TMI Episcopal Panthercast

Episode 18: Padrecast 6, Highlighting Classroom Activities

In Padrecast #6, The Rev. Scott Brown, TMI Headmaster, talks about the whirlwind of activities we had this past week with Homecoming celebrations. TMI Panthers beat Brooks Academy 48-7, alumna Jessica Leibowitz ’00 sang the National Anthem, Fine Arts Teacher Allan Rupe ’80 organized all the student activities, Coach Amanda Quiroga led a great pep rally, and the Advancement Office led a number of wonderful events to welcome home all our TMI alumni.

We also dive in and talk about what’s happening in a few of our classrooms this semester. The science department had their first opportunity last week to use the new digital microscopes that can be tethered to student laptops to take pictures and videos of what they are viewing. The microscopes are what a student would typically find in college-level science classes and are equipped with high quality optics and precision controls.

In the Religious Studies department, we talk about a fun, creative project in Dr. LePort’s New Testament and Old Testament classes that uses Legos to help students visualize and understand story and structure of what they’re learning. Dr. LePort will also be leading a new class next semester, Religion in the United States, that we introduce to listeners. The class is an advanced-level, seminar-style class that will focus on how different religions have coexisted in the United States and will be centered around the question of what is meant by religious liberty.

Fr. Scott gives and overview of this Sunday’s Admissions Open House and talks about the new format that will give students and parents the chance to hear in-depth discussions and program highlights from a selection of offerings that they are interested in learning more about. Parents are invited to help spread the word and encourage friends and families to RSVP to attend:

• www.tmi-sa.org
  Sunday, October 28, 2018
  2:00pm - 4:00pm

The TMI Family Association will be hosting a special guest speaker from the Ransomed Life organization at their next general meeting on Tuesday, November 6, that is open to all TMI parents to attend. Ransomed Life helps educate communities and raise awareness in the fight against trafficking.

• TMI Family Association Meeting (All families welcome)
  Tuesday, November 6, 2018
  9:00am in the Alkek Refectory

Be sure to listen to the end as Fr. Scott shares his highlight of the last few weeks, leaves us with some words of wisdom, and tells us what he does to enjoy quality time with his family. Submit your own question for Fr. Scott or share your feedback with us by emailing padrecast@tmi-sa.org 

 

Episode 17: Senior Chapel Talks by Hannah Allen, Reece Traylor, and Javier Ramos

Describing what it was like to grow up in various places around the world during her #SeniorChapelTalk, Hannah Allen spoke about the phases she went through in her attempts to fit in. Looking back and trying to understand her behavior, she reflected on the words of Science Department Chair Rob Friedrich who told her to never settle for a simple answer. She explained the human nature to conform, noting that we are often not even aware when we are conforming. “Don’t let your identity be controlled by people who you think the world would rather see, let your influences be who can better you as an individual,” she said. “Don’t copy people or things you don’t approve of…and…put yourself first, you’d be surprised what some simple self love can do for the complex human mind.”

“Look again at that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us.” Reece Traylor quoted Carl Sagan in his #SeniorChapelTalk as he emphasized how small we are and how short and fleeting life is in comparison to the universe. But, we must realize that “we are the universe…a component part of a much bigger, much more amazing whole.” Pay attention to the world around you, he urged the community, “live with grace, be happy and…enjoy the time you have with each other and never let a single moment go to waste.”

As a young child, Javier Ramos struggled with trying to figure out his self worth. In his #SeniorChapelTalk, he told the story of a boy who asked his father what the value of life is–the moral was that what matters in life is who you surround yourself with and how you choose to carry yourself. Before moving to San Antonio, he came to the tough realization in middle school that his friends were laughing at him, not with him. He knew he had to make a change. “Life can and will be challenging,” he said, “I’ve always failed at many things and I’ve always come back stronger.” Don’t be afraid to try and always keep moving forward.

Episode 16: Valerie Tamez, Director of Development

In this episode, Valerie Tamez, Director of Development, explains giving at TMI and talks about the various components that fall under the umbrella of annual giving, including the TMI Fund, special events, honorary and in-memoriam gifts.

She goes into detail about the significance of each component and how participation plays a role in seeking grants, accreditation, and foundations that view participation as a metric of the community. TMI asks all members of the community, from faculty and staff to parents and alumni, to participate in the TMI Fund at any level that is meaningful to each person.

Valerie talks about the TMI Fund as the single most important philanthropic priority of TMI’s annual giving programs. It allows us to add the layers that make TMI excellent and create the full TMI experience through things like enriched programs, professional development, and campus improvements.

