News Detail
A Letter from Joni Palmer
Dear Upper School Families,
Our retreat program during the first week of school set our Upper School students on a positive and intentional path for the year ahead. Each form retreat was guided by a theme that aligns with the developmental needs and educational priorities of that particular year in the Hockaday Upper School experience. Each retreat lasted two days; Forms I and IV traveled to Allaso Ranch, and Forms II and III held their retreats on campus. Below, our Form Deans provide details about each retreat, and discuss how the valuable work we began during the retreats will continue throughout the year. Read More
With unity as the theme for our retreat, Form I began the year by gathering together for the ultimate bonding experience. At Allaso Ranch, girls were divided into their new advisory groups, and participated in fun activities, such as zip lining, a giant rope swing, and canoeing, and team-building exercises, such as low ropes. On our last night, there was an evening pool party where all Form I students had the opportunity to swim, play on water slides, and spend quality time together. We ended the trip with each student writing a letter to herself that she will open during the Form IV retreat in her senior year. This unique experience gave the girls time together with their advisor and classmates out of the academic context to build trust, and unify as an advisory and as a grade. We are beginning the school year with confidence and fellowship, and we will continue to focus on the theme of unity as the year progresses.
-Emily Bemenderfer, Form I Dean
Form II students welcomed the school year with a two-day Retreat at Hockaday. They brought their energy and enthusiasm creating a space to build relationships and start the school year in a fun way. The first day consisted of activities that allowed students to reconnect after the summer, have fun, and begin to think about the theme of empathy. On the second day, we were fortunate to have on campus My Name My Story that “is an organization that develops changemakers based on the belief that stories inspire empathy, and empathy drives change.” Students collaborated and created an empathetic space where they stepped outside of their comfort zones, and were sincere and opened up to their peers. The beauty of this is that we will be working around our theme, empathy, throughout the rest of the school year. I could not think of a better way to have started the school year than observing them sharing and listening to stories in a setting that encouraged and empowered them to feel brave and safe. I am looking forward to a great year!
-Alejandra Suarez, Form II Dean
Form III had a fantastic two-day retreat focusing on their theme: leadership. Before the retreat, Form III students and advisors took a StrengthFinders assessment to determine their top five strengths as a leader. On the first day, LaurieGrace Bouldin, leadership development consultant, helped the juniors understand the meaning behind their strengths and learn how to utilize those strengths to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. On the second day, we focused on bonding as a grade and as advisories. During the retreat, the students stepped out of their comfort zones, took initiative, and formed connections. One of their retreat action items is for your daughter to talk with you about what she learned so families can partner to use their strengths to help them have a successful junior year. I am grateful to work with the wonderful Class of 2019, and I cannot wait for the community to see their leadership in action.
-Jessica Chu, Form III Dean
The theme of the Senior Retreat was Action. The retreat was a time for the senior class to reconnect, make decisions regarding the year, explore leadership opportunities, and set the tone for the year. To that end, seniors and their advisors relaxed in the lazy river and poolside, hiked nearby trails, and enjoyed being together. They also met to elect the chairs of several events, discuss the Halloween theme, conduct other business, and make decisions regarding their senior year. Taking action and demonstrating leadership, seniors also met with freshmen to share words of wisdom regarding Upper School. Two special events during the retreat included receiving the letters seniors had written to themselves as freshmen on the freshmen retreat, and the Senior Campfire which offered a special opportunity for the class collectively and individually to share words of restoration, appreciation, and affirmation.
On Thursday following our return, College Counseling hosted a college application workshop allowing seniors to get a jump start on applications and essays before school work began. The workshop was highly successful and the seniors are making great progress in the application process.
-Rebekah Calhoun, Form IV Dean
Thank you to our Form Deans for the exceptional work they did with your daughters during these retreats! It will be exciting to see the positive results of this valuable (and fun!) time together at the start of the year.
Sincerely,
Joni Palmer
Assistant Head of Upper School
The Hockaday School
Within the private school community, The Hockaday School is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls from grades PK–12 located in Dallas, Texas. Students realize their limitless potential through challenging academic curricula, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs so that they are inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.