December has flown by! We packed a lot of learning and fun into these two short weeks before break, and remarkably, we even managed to spend some time in the snow. Wintertime play is one of the many things that makes Brompton a magical place—for students and adults alike.

We hope everyone enjoys a restorative two-week break, with plenty of time to connect with loved ones and return to cherished activities. We look forward to seeing you in January!

At Brompton, we lean heavily on our school community to accomplish things that go above and beyond the ordinary. Parents, grandparents, and loved ones contribute daily out of love and generosity. All of them deserve recognition, though they rarely seek it—they do these good works for the sake of our students.

Within the world of BCS Nature Connection, December made us especially grateful for many unsung heroes. For example, just before Winter Break, Chris Chitty generously donated both materials and time to install a new cement patio in our garden space!  This incredible gift marks the first phase of our newest outdoor learning area.  So far, we are on track to complete our project by the March 6th Action Team Meeting (and official Garden opening).

So much work goes into completing a large scale project.  Our Nature Connection Leadership team is also deeply thankful to Doug Hopp and Drew Mangano, last year’s PTO officers, along with Stephanie Jarrell (this year's PTO President) who are helping to move our project into Phase 2,  This next phase involves the installation of a covered patio over the cement pad. Behind the scenes, BCS community leaders have worked for nearly a year to bring this herculean project to life—funded entirely through private donations and PTO support.

Our classrooms are already buzzing with excitement about this new space. It offers something special to look forward to during the gray winter days, and as all gardeners know, spring will be here before we know it. Soon, in addition to providing classroom space, families will be able to enjoy gathering on the patio for coffee, conversation, and connection with dear friends and beloved teachers.

We are truly grateful to everyone who contributed time, resources, and care to make this meaningful project possible.  

The swampland shaped by extensive beaver activity creates an intriguing landscape for our young biologists to explore. Strikingly beautiful in its own way, the environment may appear desolate at first glance, yet it is rich with wildlife and teeming with microbial life.

The Holloway family manages their land with great care, hunting and fishing while intentionally working to preserve conditions that allow plants and animals to thrive among large pockets of hardwood forest and swampland. These dense areas help buffer river ecosystems from excess nitrogen and agricultural runoff. The variety of habitats found on this farm provides vital refuge for thousands of waterfowl and other indigenous species—such as coyotes, foxes, deer, and otters, to name just a few.

After spending the morning outside in the crisp winter air, we returned to the Blacksmith’s Cabin, where Ms. Holloway built a warm fire for us to enjoy during our lunch hour. In the afternoon, students investigated a variety of animal pelts, carefully observing the adaptations found in the beautiful fur of fox, beaver, coyote, opossum, raccoon, and rabbit. A few of the pelts came from animals on the farm, while most were on loan through a partnership with Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation’s environmental program.

I was especially pleased to see how consciously respectful the students were of the lives of the animals whose pelts we studied. This respect connects directly to our study of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass and the principles of the Honorable Harvest, which remind us to take only what is needed, to never waste, and to express gratitude for the lives that sustain us. Students handled each pelt with care, recognizing that each represented a living being and a relationship with the land.

One student shared the tail feathers of a turkey he had harvested during his first bow-hunting season, speaking thoughtfully and respectfully about his experience. He explained how he prepared, waited patiently, and honored the animal by using what he took and learning from the land. This eighth grader is extremely knowledgeable about wildlife and the habitats in which they live, and we are fortunate that he chooses to share his learning in a way that reflects both conservation-minded science and a deep sense of responsibility and admiration for the natural world.

Ms. Mimi wrapped up the day by leading one of my favorite hands-on activities to demonstrate the importance of fat as a winter adaptation. She filled a bowl with ice water and coated a plastic bag with Crisco. Each student took a turn wearing the Crisco-coated bag like a mitten and submerging it into the freezing water. Amazingly, they couldn’t feel the cold at all! The students were shocked—especially on such a frigid day—and the lesson made a lasting impression.