Inclusivity and Multiculturalism

We enjoyed connecting with all of our families who joined us for our annual Inclusivity & Multiculturalism Reception. Attendees heard from our guest speaker, Jen Cort, who is a nationally recognized consultant who partners with independent schools across the country to foster sustainable growth and inclusivity. Her work has been featured in major publications including The Washington Post and The New York Times.

Our sixth and seventh graders participated in a workshop with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities to strengthen their inclusive communication skills. Through discussions and interactive activities, students practiced listening with empathy, responding respectfully and navigating challenging conversations thoughtfully. They also reflected on how words, actions and attitudes shape relationships and considered ways to help everyone feel a sense of belonging at NSA.

Throughout the month of February, students across our divisions learn about the contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout history. At our Harbour View Campus, Mrs. Jackson's kindergarten classroom turned into a hands-on learning hospital, where students studied the accomplishments of Dr. Alexa Irene Canady and Dr. Daniel Hale Williams.

At our Harbour View Campus, Ms. Huynh taught her second graders how Lunar New Year is observed in Vietnam. Students studied different Lunar New Year traditions, learned about the animals of the zodiac and what they represent, played the traditional game Bầu Cua Tôm Cá with their classmates and received lì xì envelopes from Ms. Huynh as a symbol of luck and prosperity in the year ahead.

Lower School students studied the continent of Asia in their Global Connections classes, learning about the customs, traditions and celebrations of the people who live there, including Holi. Kindergarteners created bright sand art inspired by the vibrant and joyful holiday, while fifth graders took the celebration outdoors and tossed colorful powder with their classmates and Global Connections teacher Mrs. Perez.

During the 2025-2026 academic year, the Isabella Health Foundation, Inc. Club invited Isabella Health Foundation founder, CEO and president Dr. Katharine Hawkes to speak to Upper School students about equity, public health and the social determinants that shape opportunity and well-being.

In honor of Black History Month, eighth grade art students studied Jean-Michel Basquiat, who revolutionized the art world in the 1980s with his bold, expressive neo-expressionist works. Students created their own paintings inspired by Basquiat's style, incorporating symbols he used in his art, as well as themes that are important to them. Classes then designed an installation for their paintings, featuring a tape mural of symbols often found in Basquiat's work.

Throughout the month of January, students in all of our divisions learned about the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and its impact. In first grade, students and teachers had thoughtful conversations about empathy, courage and how to be peacemakers at school and beyond.

Fourth graders spent time learning about Hanukkah with Director of Advancement Kenda Council '91. Mrs. Council detailed the history of the holiday and shared the traditions her family observes. Students then had a chance to light the menorah and play dreidel with their classmates. Thank you to Mrs. Council for sharing this important presentation with our students!

Ahead of winter break, Ms. Shelly's pre-K4 class learned all about Kwanzaa thanks to the Rogers family. They read a book to the class about the traditions of the holiday and helped students make their own paper kinara, which is the candle holder used during the Kwanzaa celebration. Thank you to the Rogers family for sharing your time and traditions with the class!

During Hanukkah, students learned all about the holiday and its traditions. In Mrs. Cary's kindergarten class, students helped mix the ingredients for latkes, which are the crispy potato pancakes that are enjoyed during the Festival of Lights. Students then had a chance to sample their latkes with sour cream or applesauce.

Kindergarteners from both campuses took family and friends on a trip around the world during their "December in Our Town" program. Through a series of songs, students shared the traditions of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas and Christmas, highlighting how different cultures celebrate winter holidays.

Director of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism DeeDran Talbert and three of our Upper School students attended the 2025 Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Diversity Dialogue Day at Christopher Newport University. The annual forum takes high school students from public and private schools through a process of awareness-to-action. They learn to recognize prejudice and intolerance, and to respect others.

One of the things that makes an NSA education unique is the connections students are able to make with their teachers and one another. Ahead of Thanksgiving, our youngest Saints celebrated these unique relationships with festive friendship feasts, enjoying treats and time together before the holiday break.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the Cheroenhaka Nottoway Indian Tribe of Southampton County's Tribal Chief and Elders gave a presentation to Lower School students from our Main and Harbour View Campuses. Students learned about the tribe's history and culture and viewed tribal artifacts.

