Freshman Retreat 2023

As it turns out, the Class of 2027 is especially enthusiastic. These students actively, and at times comically, participated in the activities, such as an impromptu karaoke chorus of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” during the competitive games.  

One of the more meaningful activities happened when Head of Upper School Jon Konzelman asked students to write a letter to their future selves, placed in a bottle to be kept until the end of their senior year. They were asked to individually answer three critical questions:

• What do I want to be known for?
• What do I want to accomplish?
• Who do I want to be like?

“Our prayer for these students is that they will have the opportunity to achieve all of the things they desire. But more importantly, in four years, they will be known for reflecting the fruits of the Spirit, accomplishing the tasks that God has for them in this chapter of life, and they will each grow to love and reflect Jesus” said Jon Konzelman.

Dean of Students Brad Lane asked SBS upperclassmen to give their best advice to the new freshmen class on how to be a good student. 

We love their detailed answers! 

1. Stay organized! Try the sticky notes app on your computer.
2. Use your assignment center. Mark tasks as to-do, in progress, & then completed. Check for quizzes and tests and stay on top of your assignments. 
3. Manage your time with outside activities, don’t want to fall behind! 
4. Try doing homework during Community Time.
5. Ask teachers questions. They want to help! 
6. Go to social events! Football games, art performances. Plug into our community. 
7. Include everyone, be friendly always, but choose friends wisely. 
8. Study + invest in your GPA from Day 1! 
9. Get rest! Go to bed early and sleep as much as you can. 
10. Have fun! Don’t take yourself too seriously. Your decisions as a freshman do matter, but enjoying your time at SBS is also important.