REDS Blog

As the weather turns cooler and the grounds of Roland Park Country School turn gold and red with a layer of fallen leaves, the sounds coming from our campus might surprise you. You will hear the typical shrieks of joy coming from the Lower School playground and the turning of textbook pages under the shade of an oak tree, but you will also hear conversations between a first grader and a 10th grader as they plan their Shark Tank project.

That’s right: the phrase “all under one roof” is a tenet of RPCS. Opportunities for mentorship between students across divisions arise constantly and organically and is even incorporated into their academic schedules. The younger girls see their role models every day, and the older students recognize the importance of this responsibility.

“The relationships between our youngest and oldest learners, including the buddies our older elementary students have with younger elementary students, promote a sense of community and connection,” said Cindy Crown, Lower School Counselor. “I believe the relationships formed between our older and younger students foster self-awareness, empathy and a sense of belonging. When students feel seen, heard and cared for, it lays a strong foundation for academic success and social-emotional competence.”

These relationships happen inside the classroom, as well as on the field, stage, and in the hallways. Here are just a few examples of how the RPCS “all under one roof” model helps all of their students develop confidence, leadership skills, a sense of community, and empathy towards others.

 

Upper School Performing Arts Ensembles Partner with Lower School Students

The Upper School auditioned singing and dance groups, the Semiquavers and the Roses Repertory Dance Company, partner with kindergarten, first and fourth grades to perform together in Upper School concerts. They practice together during class time and build relationships through crafts, mentorship activities and more.

“Spending time with our kindergarten buddies throughout the year is one of the most fun aspects of being in the Semiquavers”, said senior Krisha G, pictured above. “It's such a strong connection between the oldest and youngest students at the school. My favorite part is when they sing all out with us and give us big hugs. You can tell how much they look up to us, but we also care so much for them.” 

 

Gore Leadership Institute Shark Tank 2.0

The Shark Tank 2.0 Upper School entrepreneurial elective was a pilot program in the 2023-2024 school year that partners with first grade. The 10^th grade students formed teams with first graders to create a product that improves the school community. Each team presented their product to school leaders, who then selected which product to move forward with for the upcoming school year.

 

Peer Health Institute

Mentors in the Peer Health Institute are comprised of 10th and 12th graders who are trained over the summer to lead wellness classes with eighth and fifth graders. These classes allow the younger students to discuss social, emotional and academic struggles and concerns without the pressures of having an adult present.

Emma G., a student in the class of 2025 and a leader in the Peer Health program, commented that “building close relationships with underclassmen through the peer health program has given me and my mentees the opportunity to find similarities with others in our community and help guide each other through different life events.”

 

Computer Science Honors Society

Each year, the Computer Science Honors Society (CSHS) partners with a grade in either Middle or Lower School to engage in fun activities together throughout the year, such as escape rooms, puzzles, and robotics, in an effort to foster a love of computer science at a young age.

 

Spirit Days

At RPCS, younger students often attend Upper School athletic competitions and last year,  a Lower School after school spirit squad club was created to make signs and cheer at the soccer, field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse games!

“The Ra Ra Reds Spirit Club was created as an afterschool program in response to the enthusiasm that Lower Schoolers have shown in supporting their Upper School peers in sports,” said Lindsay Quinn, Director of Auxiliary Programs. “During the various seasons you will almost always see a group of Lower Schoolers with their red pom-poms jumping, cheering, and cartwheeling from the sidelines. Our Lower Schoolers just love to support our REDS athletic teams and view their role as a fan as important as being on the team itself.”

“When I was growing up, I never knew when my high school was in a championship game,” said a mom from the Class of 2034. “Not only did my daughter, who was in first grade at the time, want to go to the RPCS Varsity soccer championship game, but she and multiple classmates were part of the group that rushed the field when the REDS won, and were picked up by the high school athletes in communal celebration. It gave me goosebumps to watch her with these older girls, and really solidified the importance of the community my daughter has at RPCS.”