On November 13, students across both campuses wore yellow to celebrate World Kindness Day. The purpose of the day is to highlight the importance of being kind to others, to oneself and to the planet, and to encourage people to perform small and large acts of kindness, such as complimenting a stranger, donating to charity or volunteering. In addition to wearing yellow, students wrote notes and cards to teachers and loved ones to thank them and show their appreciation for all that they do.

Family partnerships make learning at NSA truly come to life! NSA parents visited classes at our Harbour View Campus to share their Diwali traditions through stories and hands-on activities. Students enjoyed listening to read-alouds, creating colorful diyas and rangoli and learning how light is celebrated as a symbol of goodness and joy.

Spanish students connected language learning with meaningful cultural traditions while studying Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. They explored the holiday's significance and how families in Latin America celebrate.

Second graders wrapped up their social science unit on Native Americans with a field trip to Jamestown, which is part of the region the Powhatan people called home. Before the trip, students learned about the Powhatan people's way of life, including what type of houses they lived in, the climate they experienced, their occupations, their modes of transportation, the types of land they encountered and more.

Students enrolled in a Spanish language class took a field trip to HUB 757, where they saw the Hispanic Flamenco Ballet's Hispania American show. Audience members joined in some of the dances, and a few brave students even got up on stage to work with the performers to learn some new moves! The trip wrapped up with lunch at La Parrilla.

Pre-K students at our Harbour View Campus learned about Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. In their resource class, substitute teaching assistant Priyanka Bhende shared a video with students that introduced the history and traditions of the holiday. Students then painted and decorated their own clay lanterns with jewels.

On October 22, NSA celebrated Unity Day, which was started by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center in 2011 as a signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month. Faculty, staff and students wore orange to show their support for bullying prevention and students across all divisions focused on themes of kindness, acceptance, inclusion and cooperation.

Second graders studied several Native American groups, including the Powhatan, Pueblo and Lakota. To reinforce what they learned, students reviewed the history and culture of the different tribes in STEM class. Students then designed and painted their own tipi, which they learned were used by the Lakota as they traveled across the Great Plains to follow buffalo herds.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, sixth grade English students learned about the life and accomplishments of Lin-Manuel Miranda. Together, they read through a slideshow presentation featuring videos, fun facts and some of Lin-Manuel’s most iconic music. Afterward, students put their knowledge to the test through an interactive hallway activity designed to reinforce what they learned during the lesson.

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Honors Spanish IV students created interactive presentations that showcased how the United States has been influenced by Spanish-speaking people.

In Global Connections, Lower School students learned about various Asian holidays, including the Mid-Autumn Festival. One tradition is carrying and displaying lanterns, which symbolize beacons lighting the path toward prosperity and good fortune. First graders made their own paper lanterns, which brought the celebration to life in the classroom.

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Spanish II and Spanish III students worked in groups to research influential Hispanic figures and explore the cultures of different Hispanic countries. To showcase their research, group members created colorful posters, which were displayed in the Upper School hallways for students, faculty, staff and visitors to enjoy.

Pre-K4 students practiced patterns and developed their fine motor skills while making beaded friendship necklaces for their classmates. Students also worked with a partner to explore primary colors.

Over summer break, eight of our Middle School students had the opportunity to explore British history and culture and make connections with peers from around the world during an immersive, three-week international trip, which was made possible through NSA's partnership with Independent Schools Cultural Alliance (ISCA).

In recognition of Genocide Awareness Month, Upper School students in Mrs. Dobrin's '87 Holocaust and Genocide Studies class created a photo installation in the Hawks Library of memorials at sites related to Holocaust and Nazi atrocities. The photos, which Mrs. Dobrin took herself during an education trip to Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic, were accompanied by QR codes, which directed viewers to student-researched information about each site.

Upper School students in Anatomy and Physiology and Project Lead The Way: Human Body Systems welcomed Dr. Katharine Hawkes and Corey Brooks from Isabella Health Foundation, Inc. to the Nancy Russell Auditorium for a forum on equity, public health and the social determinants that shape opportunity and well-being. Dr. Hawkes and Mr. Brooks discussed how your ZIP code can impact your health and why young people are essential to building a healthier, more equitable future.

The Amin family stopped by first grade and pre-K2 classrooms to share their Holi traditions. Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates spring and new life. People observe the holiday by throwing colored powder at each other, so students had the chance to do the same! 