The TMI Fund goes toward:

• Greatest Need and helps fund the school’s most pressing, urgent needs.
• Great People and provides recruitment and retention of experienced teachers, professional development, and financial assistance to ensure a diverse student body.
• Great Programs and sustains and updates curriculum and technology.
• Great Place and supports the enhancement of facilities and classrooms and the maintenance and beautification of our campus.

Valerie also spoke about how fundraising events–and the sponsorship and participation opportunities that come with those–fit into the annual giving program. She also gave an update about the Stars Over TMI gala planned for this spring on Saturday, April 6, 2019, as the signature event of our 125th anniversary year and major fundraising event.

Be sure to listen to the end as she shares what inspires her to stay focused and dedicated to the TMI community.

 

LINKS:

TMI Fund kick off video: https://youtu.be/I3hel0qxh5A

TMI Fund information: https://www.tmi-sa.org/page/support-tmi/tmi-fund

Donate online: www.tmi-sa.org/giving

 

Valerie Tamez joined the TMI community in March 2018. She holds a bachelors from the University of Texas at San Antonio and brings 17 years of fundraising and relationship-building experience to TMI.

Episode 15: Senior Chapel Talks by Daniel Espey and Jessica Cox

In his #SeniorChapelTalk, Daniel Espey shared the internal struggle he faced as a child when answering the simple question ‘Where are you from?’ Born in South Korea and brought to the U.S. when he was adopted at just 8 months old, he found himself answering both South Korea and America to the question. But he faced his biggest struggle at just 11 years old when another child told him to go back to where he belonged. Never expecting such a comment and not knowing how to respond, he whispered, “I can’t.” He realized in that moment that life would not be a breeze as he thought it would. But what he shared with the community is that everyone faces difficulty in their lives in their own way. Prove your doubters wrong, he stressed, “you are a unique individual and you have a place in this world…your story, your background is something nobody else can possess, so use your experiences as a way to better yourself and prove yourself.”

“I never stop talking,” Jessica Cox said in her #SeniorChapelTalk. But when she started to get bullied at her old school for being part of something she loved–swimming–she reached out for help and ended up hearing versions of ‘boys will be boys’ and was left feeling like it was her fault for speaking up; she retreated and fell quiet. Feeling defeated and let down by those who were supposed to help, she came to TMI a reserved and closed-off sophomore. As time passed, however, she found her voice again. Back to talking people’s ears off, she told the community to never be afraid to speak up. “Share your voice without being afraid nobody is listening,” she said, “and if no one listens to you, speak louder.”

Episode 14: Padrecast 5, Educational Philosophy, Curriculum Mapping, and Homecoming

In this episode, we dive deep into understanding the Institutional Educational Philosophy that TMI Headmaster The Rev. Scott Brown shared with our faculty and staff at the beginning of this year as a guiding document of who we are and where we’re going as a community. This is our philosophy that we were founded on 125 years ago; we were founded to educate servant leaders, to be crazy about students and curious about their lives, and to prepare students for life after school. The Institutional Educational Philosophy covers:

• Our mission of educating servant leaders and history as a mission of Christian outreach in education
• Importance of diversity in our community in accordance with the central characteristics of Episcopal schools
• How TMI commits itself to each student when the student has committed to TMI
• TMI’s existence as a center of love and grace where we cherish and challenge our students
• Our responsibility to help every student reach his/her own potential
• How TMI serves in the care and formation of young people; it’s more than just a school

You can find TMI’s Institutional Educational Philosophy at:
www.tmi-sa.org/page/about/overview

We also go into detail about the curriculum mapping process that’s been happening this year under the guidance of Jill Cross, Dean of Curriculum and Instruction. We describe and talk about what the transfer goals are and those play a role in ensuring a guaranteed and viable curriculum.

We talk about Homecoming and the upcoming events for next week. Be sure to check out our dress days and complete schedule of activities at:
www.tmi-sa.org/homecoming

Fr. Scott closes with some words of wisdom (“Excellence” as the word of the day) and shares his love of sports and why. Remember, you can submit a get-to-know-you question for the headmaster at: padrecast@tmi-sa.org

Episode 13: Senior Chapel Talks by Andrew Hieger and Michael Robinson

In his #SeniorChapelTalk, Andrew Hieger described life as a child with his best friend Ellie–a stuffed elephant he got when he was just one year old. She went everywhere with him and though she became worn, for seven years he didn’t let go. But when she disappeared one day, he focused on his friends and family, slowly becoming less dependent on his missing stuffed animal. Looking back, he realized Ellie’s disappearance taught him that just because you haven’t done something before doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Speaking to his senior classmates, he reminded them they would all be leaving for college soon, but that doesn’t mean going away will be impossible. In the end, “If you love something, let it go and if it loves you, it will come back...or you just might find it stored away in a box in grandma’s house.”

