📅 Wednesday, April 9 – South Kent vs. Gunn at 4:00 PM
📅 Saturday, May 3 – South Kent vs. Wooster at 4:00 PM

As a proud and collaborative member of the Kent Community, South Kent School is committed to offering Community Days throughout the year, centered around sporting events like Soccer and Basketball (Soccer Community Day). Beyond athletics, South Kent has long hosted Thriller at Halloween for nearly 20 years (watch here), supported Kent Park & Rec activities, participated in the Parade of Lights , and led the annual SKS Feeds the Need initiative to benefit the local food bank. Additionally, South Kent has upheld a 30-year tradition of local community service spearheaded by Father Klots.

If you or your organization are interested in collaborating with South Kent for events or future Community Days, please contact Lara Barrett, barrettl@southkentschool.org

We look forward to celebrating with you—Go Cardinals!

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When asked why he made this unconventional design choice, Thomas simply replied, “Why not?”

This playful yet skillfully executed piece is just one example of the innovative work on display at this year’s show. STEM faculty member Sarah Cassidy, who brings an engineering perspective to South Kent’s arts curriculum, believes pieces like Airplane highlight the deep connection between art and science.

“Leonardo da Vinci didn’t separate the two, and neither do we,” Cassidy said. “Art allows us to see the beauty in science, and science gives us the tools to bring art to life. Thomas’ work is an example of that intersection.”

With a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media projects from students across the region, the 34th Annual Student Art Show is a must-see event for art lovers, families, and anyone who appreciates the creative spirit. Don’t miss the chance to support young artists and experience the future of art firsthand.

📍 Kent Art Association
📅 February 22, 2025
🎟 Admission is free

For more details, visit www.kentart.org.

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“Almost no one likes grammar,” jokes Francesca Romani, World Languages instructor and part of South Kent’s Humanities Program. “You rarely hear someone say, ‘Let’s have a good hour of grammar!’ But at South Kent, we’ve taken an entirely different path. We equip students with a strong, essential foundation from the start, helping them realize how much they can express in another language with just a few core concepts.”

Instead of overwhelming students with grammar rules from day one, the program focuses on communication and practical application. Students begin by mastering essential structures—such as the present tense of ‘to have’ and ‘to be’—before progressively building their understanding of past participles, continuous tenses, and an expanded vocabulary.

“The words we learn most easily are the ones tied to our passions,” Romani explains. “So we help students build vocabulary in ways that feel personal and engaging. If they love sports, they watch games in the target language and annotate their new words in a journal. If they love travel, they create ‘tourist toolboxes’ with essential phrases for navigating a new country.”

Language courses at South Kent incorporate a variety of engaging real-world projects that go beyond textbooks:

French Sports Journalism: Inspired by their interest in sports, students launched “L’Équipe,” a French-language newsletter covering South Kent’s hockey and soccer teams.

Film & Literature Analysis: Students watch classic and contemporary films in their target language, then write and discuss their reflections entirely in French. “Our students were particularly drawn to François Truffaut’s Antoine Doinel films,” Romani says. “They connect with the mischievous, love-struck character on a personal level.”

Paris on a Budget: In this interactive exercise, students receive an imaginary budget and must plan a weekend trip to Paris,using only French-language travel websites to book hotels, transportation, and dining.

Create Your Own French Company: Students design a business from the ground up, writing an “about” section, mission statement, and contact page, then building a functional website using a French-language template.

Capstone Project—The French Revolution Reenactment: In collaboration with South Kent’s Student Clubs, language students will bring history to life by portraying real figures from the French Revolution, from farmers to noblemen to the king himself. “It’s an exciting way to immerse them in language while deepening their understanding of history,” Romani says.

South Kent’s Humanities Program emphasizes a well-rounded, intellectually rigorous education—one that cultivates engaged, thoughtful, and articulate students.

“Our commitment to the humanities is an essential part of preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world,” says Head of School Brian Sullivan. “Languages, literature, history, and the arts challenge students to think critically, engage with different perspectives, and communicate effectively. Whether they are analyzing historical events, debating philosophical ideas, or learning to express themselves in a new language, these experiences help build well-rounded individuals who will thrive in any field.”

Through interactive projects, global perspectives, and a commitment to experiential learning, South Kent’s World Languages Program is helping students become true global citizens—one conversation at a time.