The Saad family spoke with kindergarteners at our Harbour View Campus about how they celebrate Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. They read "It's Ramadan, Curious George" to the students and helped them create special crafts. Thank you to the Saad family for sharing this special lesson!

In March, several of our Upper School students attended the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Diversity Dialogue Day at Old Dominion University. The annual forum brings together students from public and private schools across the Southside to discuss ways to make their schools more inclusive.

Lower School students showed the love for those in the community by creating Valentine's Day cards for local nursing home residents. Fifth grade SCO representatives gave the cards to the Suffolk Sheriff's Office, who delivers the notes on behalf of NSA annually.

Throughout the month of February, students in all divisions learn about the contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout history. Kindergarteners at our Harbour View Campus studied the life and legacy of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, who performed the world's first successful heart surgery and founded the first Black-owned and operated hospital in America.

Each day during Black History Month, Mrs. McGhee's second grade class learned about the accomplishments of prominent Black Americans, past and present. Students enjoyed studying Mae Jemison, Ruby Bridges, Misty Copeland, Jerry Rice and many others.

In Global Connections, second and third graders learned all about Lunar New Year and how traditions vary from country to country. Students then designed their own paper hand puppet of a dragon. The mythical animal holds significant importance for many who celebrate Lunar New Year.

Ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students in all divisions learned about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our first graders had thoughtful discussions about how they can follow Dr. King's example and what they can do to be peacemakers.

Director of Advancement Kenda Council '91 spoke to fourth graders about her Hanukkah traditions ahead of winter break. Mrs. Council shared the origins of the holiday and the different ways families celebrate. Students then helped Mrs. Council light a menorah, and they learned how to play dreidel with their classmates.

Kindergarteners at our Harbour View Campus learned all about Hanukkah and its traditions, which include eating oily food, like latkes. Students worked together to mix ingredients for latkes, and Mrs. Cary fried them just in time for lunch.

Our Upper School Women in STEM Club hosted a Women in STEM panel, which gave students and parents the opportunity to learn from a group of women working in various STEM fields. 

In seventh grade English classes, students learned about winter holidays around the world by researching Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Diwali. 

Kindergarteners from both campuses celebrated winter holidays around the world during their "December in our Town" program. Family and friends watched as students performed songs that celebrated Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas and Christmas. It was a festive event full of joy and holiday spirit!

Upper School Advanced Art I, Advanced Art II and AP Art and Design students participated in a visiting artist workshop that was sponsored by the Suffolk Art League and led by award-winning sculptural fiber artist Nastassja Swift.

Ahead of Thanksgiving, our youngest Saints gathered with their classmates for a friendship feast, where they enjoyed snacks with one another. This annual celebration gives them time to bond with one another and reflect on the importance of friendship.

Alumnus Cameron Bruce '17 visited Lower School students at our Main and Harbour View Campuses to discuss his work as the environmental restoration and policy manager with the Nansemond Indian Nation. Students learned about the history of the Tribe, handled several artifacts and learned some new words in Coastal Algonquian. Cameron also talked about the Tribe's ongoing projects with the Nansemond River, including oyster gardening and their oyster shell recycling program.

A current parent surprised first grade students at our Harbour View Campus as their mystery reader and shared the book "Diwali" by Hannah Eliot. The book detailed all of the traditions that are associated with the Hindu festival of lights. Students then created and decorated their very own rangoli ornaments using sand and brushes and were sent home with materials to make their own light-up balloon.

NSA celebrated Unity Day, which was started by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center in 2011 as a signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month. Faculty, staff and students wore orange to show their support for bullying prevention. Divisions also worked together to create artwork that included messages of kindness, acceptance and inclusion.

To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, Upper School Spanish III students learned all about influential Hispanic figures. From Sonia Sotomayor to Carmello Anthony, students chose a person with Hispanic heritage to research and presented what they learned to their classmates in Spanish. This project not only expanded their knowledge of Hispanic icons, but also enhanced their language skills.

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, students at our Harbour View Campus enjoyed reading several special literary selections during their library classes, including "Turning Pages," "Mango, Abuela and Me," "Chavela and the Magic Bubble" and "Waiting for the Biblioburro." In addition to learning more about the cultures of Spanish-speaking people, students added a few Spanish words to their vocabulary.

This summer, Upper School instructor Laura Dobrin '87 had the chance to travel to Warsaw, Berlin and Prague as part of this year's Jewish Community Relation Council's Educator Summer Institute.

