At a time when the distractions on smartphones for students have increased tremendously, schools have sought ways to limit this interruption in learning. To start the 2023-2024 school year, Browning has implemented the use of Yondr pouches as a potential solution. Yondr pouches allow students to keep their phones physically on them without having distractions. Students can unlock the phones using its magnet system that is set up in the lobby.

If you ask any high school junior or senior what’s on their mind, chances are college admissions are near the top. It’s hard to blame them––buzz about record-low acceptance rates, test-optional policies, restrictive early action versus early decision versus regular decisions applications, and the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision ending race-based admissions decisions feels constant. Fortunately, they are in good hands with Browning’s Director of College Guidance, Sandy Pelz, who spoke with the Grytte about a number of topics in the college admissions landscape. 

Over the first weekend of October, 100 individuals from across the country embarked on a voyage to Tyler Hill, Pennsylvania, evading storm clouds and a torrential downpour with smiles across their faces to reach the site of 2023’s Riley’s Way Youth Leadership Retreat. From Portland to Frisco, these leaders aged 14 to 18 participated in team-building activities, youth-led seminars, panel discussions, and leadership workshops, all in the efforts of connecting the Riley’s Way community and forging the next generation of leaders.

From his first exploration of pottery as a postgraduate student at a boarding school in New England to teaching six grades of students here at Browning, new art teacher Luke Kelly has been able to apply his passions for both the arts and education to help foster creativity in his pupils. The Grytte had the pleasure of sitting down with Mr. Kelly, the newest addition to the art department, to discuss who he is and examine his artistic influences, teaching methods, and vision for inspiring young artists at Browning.

The school has begun to implement a new system of notetaking called Cornell Notes (sometimes referred to as Two-Column Notes) in an effort to assist students in more effectively retaining information. “If you are actively taking Cornell notes when you're reading, I think you become a better reader because it gives your reading a purpose,” Grade 8-12 Learning Specialist Kristen Sheppard said. “You are literally being a detective as you read asking yourself: What are the main ideas? What are the details that back up those main ideas?”

Throughout the year the school community is invited to join for a day of service to help neighbors bridge the gap between donations of fresh produce and community fridges in our surrounding area.⁠ Read to learn more about how Browning delivers!

With a focus on sustainability and conservation through marine biology, Jack G. ’24 spent his time abroad studying marine life and researching ways to better preserve Cape Eleuthera’s aquatic environment, all while sticking to a rigorous schedule. 

With Covid-19 cases dropping, the Classes of 2023 and 2024 continued their annual college trip tradition and embarked on a three-day visit to various universities around the Northeast.

After the announcement that Browning is set to expand its facilities with a new building on 337 East 64th Street, preliminary plans have been proposed to maintain the tight-knit bond of its student body. Located at 337 East 64th Street, the new building will provide new space to allow the grade size to grow from 30 to 45 boys beginning in sixth grade. From students to faculty, this new building has been a cause of optimism for many around the building. 

After 13 years at the School, Student Body President Ethan F. ’23 has proven to be a true Browning gentleman and leader for the community.

The club system was recently revamped for the 2022-23 school year in order to allow students to join multiple clubs.

Washieu A. ’23 is following his curiosity in programming by conducting research at Weill Cornell to develop medical imaging tools.

From working at Beijing’s Number Four High School to creating the Chinese immersion program at Presidio Knolls School in California, Mingyan "Ophelia" Ma is bringing her talented skills in the world of humanities to Browning when she becomes our new Head of Middle School this summer.

Elected by the Upper School student body on May 13, 2022, Presidential Elect Ethan F. ’23 and Vice-Presidential Elect Rohan M. ’23 will be leading the school next year.

Through facilitating opportunities for students to contribute meaningfully to the world, making Browning a place where purpose is prioritized, Naledi Semela, the School’s Director of Equitable Practices and Social Impact (EPSI), in his first year has already made a mark on the community.

On May 13, 2022, a number of Browning Upper School students walked out of their classes to join students from across the city to protest the Supreme Court’s leaked draft that would overturn Roe v. Wade.

On April 24, the ninth grade class will be going to the Island School to collect data on the projects surrounding Marine Ecology that they developed in Biology class.

Part of the camaraderie built between students in the upper school takes place in the world of fantasy football, where pressure, strategy, and most importantly fun is shared among participants.

As part of the broader peer leadership program, the ninth graders, accompanied by the senior peer leaders, went on a retreat to strengthen friendships and understand their role at Browning in a more authentic way.

During the second semester of my junior year, I was fortunate to spend my spring semester abroad at The Island School in Eleuthera, Bahamas, expanding on my studies in marine ecology and sustainability.⁠