At Heritage, students are stepping away from screens and reconnecting with the world around them. Join us as we chat with Upper School Director Matt Lage and AP Psychology Teacher Kristina Marchman about the inspiration behind the school’s new no-cell-phone policy, how students across divisions are adapting, and the creative ways they’re filling their phone-free time. From student reactions and surprising moments to the research and reasoning behind the policy, this episode explores how unplugging is helping students focus, socialize, and engage more fully in campus life.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 – 1:24 – Welcome & Introduction
• 1:25 – 5:25 – What the New Cell Phone Policy Is and Why It Matters Now
• 5:26 – 8:52 – Phones, Society, and the Impact on Mental Health
• 8:53 – 14:16 – Social Skills and the Importance of Real-World Connection
• 14:17 – 18:02 – Using Cell Phones and Tech as Positive Tools
• 18:03 – 24:04 – Student Reactions, Challenges, and Funny Stories
• 24:05 – 26:13 – How the Policy Reinforces Heritage’s Mission
• 26:14 – 29:25 – Wrap Up and Phone-Free Challenges for Listeners

At the Chip Connally Center for Environmental Stewardship, students are getting outside, digging in, and discovering the wonders of the natural world. Join us as we chat with Elizabeth Lewis, Heritage’s Environmental Engagement Specialist, about the inspiration behind the Center, how students across every division are gardening, recycling, and exploring sustainability, and the creative ways this outdoor classroom brings science to life. From behind-the-scenes preparation to hands-on projects and future plans, this episode dives into how the Chip Connally Center is helping students connect with nature, think critically, and grow as stewards of the environment.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 – 2:35 – Welcome & Introduction
• 2:35 – 11:05 – Meet the Chip Connally Center & Its Programs
• 11:05 – 15:11 – Building the Garden: Behind the Scenes
• 15:12 – 18:26 – Connecting Across Subjects: Recycling & the Monarch Project
• 18:27 – 26:05 – Why These Programs Matter
• 26:06 – 27:26 – Bringing Nature Home: Simple Tips for Families
• 27:27 – 28:20 – Final Question & Reflection
• 28:21 – 30:09 – Ode to the Chip Connally

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Nest—or what all those acronyms and numbers mean? In At the Grove: Heritage 101, Emily Kimbell, Director of Communications, welcomes Kristin Skelly, Head of School, and Trevor Hamaker, Director of Admissions, to share first-week highlights, campus updates like the Garden, Treehouse, and Student Life Center, new roles and faces, insights into Heritage lingo, and discuss Heritage by the Numbers.

Episode Chapters:

• 0:00 - 1:40 – Introduction
• 1:40–6:50 – Student Life Center Renovation & SAGE Lunches
• 6:51–10:59 – Playground, Treehouse, & Garden Updates
• 11:00–17:06 – New Faces & Roles
• 17:07–25:52 – Decoding Heritage Lingo
• 25:52–36:06 – Heritage by the Numbers
• 36:07–38:04 – Wrap-Up: Your Number for the Year