In Global Connections classes, kindergarteners and first graders conducted a country study of Japan. The unit included learning about different Japanese traditions, including Children's Day. The holiday celebrates children's unique personalities and their happiness.

Seventh grade students participated in a Cultural Fair as a culminating event of an interdisciplinary unit based on studies of the cultures of Europe and Latin America. Students selected a country and researched its history, geography, economics and way of life. 

Spanish II, Honors Spanish III and AP Spanish Language and Culture students traveled to central Virginia for a field trip to see two performances from the Hispanic Flamenco Ballet. 

Kindergarten students at our Harbour View Campus celebrated all they learned about countries around the world with a Cultural Fair!

In Global Connections class, kindergarten and first grade students studied different foods from around the world. To celebrate all they learned, students participated in an international food feast, where they were able to share food with their friends from different countries or cultures. 

Several of our Upper School students attended the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities' Diversity Dialogue Day at Old Dominion University. The annual forum takes high school students from public and private schools through a process of awareness-to-action.

One of our international students, Linda Monge '25, had the opportunity to share Italy's vibrant Carnival celebrations with our fifth graders.

The Upper School's Social Justice Club sponsors a poetry, essay and art competition in recognition and celebration of Black History Month each year. The theme for 2024 was Diversity and Commonality.

Fourth and fifth grade students learned about the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela as part of their study of South Africa in Global Connections. 

Second grade students celebrated Black History Month with their annual program. Through several songs, students honored the lives of eight Black Americans who made a difference in music, inventions, sports and science.

Our eighth graders celebrated the Lunar New Year, diving deep into traditions and global issues across different subjects.

Kindergarten and first grade students learned about Lunar New Year during their Festivals of Light unit in Global Connections. In addition to Lunar New Year, the unit also covered Hanukkah, Diwali, Las Posadas and St. Lucia's Day. Students celebrated all they learned with a festive party, where they took part in some of the traditions of the different winter holidays.

Director of College Counseling Mary Hunter Hardison '01 traveled to Lynchburg to visit Randolph College, where she serves on a counselor advisory board. While there, Mrs. Hardison toured campus, spoke with the college's president and its staff and attended Randolph's second Student Success Summit, where she heard from Dr. Anthony Abraham Jack, author of "The Privileged Poor." 

Throughout the month of February, students in all divisions learn more about the contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout history. In Advanced Art, Upper School students created work inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a famous artist from New York City who rose to success during the 1980s as part of the Neo-expressionism movement.

In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Upper School Saints set aside time to discuss his life and the ways they can learn from his work. Ahead of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, students listened to an important message about Dr. King and his impact on our country through his work for civil rights and equity. They then watched a video about Dr. King and reflected with their advisory on ways they can share their gifts to serve others.

During the holiday season, our kindergarten students at our Harbour View Campus came together to celebrate the unique qualities that make each of their classmates so special! Thanks to the incredible support of our families, our students adorned festive trees with heartwarming messages about friendship and exchanged beautiful friendship bracelets with one another.

Fourth and fifth graders learned all about Hanukkah during the world religion unit of their Global Connections class. Ms. Glass taught students about the basic beliefs of Judaism and the significance of the Star of David, which students created using popsicle sticks and tissue paper. 

Three Upper School students embarked on an unforgettable Thanksgiving trip to Spain. From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the historical charm of Madrid, their journey was filled with incredible experiences, including visiting the Park Güell, the Barcelona Cathedral, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum. 

Our fourth graders had a blast wrapping up their religious celebrations unit with a party in their Global Connections classes! Under the guidance of Ms. Glass, students explored various traditions and festivities from around the world. 

First graders explored German holiday traditions with international student Greta Boedefeld '25. Greta shared different winter customs in her native Germany, such as visiting Christmas markets and observing Advent and St. Nicholas Day. During a lively Q&A session, students got a firsthand look into Greta's life in Germany.

Our kindergarten students learned all about the seven principles of Kwanzaa while rehearsing for their holiday program, “December in Our Town: A Multicultural Celebration of the Season,” which includes the song "Kwanzaa Celebration" by Roger Emerson.

Ms. Glass shared the origin and traditions of Hanukkah with kindergarteners and first graders before introducing new lines to their "Festivals of Light" song, which covers different winter holidays celebrated around the world. Ms. Glass then read "Is It Hanukkah Yet?" by Nancy Krulik, which is a book about a Jewish girl eagerly waiting for holiday celebrations. 

