Pelicans in a Pod

In this episode, Jake and Liz chat with Ms. Jenn Solomon, Director of Student Programs and Events, and senior TK, who is a Student Council Vice President and a Student Activities team member. They share how they work as a team to create fun events and occasions that bring our community together.

Jake and Liz chat with Head of School Jody Reilly Soja about the nature of our campus community. The conversation explores how the school's culture is built on being a kind person rather than just pursuing accolades, a sentiment that she notes is frequently observed by visiting families.

Dean of Enrollment, Jake Dellorco and Senior Associate Director of Admission, Liz Stewart interview Eera Sharma, head of the Modern & Classical Languages Department, about the school's robust languages program, which offers Spanish, French, Latin, Chinese, and Arabic from levels one through seven. They also talk about real-world communication skills and cultural awareness, opportunities for study abroad trips and year-long exchanges, as well as developing not just language skills but also empathy, critical thinking, and cross-cultural competency.

Dean of Enrollment Jake Dellorco and Dean of Freshmen Mike Donegan interview four new students Willa, Dami, Siena, and Angelo about their experiences transitioning to The Loomis Chaffee School. They share insights about what drew them to Loomis, their academic transitions, dormitory life, and the many extracurricular opportunities they love on campus.

Jake and Liz welcome Director of Residential Life Liz Bucceri '07 and junior Alijah to talk about boarding life at Loomis. They explore how the residential life program creates a 'second home' for Loomis students, the mentorship roles of prefects and RAs, dorm activities, weekend programming, and more. Alijah also shares his personal growth from a shy freshman to a confident leader.

In this episode of Pelicans in a Pod, hosts Jake and Liz interview Dr. Roland Davis, Director of Loomis Chaffee's Center for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging. He discusses the meaning of inclusive excellence as a framework that embeds inclusivity and belonging into every aspect of the school experience, from prospective students to alumni. The conversation covers how Loomis measures belonging through surveys, revealing that the overwhelming majority of students feel they belong at the school. Dr. Davis describes both large-scale programmatic initiatives like the revamped tenth-grade seminar and the Illuminators Gathering conference, as well as direct student support through programs like SOAR and affinity groups. He emphasizes Loomis' strengths in having institutional support from leadership and the board, while acknowledging that this work is ongoing as the social landscape continues to evolve. The episode concludes with Dr. Davis encouraging future students to be themselves, knowing that Loomis will support and embrace them for who they are.

Join seniors Charlotte and Shane as they take the mic to share their Loomis journeys — from what first drew them to the Island to how they’ve grown as leaders and individuals along the way. Tune is as they reflect on the experiences that shaped their time at Loomis and the roles they’ve stepped into on campus.

Matt Johnson, director of AI initiatives, along with Jake and Liz, take a deep dive into Loomis' innovative approach to integrating generative AI in the classroom. They discuss the importance of adapting teaching methods to incorporate AI while maintaining high educational standards and fostering student independence. Students and faculty are encouraged to collaborate creatively with AI, recognizing its potential to enhance learning and build confidence. The conversation also highlights the need for teacher training and support in effectively utilizing AI, ensuring it aligns with educational goals. Ultimately, the dialogue underscores the significance of community and human connection in the evolving landscape of education.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Pelicans in a Pod!" Join Jake Dellorco, dean of enrollment and Liz Stewart, senior associate director of admission, as they share their insights about what makes Loomis so special!