Upper Elementary

Over the past few weeks, third graders have been collaborating on comprehensive Native American research projects, studying tribes from various regions and exploring how they adapted to their environments through their homes, clothing, food, resources, and society. Using primary and secondary sources, technology tools, and CSE materials, students created models and digital presentations that showcased their learning. The project concluded with each group presenting their region’s research to the entire grade.

Arts Night was a joyful celebration of creativity and community, inspired by our theme of Peace, Love, and Light. The evening opened with a beautiful art exhibition curated by Mrs. Ganz and Mrs. Lentz, followed by inspiring performances by members of the International Thespian Society, the Lower School Chorus under the direction of Mrs. Gimpelevich, the Middle School Decibels under the direction of Ms. Kendrick, and the Middle School Fusion Band under the direction of Mr. Michek—all emceed by ITS President, Lila Morris.

Through every brushstroke, note, movement, and story, our students demonstrated the extraordinary power of the arts to illuminate truth, foster empathy, and bring people together in peace, love, and light. Bravo to all, and heartfelt thanks to our exceptional Visual and Performing Arts Department for an unforgettable evening!

Fifth graders took an exciting step toward their upcoming transition to Middle School. They joined sixth-grade classes for the day, participating in a variety of activities that ranged from engaging academic lessons to dynamic group projects. This immersive experience gave them a valuable glimpse into the schedule, expectations, and independence they will encounter next year!

A week full of ruach! Students, faculty, and staff enjoyed the dress-up days each day of Spirit Week. Each theme was memorable as students, faculty, and staff dressed up in unique outfits showcasing our creativity and school spirit. We kicked off with Pajama Day, followed by Jersey Day, Mismatched Day, Art/Music Day, and Color Day.

Our 3rd graders were excited to present Georgia on My Mind, an original musical with a script written by Mrs. Gimpelevich and inspired by the 3rd grade social studies curriculum. The show highlighted Georgia’s rich history, culture, and contributions through a collection of songs that were either about our great state or written and performed by Georgia artists. A few pieces featured creatively adapted lyrics to help bring each scene to life. We are proud to celebrate our students’ learning, talent, and pride in Georgia!

Rabbi Gershom, the sole rabbi of the Abayudaya Jewish community in rural Uganda—a century-old community of about 2,000 Jews—visited The Davis Academy during a longer trip to the United States. He came to teach students about his community and to share its unique Ugandan Jewish melodies. Deeply moved by the school, he expressed his wish that such an educational opportunity could exist for the children in his own community. His visit helped the students and faculty more fully appreciate the concept of Klal Yisrael: the belief that the Jewish people, though spread across the globe, are united as one family.

Fifth graders in the computer science exploratory created drone obstacles within teams using specific criteria, such as adequate clearance to accommodate drone size. Students learned about minimum safe distances and other constraints prior to mapping out their ideal course using their obstacles. Students measured specific parameters, such as distance and drone flight path altitudes. They used their flight map and measurements to generate their code and test out their flight paths. After testing, students made adjustments until their drone was able to fly through the obstacle course successfully. Students then compared manual flying to that of coded piloting. 

Fourth-grade students explored history from different perspectives by creating political cartoons about events leading to the American Revolution. Each student was secretly assigned a viewpoint—patriot or loyalist—and incorporated vocabulary words and animal imagery into their artwork. The project concluded with an art gallery showcasing their creative and thoughtful pieces, now displayed in the fourth- and fifth-grade hallway.