Fourth and fifth grade students in Global Connections discovered the significance of Diwali while studying Hinduism in their religion unit. They traced and colored traditional Hindu patterns, which they creatively assembled into lanterns.

Our fourth graders embarked on an enriching adventure to Courtland, where they attended the 32nd annual Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian "Corn Harvest" Powwow and School Day. Immersed in the vibrant culture, our students explored replica villages of the indigenous Cheroenhaka Indian Tribe, gaining firsthand insights into their way of life.

Our talented seventh grade art students completed a fascinating journey into the world of string art, inspired by the traditions of the indigenous Huichol people of west-central Mexico.

To make Diwali special, NSA Parent Dr. Tharini Gunapalan visited her daughter's pre-K3 class at the Harbour View campus to share their Diwali traditions. Students listened to a story about the Festival of Lights and crafted their own lanterns, adorned with sparkly stickers.

Our dedicated faculty and students in the Spanish Department transformed the Upper School breezeway into a beautiful tribute for Día de los Muertos, a special Mexican holiday that honors loved ones who have passed away.

Our eighth grade French students send letters to their pen pals at Colège Victor Duruy, which is located in a city about an hour east of Paris, France. For the third year in a row, NSA French students will get to practice what they learn in class when they write to their pen pals in French.

Sixth grade art students had a lesson with a visiting artist from the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, where they had the opportunity to incorporate themes of kindness and inclusion into their artwork. Students designed keychains with messages of positivity, shared friendship bracelets with one another and created colorful designs to promote peace.

Saints parent Jordan McCranie visited pre-K3 Saints and shared a lesson in American Sign Language. Mrs. McCranie taught students the signs for help, pig, cow and duck. Students also played a few games with the farm animal toys that she brought for the children.

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Upper School students embarked on a journey of exploration, researching famous figures with Hispanic heritage and sharing their accomplishments in our halls.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, NSA parent Jenniffer Little shared a book with pre-K3 students about fiestas! Students learned about celebrations in Spanish-speaking countries and were treated to their very own piñatas and delicious tres leches for dessert.

As part of our celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month, our Lower School students learned all about Mexican Independence Day during their Global Connections class. Second and third grade students played a trivia game about the holiday and worked together to create a collage of the Mexican flag.

Lower School students celebrated International Day of Peace, which the UN established as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace.

In art class, Lower School students worked together to create collaborative displays, which were inspired by the book of the year, "I Am Me: A Book of Authenticity." Head of Lower School, Main Campus Mrs. Bartlett '01 and Head of Lower School, Harbour View Campus Ms. Oakes stopped by classrooms to read the book, which encourages students to embrace their individuality and be their authentic selves.

Several of our Middle School students traveled to England during summer 2023 as part of a three-week global immersion program with Independent Schools Cultural Alliance.

For Muslims around the world, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. The Shehata family spoke with our pre-K4 students about how they celebrate Eid with their loved ones. During Eid, families share a meal together, enjoy sweets and show kindness to one another. Students also learned that Eid is celebrated when the moon is a crescent shape, so they painted and decorated wooden cutouts shaped like crescent moons, stars and lanterns.

In Global Connections classes, pre-K students recently wrapped up their unit on Mexico with a fiesta! Students reviewed what they learned during the unit, sang songs in Spanish, read a fun rhyming book, made sombreros and even had the chance to try tortilla chips with salsa and queso.

Second and third graders learned about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in their Global Connections classes. Ms. Glass taught students the importance of the holidays, and students watched a video about fasting and celebrations. 

In their Global Connections classes, pre-K students spent time learning about Mexico. Ms. Glass told students about a famous Mexican painter named Frida Kahlo.

During their Global Connections unit on Indonesia, second and third graders learned about the art of batik, which involves using wax and dye to decorate fabric. Utilizing resources in the art room, students then had the opportunity to create their own batik patterns using Elmer's glue and paint.

As they wrapped up their unit on Germany, fourth and fifth grade Global Connections students learned even more about the country from someone who actually lives there! 

Pre-K4 students were full of joy and enthusiasm as they celebrated Holi! The Hindu festival signifies the triumph of good over evil and includes drenching friends and family in color. Everyone had so much fun celebrating! 