In his #SeniorChapelTalk, Michael Robinson spoke about anxiety–specifically, chapel talk anxiety. He joked about procrastination and denial being great methods for coping, until he reached the halfway point of junior year. Facing what he couldn’t put off any longer, he chose a topic and soon realized he would be “giving advice about how to write advice so that you can later give that advice without panicking because you’ve never given advice before.” In the end, he encouraged the community to accept anxiety they may face in the future, but to only do it at a specific time so that you spend less time worrying overall. For the students who haven’t given their talk yet, he reminded them that there’s no better place to give it than at TMI, because, “jokes aside, this is an amazing community.”

Episode 12: Alicia Lutman '99, Autism Awareness for First Responders

In this episode, Alicia Lutman ’99, OTD, shares her journey from TMI into occupational therapy. She talks about her passion for research and developing programs for first responders and school resource officers in interacting with children and adults with autism or mental health conditions.

She shares some tips for both caregivers and first responders for emergency situations such as:

• Reminding people that individuals with autism are on a spectrum; some are able to communicate with you and some are not.
• We need to be careful about our word choices and understand that the more upset they become, the harder it is to keep the situation under control.
• Anxiousness and depression, especially in boys and men, can often manifest as anger and aggression.
• Caregivers can be proactive in providing an information sheet to 911 dispatchers.

Dr. Lutman talks about involving Shenandoah University students with the research and continuing to develop and expand on the program for first responders. She also shares her involvement during her time at TMI, her best memories, and offers some advice for our graduating seniors.

 

Alicia Lutman, OTD, MS, OTR/L, ATC
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University

B.S., Exercise Science, Concordia College
M.S., Occupational Therapy, Shenandoah University
OTD, Occupational Therapy, University of St.Augustine
https://www.su.edu/faculty-staff/faculty/alicia-lutman/

https://www.policeone.com/videos/originals/training/191745519-How-SROs-can-help-develop-socially-acceptable-behavior-in-kids/

Lutman, A.(2017) Autism Awareness for First Responders. EMS World. 46(11)38-41.
http://emsworld.epubxp.com/i/890710-nov-2017/38?

Lutman, A. (2016) School Resource Officers. Journal of International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. 6(2) 24- 27.

Lutman, A. (2016 March) Supplemental Training for School Resource officers. Journal of International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. 6(1)65 - 66

Lutman, A. (2015 Dec) Designing an autism awareness program for Law Enforcement. Journal of International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association 23-27.

Lutman, A. (2014, April 14). Autism awareness training program for first responders. OT Practice.  12-13.

Episode 11: Senior Chapel Talks by Julia Humphrey, Jack Whittemore, and Chase Blackwell

As the youngest child, Julia Humphrey was know for her temper tantrums, she told the community in her #SeniorChapelTalk yesterday. It wasn’t until she attended camp in the summer of 2015 that she realized how much her attitude could change everything around her and she was finally able to see how much good she had in her life. “Don’t take for granted what is right in front of us,” she said. Focus on your own happiness, take a step back, and see the good in your own life.

In his #SeniorChapelTalk, Jack Whittemore talked about sibling love…and rivalry. He recounted the times he spent arguing with his younger twin sisters, only occasionally getting along when they found common ground to complain about. But, after moving from Chicago to San Antonio to attend TMI as a boarding student, he realized he missed his sisters and his family. Trying to keep it inside, he eventually opened up to friends who held him up and kept him strong. His message to the community: be kind to your siblings, respect each other, and enjoy the time you have with them.

Painting the details of his own death in his #SeniorChapelTalk, Chase Blackwell described the events of this past December and what could have been a fatal accident with an 18-wheeler on the highway while driving home. But the close call also served as a wake-up call. Realizing at that moment that the only memories he had before the near miss on the highway were of depression and boredom, “I was filled with regret,” he said. He hadn’t truly lived. Forcing himself to take risks and put himself out there in a way he had never done before, changed his life. He made friends, served on student council, and participated–for the first time in almost five years, he discovered that his only memories were happy ones. “TMI isn’t just a school, it never was,” he said. “We’re a family, TMI…We belong to each other and all of you guys belong forever in my heart.”

Episode 10: Padrecast 4, Headmaster's Social and State of the School Address

TMI Headmaster, The Rev. Scott Brown, gave his 2nd annual State of the School address at the Headmaster’s Social on September 26, 2018 at the Dominion Country Club. Listen to this episode as Fr. Scott pulls back the curtain to give you a behind the scenes look at life at TMI–from financials to academics. He shares TMI’s Institutional Educational Philosophy (https://www.tmi-sa.org/page/about), talks about the major strategic goals and planning process, and gives a sneak peek at the TMI Fund video for this year’s campaign: Honor the Past, Treasure the Present, Sustain the Future (https://youtu.be/I3hel0qxh5A).