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Advisory teams, consisting of two advisors and their students, rotated through eight different events, testing their skills, teamwork, and school spirit. The competitions ranged from athletic challenges to winter-themed fun, with one particularly popular stop: a s’mores bonfire by the pond, where students could warm up, enjoy some classic winter treats, and sip on hot cocoa, which was available all day.

Unforgettable Moments from the Games:

The Winter Olympics produced plenty of highlight-worthy moments, proving that this event is not just about competition—it’s about community, laughter, and creating memories. Some of the most talked-about moments of the day included:

🔥 Students Ditching Phones for Sleds – At one point, a group of students eagerly handed over their phones just so they could fully enjoy sledding without distractions. A rare sight and a testament to the fun had on the Hillside!

⚾ Harry Scott ’25 vs. Coach Hodge – In what almost became a legendary moment, Harry Scott ’25 nearly struck out Coach Hodge, but Colin got bailed out thanks to a hit-by-pitch. We’ll count it as a close call!

🚀 Brian’s Home Run to the Stratosphere – With the game on the line, Brian Vega ’28 sent a ball into orbit, tying up the score and sending the crowd into a frenzy.

❄️ Telmo’s Sledding Streak – We lost count of how many times Telmo Reino Perez ‘26 flew down the hill, but it was clear he was determined to set a record for most sled runs in a single day.

🏈 QB Javi to WR Zeek for the Game-Winning TD – In a thrilling football showdown, Javier Landin Madrid ‘25 launched a perfect deep ball to Isaiah ‘Zeek’ Young ‘25, who sealed the win with an epic touchdown catch.

🎿 Vignesh’s High-Speed Descent – In a moment reminiscent of National Lampoon’s sledding scene, Vignesh Reddy Paila ‘25 rocketed down the hill at lightning speed, barely avoiding Lew’s on his sled.

More Than Just Games:

While the Winter Olympics were full of competition, the true spirit of the event shone through in the camaraderie, laughter, and shared experiences. Our South Kent Winter Olympics were a reminder of what makes Hillside special—our strong community, our willingness to step outside and enjoy life together, and our ability to turn a simple winter day into an unforgettable event.

As we continue our Cardinal Games, the next round of outdoor Olympics will be in the Spring. Stay tuned.🏅🔥❄️

View all the PHOTOS HERE

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South Kent School students are gearing up for an exciting evening of art, STEM, and sustainability at the inaugural Firefly Environmental Arts Festival, hosted by Millbrook School on February 21. This unique event brings together students, educators, and professionals to celebrate the intersection of science, creativity, and environmental advocacy.

The festival will feature keynote speaker Eileen Fielding, Director of the Sharon Audubon Center, who will deliver an inspiring talk on the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability. For South Kent students, this event is more than just an opportunity to showcase their talents in nature photography—it’s a platform for meaningful collaboration with like-minded peers and professionals who are making a difference in sustainability efforts across the region.

“The Firefly Environmental Arts Festival is a perfect example of how art and science can come together to inspire change,” said South Kent STEM Dean Michelle Borsavage, who played a key role in ensuring South Kent’s participation. “Our students are thrilled to be part of this event, especially as it aligns so well with the sustainability and environmental initiatives we’ve been cultivating at North Campus. The chance to share their work and engage with others who are equally passionate about conservation is truly exciting.”

South Kent’s North Campus has been at the heart of the School’s commitment to environmental education, regenerative agriculture, and hands-on learning in sustainability. Through applied STEM coursework, ecological restoration projects, and farm-to-table initiatives, students have developed a deep connection to the land and an understanding of the role they can play in shaping a sustainable future.

The Firefly Environmental Arts Festival offers South Kent students a chance to further highlight their environmental work, exchange ideas with students from other schools, and gain insight from professionals actively working in conservation. The evening’s collaborative art exhibit, featuring nature-inspired works by both professional and student artists, will serve as a testament to the power of art in raising awareness and inspiring action for environmental causes.

As South Kent students prepare to take part in this exciting event, the importance of hands-on sustainability education at North Campus has never been clearer. Opportunities like these allow students to engage with the broader environmental community, strengthening their commitment to conservation, scientific inquiry, and creative expression.

The Firefly Environmental Arts Festival promises to be a dynamic evening of inspiration and action, and South Kent School is proud to be part of this regional movement toward a more sustainable future.

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Among the standout projects were those created by Lucas Hsuan ’27 and Ryan Jewer ’27, who demonstrated remarkable creativity, linguistic skill, and an entrepreneurial mindset in their work.