To celebrate significant American Black poets, authors and activists during Black History Month, our eighth grade English students have been learning about Langston Hughes, Amanda Gorman and Walter Dean Myers. Students read and studied their poetry and researched facts about their lives. 

Spring break 2023 was an exciting time for nearly a dozen Upper School students, who had the opportunity to visit France and Italy with their classmates.

The Upper School's Social Justice Club sponsors an essay competition in recognition and celebration of Black History Month each year. This year, the theme was Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion, and club members expanded the competition to include artwork and poetry.

Kindergarten and first grade students spent time learning about the Aboriginal people as part of their unit on Australia! The Australian Aboriginal people have such a rich culture, which includes a special type of art they make by using dots. Australian animals and other symbols are covered in dots that tell stories. Students enjoyed trying out the technique and making their own dot art.

Second grade students celebrated Black History Month with their annual program. Through several songs, students honored the lives of eight Black Americans who made a difference in music, inventions, sports and science.

In Global Connections classes, fourth and fifth grade students recently discussed the idea of culture. They talked about obvious and visible parts of culture, like food, festivals, flags and hobbies. They also discussed the parts of culture that lie beneath the surface, like concepts of time, beauty and respect.

Our fourth grade students are celebrating Black History Month with a scavenger hunt. Using photos and quotes on a bulletin board, students are learning more about the philosophies and ideologies of famous Black Americans, including Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Arthur Ashe and others.

Director of College Counseling Mary Hunter Hardison '01 visited Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. She met with an admissions representative who shared information about Xavier as well as other historically Black colleges and universities. 

As part of the Lunar New Year celebrations, Middle School geography students took some time to teach our third graders about the holiday through crafts and the traditional dragon dance.

Sixth grade history students channeled their creativity to showcase everything they learned during their unit on immigration. They designed board games, made paintings, wrote fictional journal entries, put together scrapbooks and more to reflect the three phases of immigration they learned about in class: leaving the homeland, traveling to America and assimilation.

Mrs. McGhee's second grade class is celebrating Black History Month by honoring prominent Black Americans with their Wall of Fame. It features photos and biographies of several Black Americans past and present, including George Washington Carver, Misty Copeland, Martin Luther King Jr., Michelle Obama and more.

Sixth grade history students created collaborative posters as part of a short study on Martin Luther King Jr. They read about his life, peaceful protests and what he believed in. Along with creating the posters, students wrote about what they believed in and what they were willing to sacrifice for that belief.

Third graders recently visited the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts to attend a performance of Orisirisi: Moonlight Stories. The show celebrates Africa and explores traditional stories of African heritage with Orisirisi drumming, dance and call and response.

NSA's Upper School Chorus had the unique opportunity to perform at the most magical place on Earth all while celebrating cultural unity through songs of inspiration, hope and respect.

In Global Connections classes, second and third graders wrapped up their winter celebrations unit with a Lunar New Year party!

Our second graders took some time to reflect on all the awesome attributes of their classmates! Each student made a paper plate that said "I am...," and their classmates filled the plate with unique traits. It was a powerful and personalized reminder of all the wonderful qualities each student possesses.

Ahead of the holiday break, Lower School and Middle School students learned about the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Children bonded with each other while playing the traditional holiday game of dreidel.

Kindergarteners helped showcase winter holidays around the world during their "December In Our Town" performance. Family and friends watched as students from both campuses performed songs that celebrated Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas and Christmas.

Our pre-K3 students celebrated Kwanzaa by making necklaces using the symbolic red, green and black colors of the holiday. They also created their own kinaras, which include the seven candles that represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Our Art I students are learning about the history of gyotaku prints. The traditional form of Japanese art began more than 100 years ago as a way for fishermen to keep a record of the fish they caught. The relatively simple black ink prints later developed into an art form that added rich colors and environmental details.

In their Global Connections classes, kindergarten and first grade students spent weeks learning about birthday traditions around the world. Students then celebrated the different customs during a big birthday bash, which featured decorations made by each class, coloring, cupcakes and more!

Pre-K3 students learned about Hanukkah from kindergarten teacher Ms. Harris. She read "The Night Before Hanukkah" and talked about Hanukkah traditions, including lighting the menorah and spinning the dreidel. Students then made their own menorah craft.

As the holidays approached, Middle School students learned about the seven principles of Kwanzaa. 

