Category: HeightsCast

Dr. Mehan looks at whether this novel is a true image of apostasy and of Christian martyrdom.

This week on HeightsCast, we listen to an excerpt from Tom Cox’s Heights Lecture on the virtues exhibited by Samwise Gamgee from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, and how the study of this stouthearted hobbit is important in the formation of a middle school student.

Seneca’s writing and wisdom are not outdated. In fact, they are relevant and helpful now more than ever. Dr. Matt Mehan explores two of Seneca’s Epistles dealing with good use of time and the imprudence of fearing an unknown future. The liberal arts are not just abstract and ethereal; they are thoroughly practical, as we see here in no uncertain terms. Seneca is for our boys and for us–a great read for the Christmas vacation. Seneca’s Epistle I Seneca’s Epistle 13

The well intentioned gift of electronics carries with it unconsidered risks. Headmaster Alvaro de Vicente brings these out into the open, highlighting the ways that smart phones, tablets, and other devices can counteract our mission of forming strong-willed men. Links and Credits: Headmaster’s Letter on Smart Phones Joan of Arc, Mark Twain The Gift of the Magi, O’Henry, illustrated by P.J. Lynch

Though we hear Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving, we miss an opportunity to grow with our children when we bypass Advent. Hear Mr. Tom Steenson discuss how we, as parents and teachers, can live the liturgical season of Advent in a way that truly prepares us for December 25th.

Join two Freshman Core teachers, Gerard Babendreier and Joe Cardenas, for a discussion about how high schoolers should approach their study. To simply call this homework is an unfortunate oversimplification.

We are a Liberal Arts School. What does that mean for our students, and what does that mean for our teachers? Hear Mr. de Vicente at the Open House, and Mr. Tom Longano at the recent Heights Lecture address these important questions.

Andy Reed (Middle School Head) and Colin Gleason (Lower School Head) talk about the purpose of homework, and then delve into the issue of online assignments. The Heights provides planners to students, but asks them to be the owners of their homework. Listen in to hear why.

Dr. Yaceczko and Mr. Breslin discuss how we, as parents and teachers, can guide our boys through the ever expanding realm of modern children’s literature– some of it great, some of it fine, some of it pernicious.

Mr. Jeff Thompson speaks about his experience as a religion teacher preparing boys for Confirmation. åÊAlso in this episode, an excerpt from Mr. de Vicente’s talk on the Moral Imagination–how to shape it, protect it, and nurture it.