One Severn: A Story of Belonging

For the first time, students from Preschool through twelfth grade were all learning on one campus, creating a unique opportunity to experience Severn as one connected community.

 

As a Severn alumna and current Lower School teacher, I felt that this moment in the school’s history was worth documenting through the voices of our students. The goal of the project was not only to tell the story of the year, but also to highlight the traditions, relationships, experiences, and everyday moments that help students feel connected to Severn.

 

Student voice became an important part of the process. Students across grade levels had the opportunity to reflect on the moments and experiences that stood out to them most throughout the year. Lower School students shared their perspectives during Open Doors sessions, while Middle and Upper School students had the opportunity to contribute through an anonymous survey. Their responses ranged from classroom activities and field trips to school traditions, performances, celebrations, and opportunities to connect with students in other divisions. These ideas helped shape each grade level page and ensured that the story reflected experiences that were meaningful to the students themselves.

 

The illustrations were created by Dilayla Canal Espinoza ’27, whose beautiful artwork helped bring the story to life and added another layer of student representation to the project. Working collaboratively with a student artist allowed the book to become something created not just about students, but with them.

 

One of the biggest things I learned through this project was how many different experiences can contribute to a student's sense of belonging. Sometimes belonging comes from a major school tradition or milestone, but just as often it comes from the smaller moments: a familiar classroom routine, being welcomed by an older student, spending time with friends, or feeling like your experiences are part of the larger story of the school.

 

My hope is that One Severn: A Story of Belonging serves as both a snapshot of this unique year and a reminder of what makes our community special. Years from now, I hope students can look back on the story and see themselves, their memories, and their place within the Severn story. 

 

A special thank you also goes to Madison Wilbur, Upper School Art Teacher, as well as Abigail Esposito ’27 and Hailey Penzell ’27, for their support and contributions to the illustration process. Their help played an important role in bringing the project together.

Click here to read One Severn: A Story of Belonging.