Happy Pi Day! March 14, or 3/14, is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant that begins with 3.14, and our students took full advantage of the opportunity to celebrate. Students in Parker Conley's seventh-grade math class enjoyed eating pie during their lessons, while the Upper School's chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, a math honor society, hosted Pi Day celebrations during lunch where their fellow students solved puzzles and equations in exchange for sweet treats. How many digits can you recite?

This week, our fourth- and fifth-grade orchestra students took an exciting field trip to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for a special program, the "Symphonic Space Adventure." The concert highlighted pieces inspired by space and the cosmos, and students also learned more about the elements behind some of the most famous pieces in classical music. It was a great opportunity for these young musicians to grow their appreciation for orchestra and composing!

The HIES Upper School chorus presented a beautiful and reverent Evensong service on Thursday, March 13, at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church. Evensong, a traditional service in the Episcopal Church, is a choral-led evening prayer that combines scripture, hymns and sacred music to offer reflection and worship at the close of the day. The students filled the chapel with beautiful music, helping create a moving experience for all in attendance. Thank you to the Upper School chorus for their outstanding performance and for honoring this sacred tradition with such devotion!

Earlier this month, Julie Luttrell '26 and Lewis Smith '26 took the stage at the Shakespeare Tavern as part of the English-Speaking Union Annual Shakespeare Contest. Their journey began in January, impressing HIES faculty judges with compelling renditions of monologues and sonnets. After winning the school competition, they advanced to the Tavern, where they showcased their talent on a professional stage! Congratulations to Lewis and Julie along with all our competing students.

With graduation just around the corner, the Class of 2025 is in the final stretch of their time at HIES! This amazing group of seniors is making the most of their last traditions and milestones and kicked off the memorable spring with their class year photo. We can't wait to continue on celebrating the Class of 2025 in the weeks to come. Click here to see a video of this special morning!

In "Faculty Features," you'll learn more about some of the amazing individuals who help make HIES such a special place. Click "read more" to learn about Hayley Rubin, Middle School Spanish teacher and multicultural affairs coordinator.

A special assembly on Tuesday, March 11, celebrated a historic moment for the HIES Basketball program. The entire student body gathered to honor both the girls' and boys' basketball teams for their incredible achievement, winning the Class AAAA state championships last Wednesday. It was the girls’ fifth title and the boys’ first, marking the first time in school history that both teams won in the same season.

Athletic Director Tony Watkins, along with head coaches Nichole Dixon and Mario Mays, introduced the teams at the assembly and praised their accomplishments, commitment and character, as students and community members cheered them on in a moment of shared pride.

The assembly also recognized Hailee Swain '25 and Caleb Wilson '25 for their historic accomplishment of being named McDonald’s All-Americans and Players of the Year, an honor given to only 24 male and 24 female players nationwide. Hailee and Caleb were also the only athletes from Georgia to receive this prestigious distinction. 

"I feel like it really just shows the hard work and everything we've put into it," Hailee said, speaking to 11Alive about the girls' outstanding season and her own recognition. "The dedication, early mornings and late nights, just really reinforcing our work ethic."

We are so proud of this landmark achievement for Hailee, Caleb and every player on the varsity boys' and girls' basketball teams. Go Bears!

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, Primary School students took a journey back in time as they explored the world of dinosaurs in an exciting, hands-on way. Kindergarten and K-Prep students kicked off the day with a field trip to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, where they marveled at towering dinosaur skeletons, examined real fossils and deepened their understanding of prehistoric life.

In the afternoon, the excitement continued with a special visitor on campus: Alpha, a life-sized, interactive Velociraptor puppet. Students had a blast as Alpha’s "trainers" from Prehistoric Nation Atlanta led them through games like Hide and Seek, Dino Limbo and more. It was a day filled with learning, laughter and unforgettable dinosaur adventures for our young Golden Bears!

Over the past two weeks, our talented Middle School and Upper School Fine Arts students have delighted friends and family with a series of beautiful winter concerts. The HIES Orchestra set the tone with a wonderful performance on Thursday, Feb. 20, followed by the Middle School and Upper School bands, who took the stage on Tuesday, Feb. 25, showcasing their hard work and musicianship. Yesterday, our Middle School Chorus delivered a lovely performance, while the Upper School Chorus is busy preparing for their Evensong concert in March. Well done to all of our talented musicians!