STUDENT LIFE AND MORE
Throughout the year, student enrichment programs are designed to offer students a well-rounded, 21st century education. Past programs include a visit from Neusole Glassworks, programs organized in partnership with the Cincinnati Arts Association, and in-house programs organized by members of our Student Council.
Residencies
Bringing the world to Springer. Springer has been described by parents as a “bubble,” referring to the safety their children feel in our environment as compared with past experiences. In parallel, and in order to make sure our students are exposed to thought-provoking experiences in preparation for high school, we invite different professionals from the region or other parts of the country to join our community for a brief time to grant our students access to other people and different ways of thinking.
Annually, Springer hosts an Artist in Residence and Musician in Residence, as well as a Visiting Author. Recently, Springer introduced an Actor in Residence. Most residencies conclude with a performance or physical contribution. These enriching programs are supported by two generous funds - the Maureen Wenker Artist in Residence Fund and the Norita Aplin Musician in Residence Fund. Learn more about our Residencies
Be Your Best Self Week
Aspiring to be our best selves. Every year Springer students, faculty and staff take part in a week-long commitment to improving their physical health. Members of the community are challenged each day of the week to improve their own performance from the previous day. Whether counting steps, jumping jacks, push-ups or other physical challenges, our Physical Education teacher uses the intercom system to keep community members engaged in challenges at specific times of day. Building community through individualized improvement is true to Springer’s identity.
Oliver Gale Washington Academy
Biannually, Springer’s seventh and eighth graders are given the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. Our students learn history and governance first hand, and create lasting memories, through our Oliver Gale Washington Academy. This 4-day enrichment experience offers our Middle School students the chance to visit the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and more. The Academy is generously funded by the Gale family.
School attire
Acceptance of the individual. Our students have individual identities, and we embrace and empower the development of their unique self-identity. There are no uniforms at Springer because our fundamental belief is that we help students get to know themselves. Attire, as one would expect, must be appropriate for a school environment.
Additionally, on one day per month community members are invited to wear “Springer gear” to demonstrate their pride in our school, which is referred to as an “Eagle Pride Day.” Each new student receives a Springer t-shirt so that everyone can show their Eagle Pride. “Springer gear” can be purchased here.
Communication
Monthly, weekly… and as needed. Communication is a Springer core value which we reinforce through our actions. This starts with our Faculty and Instructional Assistants, who model effective communication in the classroom. Teachers and Administrators reach out to parents as needed to reinforce partnership (another core value) in an effort to understand and help each child succeed. Student work and school notifications are sent home each week in a “Wednesday Folder," and community updates are sent to Lower School and Middle School parents at the beginning of each month.
Daily schedule
Seven hours go by fast. School begins around 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. every day. Students are able to be dropped off as early as 7:30 a.m. as we offer staffing support to help our early arrivers. Dismissal in such a busy neighborhood is complicated, so we offer parents who pick up their children a number of options to help them get on and off campus in the way they are most comfortable.
Frequently throughout the year students have the opportunity to take part in a specific after-school program that meets their interest. Typical after-school program offerings include Tae Kwon Do, Dance and the Track Team.
Lunch
Four days of packing, one day to order. All students bring a packed lunch to school to support their own unique dietary preferences and needs. Once school is under way in the fall, every Thursday becomes Order Out Day! Families place orders online a few days in advance and students enjoy carryout from that week's designated vendor. Participation is optional, and lunch is delivered to the student lunchroom. Past providers have included Jimmy John's, LaRosa’s and Chick-fil-A. Order Out Day is a favorite weekly activity and fun opportunity for parent volunteers, too.
Transportation
Supported by school districts. As a small school, Springer is not able to provide transportation services for students. Many local school districts transport students to Springer, while some families prefer to transport their own children. In either case an army of Springer staff take part in dismissal each afternoon, allowing parents and students a sense of the caring community that surrounds each child every day.
Closings & Delays
Winter weather may strike! Springer’s emergency notification system alerts parents and guardians of school cancellations. Notifications are also posted on major media outlets, Springer’s website and Springer’s Facebook page. Springer serves students in many different school districts and because road conditions may vary from place to place, we urge parents to make safety decisions based what is best for their family. Students transported by local districts who are delayed when Springer is not will have those tardies excused.