Pre-K students at our Harbour View campus decorated a Christmas tree featuring ornaments handmade by pre-K4 mom Stephanie Sledge. The tree's theme is "Your Light Makes the Season BRIGHT!" It celebrates diversity around the world by recognizing the celebrations of many cultures.

Seventh grade art students learned about abstract expressionism while studying the work of American sculptor and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi. Noguchi started his decades-long career in the 1920s. 

During Native American Heritage Month, Mrs. Brothers '82 introduced her seventh grade students to string art. Native American tribes created string art pieces filled with symbolism and images that portray history, stories, traditions, prayers and visions. 

Second and third graders learned about maps and globes in their Global Connections classes. As a way to summarize their learning, students created art pieces with Mrs. Mistr during their art classes. 

In their unit on harvest holidays, fourth and fifth grade students learned about mid-autumn festivals celebrated in Asia.

In their Global Connections classes, fourth and fifth grade students learned about harvest festivals around the world and how they all connect to gratitude. 

During Native American Heritage Month, our Lower School students and faculty helped assemble a bulletin board to educate others about Native American culture. 

Students, faculty and staff wore yellow on November 14 in recognition of World Kindness Day, a global celebration that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself and to the world.

Middle School students celebrated Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead. The holiday is a day of remembrance for those who have died.

Special thanks to the Amin family for sharing their Diwali traditions with pre-K4 students! 

On Oct. 19, students celebrated Unity Day, which is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month. Students, faculty and staff wore orange in recognition of the event.

As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Upper School teacher Danielle Candra has been incorporating the accomplishments of Hispanic scientists into her lessons. 

During Hispanic Heritage Month, third graders at our Harbour View campus learned about Hispanic culture and baked a traditional tres leches cake together. Many teachers commented how delicious the hallways smelled!

Ms. Rivas' Spanish I classes are learning more about countries around the world! Each student chose a Spanish-speaking country to research and presented that information to their peers.

Ms. Hoffler's pre-K4 students marked Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about Frida Kahlo.

Some of our youngest Saints marked International Day of Peace in their Global Connections classes. Students took part in a collaborative art activity and discussed how to promote peace.

Seven Upper School students from Spain are studying at NSA this year through a cultural immersion program called Pursue Languages.

On the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, Ms. Rivas and her seventh grade students celebrated Mexican Independence Day. 

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy has launched a new program this year for our youngest Saints.

During the second week of school, students in Ms. Carole and Ms. Ashley's pre-K3 class worked together to make a friendship wreath. Each student put their hand print around a poster to create a circle of friends.

As Hispanic Heritage Month approaches, Latin teacher Slavic Dudkovsky explains to Upper School students why Spanish culture can be seen around the globe. He also shared what modern day Spanish culture looks like using photos and information from his summer trip to Spain.

On February 3, Suffolk Sister Cities International hosted the opening reception for the 33rd Annual Young Artists and Authors Showcase at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. Each year, the showcase encourages youth from around the globe to express the mission of Sister Cities International through original artwork and literature.

The Virginia Diversity Network is sponsoring a virtual career fair on February 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to support educators from historically underrepresented groups who are interested in working in independent schools.

The College Board is hosting an event, "Real Talk: HBCU Edition," on Wednesday, March 2, and Thursday, March 3, at 7:00 p.m. for students who are considering a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) but aren't sure which one is right for them.

In 2022, Lunar New Year begins on February 1, and our Saints are learning about traditional decorations and food that hold special meaning for the holiday.

The Upper School's Social Justice Club is sponsoring a poetry and an essay competition in honor of Black History Month. Students in grade 9-12 may participate. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 18. 

Lower School students read books and engaged in activities to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. They participated in an egg activity to demonstrate that we are all the same on the inside, created birthday cards, discussed what it means to be a peacemaker and much more!

To honor the life and service of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. students are participating in a schoolwide service project to help those in our community affected by homelessness. Socks, gloves and mittens will be collected from January 13 to January 21 in the lobbies of all divisions.

During the cold month of January, third grade students will be thinking warm thoughts about “how to make and keep friends.” The students will define in their own words what friendship means, and they will discuss the qualities that make a person a good friend.

To apply what they have learned in French I, seventh and eighth grade students are participating in a pen pal program with a middle school, Colège Victor Duruy, that is located in Châlon-en-Champagne, a city about an hour east of Paris, France.

