Ensights Magazine

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Parent Association Fall Semester Highlights

Amanda Graff, Parent Association President
Here's a recap of the fall semester from Amanda Graff, President of the Ensworth Parent Association:
It was an exciting fall and a great time to be a Tiger Parent! One of my favorite parts of the Ensworth community is its constant eagerness and willingness to gather. This fall, many of us gathered to hear Nashville all-time great and Vanderbilt University Baseball Coach, Tim Corbin, speak to our community. He expressed it best when he said, “I think rules are for people who can’t follow directions. I think standards are for people who aspire to do special things.” I am thankful that the Parent Association does not have many rules, yet we continue to do very special things. Thanks to our phenomenal new Head of School, countless extraordinary volunteers, and our remarkable Parent Association Board, the first half of the school year was filled with wonderful, joy-filled events. 
 
Here are a few highlights from the first semester:
Tiger Town Tailgates - The Parent Association hosted seven tailgates before home football games on the Frist Campus. Hundreds of Ensworth families enjoyed music, bounce houses, E-swag, performances by the Ensworth cheerleaders, and fabulous food prepared by the newly formed Ensworth grill team. 
Grade Parent Gatherings - We hosted 13 grade-level parent gatherings with over 1,000 in attendance. We are grateful to the Ensworth parents who opened their homes and hosted parties. 
Faculty and Staff Appreciation - This incredible Parent Association committee provided over 500 take-home dinners to all Ensworth faculty and staff, recognized birthdays, held pie pop-ups, a holiday luncheon, and the famous 12 Days of Ensworth Giveaway.
 
I expect the spring semester to be as exciting as the fall! We have many plans on the calendar, and we look forward to seeing all of you! The Parent Association is in a great position to continue educating our parents, building community, and supporting our school for many years to come. Our community is incredible, and there is no question we are stronger when we are together. I am grateful for each of you and look forward to an exciting second half of the year. 
 
Warmest regards, 
Amanda Graff
2022-2023 Ensworth Parent Association President

Tim Corbin Event - November 6, 2022

Tim Corbin with two Ensworth students
Tim Corbin, Vanderbilt Head Baseball Coach and two-time National Champion, spoke to the Ensworth community about Winning at the Most Important Game: Life on the Frist Campus. Here are a few words of wisdom from Coach Corbin:
 
“With each new recruit, I hold a marshmallow, a jelly bean, and a rock over a flame. The marshmallow quickly turns gooey and burns up. The jelly bean, hard on the outside but soft on the inside, initially holds up better, but, it too, melts due to the heat. Only the rock withstands the heat intact. If anything, it comes out a bit shinier, a bit more polished. Life is tough, and you can’t be soft.”
 
“Be a person of integrity. Make sure your actions line up 
with your words.”
 
“Focus on yourself and self-improvement. Success will follow.”
 
“Have a teachable spirit and the ability to take direction as a compliment.”
 
“Be disciplined in all you do. Focus on attention and effort.”

Parent Education Event - Laura Stack

Laura Stack
In November, Laura Stack, an award-winning speaker and author of The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana: Johnny Stack’s Life and Death Story, spoke to Ensworth parents about the critical issues surrounding high-potency marijuana and its relationship to mental illness and psychosis. Her presentation was truly eye-opening as she shared thorough research about the different types of marijuana being used today and the science of how it can affect the brain.
 
“Laura Stack is one of the most impactful parenting speakers I have ever heard. I learned so much about how the marijuana industry has changed in the last ten years; it was all new information to me! Her objective facts and figures are information we all need as parents trying to help our kids navigate these teenage years.” 
-Ruth Coppeans ‘93 
Parent to Duncan ‘24, Edward ‘26, & Millie ‘27

Tiger Salon in November

Tiger Salon meeting
Courtney Bolton, Ph.D. and current parent, presented: The Science of Making and Keeping Friends. She delved into research on the skills needed for children to be socially successful and how to equip teens to deal with peer pressure, make good choices, and recognize risks.
 
“Courtney’s presentation was invaluable as we all support our kids through the inevitable and natural ebbs and flows of friendship. She gave us tools that I have already passed along to my kids that I know will help them as they grow and learn what a good friendship looks and feels like!”
-Anna Hudson
Parent to Benjamin ‘30 & Samuel ‘34
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