A Curious Mind

Andrew Stone, Lower School's Science Integration teacher talks about his pathway to USM and the evolution of his Science program during his 5 years at USM.  From letting students design and answer their own questions, to providing the platform that allows every student (and parent) to realize that they too are a scientist, Andrew's dynamic curriculum allows for years of exploration & discovery!

Mark Edwards, Director of our Upper School Theater program, discusses the unique challenges and triumphs of directing USM's first Fall Film.  As is a common theme with our faculty & students, Mark discusses the ability to pivot and adjust to still provide unique experiences during these uncertain times. 

Upper School English teachers Kate Gay, Drew Mullen and Emily Ihrke join us to talk about the impact that The Round Table has at USM.  From fostering book discussions to teaching lifelong skills, The Round Table has become at staple at USM.

A Curious Mind is honored to welcome our 9th Head of School, Mr. Steve Hancock.  Steve explains his journey from growing up in Wisconsin, to following his passion of performance in the orchestra, to various leadership roles in independent schools across the country, to ultimately back home as Head of School at USM.  We officially welcomed Steve on campus in July and look forward to him leading USM to many successful years ahead. 

Will Piper '96 walks us through his exciting, engaging & student-favorite 5th Grade World Geo class and how it has evolved and changed throughout his time at USM.  Will also shares his unique perspective as an alum, faculty member and current parent of 3 USM'ers.  Check out what makes his class part of The USM Difference.

Tim Williams talks about his path to USM as well as his plan for navigating a Fall athletic season during COVID-19.  We are lucky to have him at USM!

Dr. Haughton reflects on her first year at USM and looks towards goals for the years to come.  From ensuring new families feel welcomed at USM, to her JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) work throughout the whole building- she's got big plans for USM and we are very lucky to have her!

Stuart Cushman, Head of Upper School at USM, explains the steps the leadership team took to plan for a safe reopening on September 1st in the Upper School.   While things may look a little different, the USM experience will still be on full display for our 9th-12th graders.

To start Season 2, we welcome Mike Tauscher, Head of Preschool & Lower School to the program to walk our listeners through what the fall is going to look like for our youngest USM learners in the Preschool & Lower School.  From a new air filtration system to an in depth online and in-person option for families, USM is ready for whatever lies ahead.

Starting next week, A Curious Mind will begin with Season 2 episodes.  To recap Season 1, we talk about the highlights from interviews and how our podcast came about.  Also, our path to USM is discussed as well as what lies ahead.  Thanks for all of your support Season 1 and we look forward to continuing to provide great content & resources for our learners, leaders & citizens!

Thanks,

Sylvester & Mike

We will resume with our regularly scheduled episodes on Monday, July 13 at 8AM

Seeya next time!

Chuck Taft, 8th Grade US History teacher at USM explains his approach to teaching his students about the Declaration of Independence and how it applies it to our world today.  From 'closing the gap' to having conversations with your children about the world we live in, to what the Detriot Lions' record will be this season, Chuck gives an inside look into what makes his class such a student favorite.  

Morgan Woods, USM Alum 'O8 talks about coming back to the program she experienced so much success with at USM.  In addition to molding young minds in her 3rd grade classroom at USM, Morgan is trying to guide and lead her varsity girls to success on the basketball court as she takes over her first year at the helm.  Through building relationships and gaining the trust of her players, Morgan explains her goal of giving these student athletes confidence and success both on and off the court.

We are joined by USM English teacher, Hannah Reimer, to discuss how teachers and parents can discuss the topic of race. Hannah provides insights as to how to talk about race in the classroom and in the home while sharing some great books on the topic for all ages! 

Antiracist Baby by Ibram Kendi 

All the Colors We Are by Katie Kissinger 

Not My Idea by Anastasia Higginbotham 

White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo 

Nurture Shock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman 

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

Katie Gonring, USM's Middle School Drama Teacher and Theater Coordinator explains the process and opportunities that 5th-8th graders have to experience all the magic that takes place in the theater.  Whether in the spotlight, or behind the scenes, the theater has a place for every student. 

Laura Blanchet, 4th grade teacher at University School of Milwaukee talks about how her team implemented one of the only capstone projects to take place in the country at the 4th grade level. 

In this check in, Elaine Griffin, Head of the Middle School at University School of Milwaukee talks about how USM parents, students and teachers are all navigating the new world on online education. 

Perry Robinson, Associate Director of College Guidance at USM, joins us today to talk about the current state of college admissions during the time of Covid-19. Perry brings more than 30 years of experience to the college process and shares his thoughts about ways students and families can navigate the college application process.

Preview of season one of A Curious Mind: Tips For Nurturing Leaders, Learners, and Citizens with hosts Mike and Sylvester.

Andy Thomson, Middle School Athletics Coordinator at University School of Milwaukee discusses current trends in youth sports and weighs the pros and cons of multi-sport athletics vs. those specializing in one sport.