On November 15, NSA celebrated World Kindness Day, a global day that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself and to the world. Students, faculty and staff wore wear yellow and participated in lessons and activities about acts of kindness.

The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. A blend of Mesoamerican ritual, European religion and Spanish culture, the holiday is celebrated each year from October 31-November 2. Fifth grade students learned more about this holiday in art and worked on creating their very own sugar skulls.

On Wednesday, October 20, NSA celebrated National Unity Day, which is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month that was started by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in October 2011. 

The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Jewish Community Relations Council and Konikoff Center for Learning in partnership with the Old Dominion University Institute for Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding, presents a free, afternoon workshop, Unpacking Antisemitism: An Action Based Workshop, featuring author and scholar Dara Horn.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, kindergarten students began their study of shapes by learning about artist Mercedes Pardo, who was one of the most important representatives of abstract art in Venezuela in the 1950s and 1960s.

After a competitive application process, Cliff Thomas ’23 was one of 50 students selected to participate in the Sister Cities International (SCI) Youth Leadership Summit. The annual conference brings together youth from around the world, providing them with opportunities to develop leadership skills while exploring and addressing global issues.

At the end of June, Upper School Instructor Mrs. Laura Dobrin ’87 attended The Defiant Requiem Foundation’s Schächter Summer Seminar for Holocaust educators.

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) is excited to invite students to participate in a new summer program, the Virtual Institute for Belonging and Equity (VIBE).

Kudos to Becca Duggan ’22, Amanda Lavallee ’22 and Rory Rockwood ’22 for being selected to participate in a virtual art show presented by The Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Congratulations to Jaden Hawkins ’22 for creating one of the winning logos for the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance’s logo design contest.

Despite the challenges this year, members of the Upper School’s Haitian Awareness Club were determined to continue to help the Maison Fortune Orphanage Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports and educates children at the Maison Fortune Orphanage in Hinche, Haiti.

On Thursday, March 25, Upper School students participated in The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities’ Diversity Dialogue Day, a one-day high school forum that brings students throughout the Tidewater area together to work closely with their peers from a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

In February, the Upper School's Social Justice Club sponsored an essay competition in recognition and celebration of Black History Month. Congratulations to Faith Page '22 for being named the winner!

In Advanced Art, Upper School students participated in The Memory Project, an art exchange program that facilitates the creation and delivery of heartfelt artwork from youth to youth throughout the world, striving to break cultural barriers, bring joy to children facing challenges, inspire creativity and build a kinder world.

In celebration of Black History Month, Pre-K2 students studied Louis Armstrong, the accomplished musician who is widely recognized as a founding father of jazz.

First grade students enjoyed learning about Mae C. Jemison, an American astronaut and physician who, on June 4, 1987, became the first African American woman to be admitted into NASA’s astronaut training program.

On Friday, February 12, fifth grade students enjoyed special treats in celebration of Valentine’s Day and watched the inspirational movie "Hidden Figures."

During Community Time, Upper School students enjoyed learning more about the history and traditions associated with the Chinese New Year, which will be celebrated in 2021 on Friday, February 12.

In honor of Black History Month, second grade students have been learning about the accomplishments of many influential Black Americans through a “Wall of Fame” that is displayed outside of their classroom.

The Virginia Diversity Network is sponsoring a virtual career fair on February 20, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to support educators from historically underrepresented groups who are interested in working in independent schools.

The Upper School’s Social Justice Club is sponsoring an essay competition in recognition and celebration of February’s Black History Month.

A gender neutral restroom was created in the Upper School.

Upper School students discussed empathy vs. sympathy in advisory groups. In a follow-up to these conversations, Director of Student Support Services and Upper School Counselor Pannill Titus shared a presentation about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the impact of his teachings.

NSA students across the school launched a service project in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his vision for a “beloved community” in which poverty, hunger, and homelessness will not be tolerated, because international standards of human decency will not allow it.

Lower School students celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday on Friday, January 15.

On Wednesday, October 21, NSA celebrated National Unity Day.

In the fall of 2020, Upper School students started a Social Justice Club.

In October 2020, a reporting system was launched to enable students, faculty and staff to anonymously report anything that violates NSA's Code of Conduct, including acts of bullying and discrimination.

In the summer of 2020, NSA launched the Saints Health and Wellness program.