Their company concept? A sustainable clothing brand designed specifically for people who suffer from anxiety and depression. Understanding the importance of comfort and well-being, Lucas and Ryan designed a line of clothing made from materials tailored to different moods—some pieces are warm and cozy, while others are light, smooth, and luxurious, offering a sense of ease and reassurance.

Both Lucas and Ryan are hockey players, and their idea stemmed from a desire to support young adults who face mental health challenges by providing sensible, sustainable clothing that promotes emotional well-being.

World Languages Instructor Francesca Romani praised their efforts, sharing, “This project was an opportunity for students to connect language learning with real-world application, and Lucas and Ryan truly embraced the challenge. Their work demonstrates both linguistic growth and the ability to think critically about branding, marketing, and communication—all in a second language.”

Experiential learning opportunities like this empower students to deepen their understanding of both language and culture while applying creativity and business acumen—all valuable skills for the future. Congratulations to Lucas and Ryan on their outstanding work.

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“At South Kent, we are called to be men of service—to recognize need, to act with compassion, and to uplift our community.”

South Kent School has always stood by its commitment to service, and this year, we are once again taking action to support our neighbors in need. Food insecurity continues to affect families in Kent and beyond, and South Kent School is responding with the fourth annual South Kent Feeds the Need initiative, a community effort to collect monetary donations, nonperishable food, and personal care items for the Kent Community Fund and Kent Food Bank.

In Kent, where the median household income is approximately $101,023, over 100 individuals (or 55 households) currently rely on the local food bank for support. The Kent Food Bank has recently called for donations as its shelves are running low due to a significant increase in families seeking assistance. Last year, South Kent School raised cash and online donations and collected hundreds of essential items. This year, we aim to make an even greater impact.

How You Can Help
📍 Student Volunteers at Davis IGA
South Kent students will be stationed outside Davis IGA on Saturday, February 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They will collect food and personal care donations while distributing lists of the food bank’s most-needed items to shoppers.

In advance, please find a SHOPPING LIST OF MOST NEEDED KENT FOOD BANK ITEMS.

🏒 Hockey Fundraisers for the Kent Community Fund on Saturday, 2/15 and Sunday, 2/16
Our hockey games on February 15th and 16th will also serve as drop-off events for non-perishable goods for the Kent Food Bank. The games are at 12:45pm, 3:00pm on Saturday (2/15) and 9am, 11:15am on Sunday (2/16) at South Kent School’s Stockdale Arena. Spectators are encouraged to bring as many non-perishable items as they can. Cash or online contributions for the Kent Community Fund will also be accepted at this time and the students will be using any funds raised to go shopping for items to donate.

At South Kent, service is not just an expectation—it’s a way of life. As Father Klots reminds us, we are all called to serve, to recognize need, and to make a difference. Through South Kent Feeds the Need, our students are not only providing critical resources, but also upholding the values of empathy, responsibility, and leadership that define our school community.

Thank you for joining us in this mission. Together, we can ensure that no neighbor goes without.

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This week marks the beginning of South Kent School’s second annual Experiential Learning Week, a highly anticipated tradition that debuted in 2024 and quickly became a hallmark of the South Kent experience. Designed to spark curiosity, foster self-reliance, and break up the long New England winter, this week provides students with the opportunity to engage in hands-on, dynamic learning outside the traditional classroom setting.

For South Kent, Experiential Learning Week is about more than just trying something new—it’s about connecting to the simplicity and directness of purpose that underpin our school’s values. As Jesse Brennan, Dean of Mastery Learning & Curricular Innovation, explains, “Whether it’s building something with your own hands, discovering self-reliance on a hike, or mastering a new skill, this week is a chance for students to grow in meaningful and intentional ways while bringing energy to the winter season.”

Students will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of courses that cater to diverse interests and spark exploration.

A small sampling of the offerings for 2025 include:

– Tapas: A Regional Tour of Hispanic Cuisine
– Exploring the Litchfield Hills Through Hiking
– Tastes (Culinary Arts) of Upstate NY
– Introduction to Bitcoin
– Mastering Chess
– Carpentry
– Introduction to Stage Combat
– Acting, Communication, and Media Techniques
– Spaces for God: Exploring Diverse Religious Traditions

Beyond the daily courses, the week is packed with engaging evening activities designed to bring students together in the spirit of camaraderie and competition.

