Bullis Blog | Global Studies Trips

Dear Bullis Families and Community, Our final full day in the Outer Banks felt like the closing chapter of a truly special journey—one filled with exploration and collaboration that our students will carry with them long after they return home. Students began their morning at Jennette’s Pier, where they participated in a series of STEM experiences that built meaningful curricular connections to what they have been studying in the classroom. Each workshop invited students to think deeply, ask questions, and apply their learning to the real-world coastal environment around them. The day continued at the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, where students explored the powerful legacy of courage and service along North Carolina’s coast. Later, time spent on the beach offered a chance to simply be together. Standing with the wind at their faces and the ocean behind them, it was also a perfect moment to reflect on all that has been experienced and shared this week. Tonight, we gathered for ...

  Dear Bullis Families and Community, This morning, we were greeted with perfect beach weather - warm sunshine, clear skies, and the gentle sound of waves nearby. Students spent the morning at the Coastal Studies Institute, participating in the Ocean ROVers & NC Shipwrecks Workshops and immersing themselves in hands-on activities. The afternoon brought even more discovery on Roanoke Island, where students stepped into the role of archaeologists and even boarded a replica of the Elizabeth! From morning to evening, the day buzzed with inquiry and lively conversation as students explored new concepts and encouraged one another through every activity. They are truly approaching this trip with a sense of wonder - leaning into the unknown and making each moment as memorable as it is meaningful. Please scroll below to enjoy some photos, along with reflections from our 6th-grade bloggers, through their own eyes. Sarah S. '32 reflects: Today was so fun! We started our day with a t...

  Dear Bullis Families and Community, We’ve safely arrived in the beautiful Outer Banks, and the excitement on the students’ faces made every mile worth it! Our first stop was Jockey’s Ridge State Park, where students eagerly explored the tallest living sand dunes on the Atlantic Coast. They soaked up the sun, climbed the rolling dunes, and delighted in the stunning views around them! We wrapped up the day with a closing circle to gather and reflect on the day, followed by a few quiet moments of writing in their OBX journals back in their rooms. We are so proud of how our students fully embraced their first-day adventures! Please enjoy a glimpse of our day through these photos, along with the voices of our thoughtful 6th-grade bloggers. We can’t wait to share more in the days ahead! Jackson L. '32 reflects: As soon as the 8th graders left for Costa Rica, you could feel the excitement building. Then, when the 7th graders left for the Keys yesterday, the excitement was jus...

Dear Bullis Parents and Community Members, Our four days of discovery, adventure, and learning beyond the classroom ended at our final stop—the historic Chicamacomico Life-saving Station. Standing there, with the wind in our faces and the ocean behind us, it was a perfect moment to reflect on all that the students had experienced. Through the eyes of our student bloggers, this week has been more than just visiting new places. It has been about friendship, collaboration, problem-solving, and moments of wonder that can't always be captured in a photo or blog entry, but will stay with them long after we return. Please enjoy two final reflections through the voices of our 6th-grade bloggers. Alana K. writes: Oh boy, what a week we had! The week started with the Wright Brothers Memorial, Jockey Ridge (sand dunes), and our hotel. We also went fishing at Jennette's Pier and visited the Coastal Studies Institute, where we learned about electricity and ocean health. We all had fu...

Dear Bullis Parents and Community Members, Today, we returned for a full day of STEM exploration and discovery at Jennette's Pier and the Coastal Studies Institute, building on the learning and experiences we began yesterday. We welcome you to experience today's adventures through the thoughtful reflections of our 6th-grade bloggers, as well as photos that capture each moment! Mia R. writes: We started our day with a delicious breakfast! Next, we went to our first stop, which was Jennette's Pier, where we took a fascinating class on the sounds of the ocean and determined what a healthy ocean sounds like. Next, we headed to Roanoke Island for a delicious outdoor lunch. We enjoyed some great sandwiches. Afterward, we visited the Coastal Studies Institute, and this is where the magic really happened! The highlight of my day was building ROVs in a friendly competition. It was fun, and it was also a great learning experience. I discovered how magnetic energy works and ho...

Dear Bullis Parents and Community Members, This morning, we were greeted with perfect beach weather — warm sunshine, clear skies, and the gentle sound of waves in the distance. The day was filled with immersive, hands-on learning at the Coastal Studies Institute and Jennette's Pier, along with some blissful time spent on the beach. We invite you to relive today's adventures through the voices of our wonderful 6th grade bloggers—and, of course, plenty of photos! Sadie C. writes: Today, we went to Jennette's Pier and the Coastal Studies Institute. At the Coastal Studies Institute, we were split into two groups. One group learned about Maritime Archaeology, while the other learned how to survey a shipwreck and identify it. Both groups switched after one hour. Both classes were very fun and interesting. After the Coastal Studies Institute, we went to Jennette's Pier! At Jennette's Pier, we had free time on the beach before lunch. After lunch, we went to the pier to...