 

Episode 9: Senior Chapel Talks by Luke Terry, Jolie Heerema, and Trent Wisian

“Focus on the good, especially the great people,” Luke Terry said in his #SeniorChapelTalk on Tuesday. Reflecting on his life, while searching for a topic for his talk, he realized he was focusing on the negative and that a general lack of awareness made him overlook all the great things that had happened in his life. Like others, he had his own stories of hardships that he could share–but when he stopped focusing on those, he could see the sacrifices others had made for him and the opportunities he had available. “We will face hardships in our lives…but there is too much good happening every day in this community to let these hardships cloud our vision. Find the silver linings,” he said to the students, “and take advantage of everything TMI has to offer.”

“Wherever you are, it’s OK to be there,” said Jolie Heerema in her #SeniorChapelTalk on Thursday. She opened up to the community and shared her struggles with depression and an eating disorder, allowing the TMI community to become a part of her journey toward healing. Through her challenges, she learned that it’s OK to ask for help and–more importantly–it’s OK to receive it. Encouraging others who are facing their own challenges and reflecting on how far she’s come with her own, she said, “no matter where you are, you might look back one day and be glad that you kept going–I know I am.”

“I know I have won, no matter what the score,” said Trent Wisian in his #SeniorChapelTalk on Tuesday. He described aiming and shooting at his rifle target during a competition where the wind gusts were so strong, targets were ripped from their stands and blown away. It was the worst he had ever shot. But he didn’t let that keep him down. Accepting the fact that there were circumstances he couldn’t control, he was proud of making it to that point and satisfied in knowing he did everything possible to prepare and set himself up for success. “Mistakes teach us to do better,” he explained, and “a lot more things will go right in life than wrong…celebrate your successes.”

Episode 8: Sherry Lim, Science Teacher and Outdoor Education Program Coordinator

In this episode, Sherry Lim, Science Department Teacher and Outdoor Education Program Coordinator, shared her story of going to school to become a researcher and how working with UTeach in college helped her discover her love for teaching. Following her dreams and passions, she taught abroad in Korea and attended culinary school at the same time. She returned to the states and began working for JW Marriott, completed her master’s degree, and then heard about an opening at TMI in 2016 that offered her everything she was looking for.

Sherry talks about the TMI garden and its part in the Middle School Life Sciences curriculum, raising chickens, composting and running the TMI food-waste program in the AP Environmental Science classes, and how Upper School students get hands-on learning through sampling soil and water testing. The senior students also work to solve problems in the garden, such as flooding.

The entire TMI community is always invited to come experience and volunteer in the garden on Fridays after school from 4pm-6pm or during the Dig-In Days throughout the year. In addition to supporting the garden and Outdoor Education Program through volunteer days, the entire community is invited to participate in the Box Tops for Education program. Contests throughout the year for collecting Box Tops help fund projects for the outdoor space.

Following another of her passions and searching for ways to support the Outdoor Education Program, Sherry started the TMI Baking Club. Her 7th grade students created the club about a year and a half ago with the purpose of raising funds for the Outdoor Education Program; at the time, the chicken coop was in need of a new roof and this served as the perfect opportunity to raise money. Winners of the Box Tops collections contests always receive a sweet treat bag from the Baking Club. The goal this year is to raise $1,000.

Finally, Sherry shares a few funny stories about the animals and tells us what inspires her to teach.

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION:
https://www.boxtops4education.com/ 

BONUS APP:
https://www.boxtops4education.com/bonusapp

 

Episode 7: Senior Chapel Talk by Brandon Rubsamen '19

“What is it that sets me apart?” Brandon Rubsamen asked in his Senior Chapel Talk. He was determined to pick a topic that hadn’t already been covered and so he shared his story of being part deaf–or how he used to be. At a young age, doctors discovered he was missing his stapes bone, which is located in the middle ear and is the smallest bone in the body. Without it, he could only hear muffled sounds. Sporting a new hearing aid when he reached kindergarten, he viewed it as something unique that made him who he was. As he grew older, he realized the silver lining that he could turn it off when he was annoyed. In 2011, he had surgery to replace the missing bone with a titanium implant, thus becoming a bonafide cyborg. Discovering new sounds and what he had been missing, he told the community that we often don’t realize how good things can be until we get there–listen for the small things in life, the hidden joys, and always look for the silver lining.