Highlights include:
– A week-long 6v6 intramural tournament
– A “Chopped” cooking competition at the North Campus kitchen, culminating in a Friday “Tournament of Champions”
– An esports tournament
– DIY pizza-making
– Casino Night
– And other fun and interactive experiences

Experiential Learning Week is a reflection of South Kent School’s commitment to providing a holistic education that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. It’s about helping students discover new passions, build practical skills, and create lasting memories in a supportive and dynamic environment.

As the second year of this tradition begins, the entire Hillside is buzzing with excitement for what lies ahead. Stay tuned for updates and highlights from this exciting week of exploration, creativity, and growth.

We look forward to seeing our students dive into these unique experiences and embrace the opportunity to grow in meaningful ways during this special week. More photos and updates will be posted at the end of the week – stay tuned.

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Maggie was a cornerstone of South Kent School during her family’s tenure on the Hillside, where her husband, George Bartlett, served as Headmaster from 1969 to 1989. Beyond the many formal roles she held, Maggie became a surrogate mother to countless students, providing emotional support and creating a sense of family for those navigating the challenges of adolescence and life away from home. Her instinctive kindness, unwavering compassion, and selfless dedication helped to shape the fabric of South Kent School, fostering a community rooted in care and connection.

This past summer, we had the privilege of welcoming Maggie back to campus for Centennial Weekend, where her warm smile and vivid storytelling brought joy to all who crossed her path. Maggie shared cherished memories and reminded us of the rich history that binds us together as a community. Seeing her back on the Hillside was a gift, as she embodied the spirit of South Kent in every way.

We will forever be grateful for Maggie’s lasting contributions to South Kent School, from the guidance and care she offered to generations of students to her commitment to building a community where everyone felt valued and supported. As we celebrate her life, we also commit ourselves to continuing the legacy of kindness, compassion, and service she exemplified.

To her family, friends, and all who were touched by Maggie’s love, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt appreciation for sharing such a remarkable person with us. Maggie’s legacy will live on in the hearts and actions of all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, Maggie’s family wishes that you continue to help keep her spirit alive by being kind to your neighbors. Donations may be made to Aids Support Group of Cape Cod, P.O. Box 1522, Provincetown, MA 02657
Servant, well done.

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The team will meet every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM in the state-of-the-art Gaming Room on the lower level of the Martin Henry Building. The room is equipped with five brand-new gaming consoles featuring the latest technology. Students may also bring their own equipment, with the flexibility to play either in the gaming room or remotely.

A Thriving Industry with Real-World Impact
The esports industry is a global phenomenon, boasting a market revenue of over $1.8 billion in 2023 and a dedicated audience of more than 500 million people worldwide. Competitive gaming has evolved into a professional and collegiate landscape, with major leagues like the Overwatch League and League of Legends Championship Series offering multi-million-dollar prize pools and scholarships. The ind

Beyond entertainment, esports is a training ground for essential life skills. Players develop advanced hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, teamwork, and communication abilities. These competencies are in demand across various fields, from STEM careers to the military and intelligence sectors, where precision and quick decision-making are critical.

Program Details and Vision
The program, which was recently launched, will officially kick off in the first semester of 2026, with plans to announce team captains and a tournament schedule soon. Led by a qualified faculty member, the esports team will evolve from a club activity into a competitive league team, ensuring age-appropriate games and a safe, structured environment for all participants.

“Esports is a forward-looking initiative that prepares our boys for the demands of a digital world,” said Brian Sullivan, Head of School. “Gaming builds advanced technical skills, enhances cognitive abilities, and requires precision, strategy, and rapid decision-making—skills that are highly sought after in fields like the military, intelligence services, and beyond. Most importantly, it fosters teamwork and inclusivity, core values that are central to South Kent’s mission.”

Opportunities for Students
Esports opens doors to numerous career paths, including game design, event management, and broadcasting. Colleges and universities now offer over $15 million in annual esports scholarships, and students involved in gaming often excel in STEM-related disciplines, thanks to their exposure to technology, analytics, and problem-solving.

With the exponential growth of the esports industry and its potential for scholarships, career pathways, and personal growth, this program promises to be a game-changer for students and the South Kent community.

Stay tuned for updates on team developments, tournaments, and additional opportunities within this exciting new program.

For more information, please contact Aron Kowalski: kowalskia@southkentschool.org

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