor Games Club, Med Forum, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Swimming
Favorite GS Memory: Going on the South Africa Service Learning Trip!
“The relationships I have formed with my teachers and adults in the community are one of the reasons I have felt so at home at George School. It is rare to have a school where the students have the ability to connect with teachers outside of the classroom, but it truly is a large part of what makes our school so special.”
Beijing, China
Boarding Student
He/him
Involvement: Fencing, Tennis, Soccer, MATES (School publication for STEAM subjects), Math Team, Psychology Club, Chess Club
Fun Fact: I started Fencing Club with my advisor, Kai, who also happens to be my teacher, club sponsor, coach, and dorm parent!
“I believe that boarding has helped me build relationships with those who I normally would not have interacted with. When you are living with others in such a close environment, you eventually start to know everyone and get close with them.”
Henryville, PA
Boarding Student
She/her
Involvement: Volleyball, Vocal Music, Theater, LASO (Latin American Student Union), Film Club
Favorite Place on Campus: The Music Studio!
“Everyone has been so welcoming and encouraging ever since I first stepped foot on campus for Celebration for Accepted Students Day. George School has allowed me to become comfortable in my own skin and has encouraged me to explore many things that I didn’t have the opportunity to try before coming here.”
Bethlehem, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Lacrosse, Field Hockey, Morgan’s Message, Prom Committee
Favorite Themed Weekend at GS: LASO (Latin American Student Organization) Weekend
As a member of the lacrosse and field hockey teams, her favorite place on campus is the turf field where she finds camaraderie with her teammates. Being a part of a close knit team offers endless support on and off the playing field.
Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
Boarding Student
She/her
Involvement: Equestrian, Psychology Club, Anthropology Club, Art History Club
Favorite Class at GS: Psychology
“I love being a boarding student because I love the caring dorm environment and the fun activities that we do together. As international students who first came to George School during the pandemic, we got support from many teachers, staff members, and dorm parents even before we landed at the airport.”
Xi’an, China
Boarding Student
She/her
Involvement: Cheering, Tennis, Softball, Model UN, ComEngineering
Why she chose George School: “It was the school that wished me ‘Happy Birthday’ while I was applying”
“I am able to be my true self in front of my advisor and she’s become my second mom. She’s always the first person I would go to whenever something comes up and I love how patient and helpful she is.”
Plainfield, NJ
Boarding Student
She/her
Involvement: Volleyball, Dance, UMOJA
Favorite Dining Hall Food: Waffles with applewood bacon
“I love holiday weekend because it’s a time when I see our campus light up the most. It’s a time where we gather together to see the beautifully decorated meeting house and a time I truly enjoy.”
Philadelphia, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Equestrian, Climate Action Club
Favorite Class at GS: Spiritual Practices for Wellbeing with Robert Mooney
“The riding team is what drew me to look at GS, and was the ultimate attraction when I toured. After touring, though, I fell in love with the outdoor campus, the old buildings, and the huge painting and drawing studio. Colby interviewed me and we immediately got along so well. I loved how respected and seen I felt during my interview and I really saw myself growing at George School.”
Feasterville, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Dance, Theater, UMOJA, Thrift Club
Favorite Class at GS: Dance and Creative Process
“Creativity is a large part of how I identify and truly makes me who I am. George School is a great place to help you discover those little things that make you different that you can include in your work to make it great.”
Beijing, China
Boarding Student
She/her
Involvement: Cross Country, Curious George, Yearbook, Art History Club, Anthropology Club
Favorite Class at GS: AP Language and Composition with Kyle Abbott
“My favorite George School memory would be when I first sang the George School hymn at the start of my sophomore year. It was the first time that I experienced a whole school gathering and shouting ‘George School!’ It empowered me with school spirit and forever love for my high school.”
Yardley, PA
Day Student
She/her
Involvement: Soccer, Swimming, Vocal Music, Red Cross Club President, UNICEF, MedForum, Amnesty, Thrift Club
Favorite Place on Campus: The Mollie Dodd Anderson Library
After transferring to George School her junior year, Hannah was immediately welcomed into the George School community. Gathering with her advisor and collection weekly helped her cultivate a strong support system and friendships as a new student on campus. “When I first walked on campus for my tour, I felt at home.”
Newtown, PA
Day Student
He/him
Involvement: Baseball, Football, Lacrosse, Model UN, Ski and Board, Robotics, Yearbook Club
Favorite Class at GS: Global Politics with Dar Sheth
Axton is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma candidate and practicing Quaker with a passion for history. Whether he is studying or collaborating with friends, he enjoys spending his time in the back tables of the Mollie Dodd Anderson Library.
Did you know that MDA Library provides access to OneSearch, a discovery system that simplifies access to our vast collection of digital and print resources? This powerful tool allows you to search for books, e-books, articles, and other materials all in one place from the library webpage.
Instead of searching through multiple databases and websites to find the resources you need for your assignments, projects, or lesson plans, you can save time and focus on what really matters: your research.
OneSearch makes it easy to filter results by type, date, subject, and more in addition to providing recommendations for related resources based on your searches. Whether you are a community member looking for research materials, teaching resources, an article blocked by a paywall, or your next great read, OneSearch will make your search more efficient.
The MDA Library team is available to provide support and training to help you get the most out of this new tool. Visit our website to explore OneSearch and incorporate it into your work, teaching, and research.
Questions? Email mdalibrary@georgeschool.org or book a research consultation here.
Parents/Guardians: Please join the Parent and Guardian Association (PGA) for dinner in the dining hall at 5:30 p.m. before its final meeting of the school year on Monday, April 17. The meeting will be from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the MDA Library Conference Room. Those unable to attend in person may join virtually via Zoom. The meeting link is on the Parent Portal.
