By Mary Geyer and Sophie Sands

On a Wednesday in March, we walked through Flippin Hall, scouting out potential Middle School classes to visit. Suddenly, we caught sight of a massive banner overhanging the entrance to a girls’ English classroom. “THE SWIFTIES,” it read in colorful bold letters. We walked through the door and instantly were greeted by the 5th Graders.

Taylor Swift banner hanging outside of a 5th Grade girls class.

5th Grade English and history teacher Ally Maynard welcomed us into the classroom and explained that it was “Help Time,” a free period where the girls could work on homework and go see teachers for help. Maynard is new to Collegiate this year, having just moved from San Francisco, California. She showed us around the room, prompting the students to show us around also. They rushed to show us their crocheted stuffed animals, named Franklin, Paddington, and Oliver.

One girl, Emma, was excited to tell us about the book she was reading and pointed to an empty desk for us to sit if we wanted to. Thanking her, we continued to walk around and were closely and curiously watched by the girls. Next to a portion of the wall adorned with pet pictures, the two of us noticed a whiteboard with various sections referencing Taylor Swift. After noticing that, and remembering the banner that initially made us choose the classroom, we inquired about the board. The girls had “Taylor Swift” and “The Eras Tour” written in multiple different bright colors with various signatures below. They explained that it was their way of showing their love for Swift and her music. 

Wall of Middle School students pets in Ally Maynard’s 5th Grade girls class.

After this, they pointed to a section of the board next to the Swift shrine that was covered in what seemed to be scribbles. We could just barely make out the words that read “ICE SPICE.” In a slightly irritated tone, a girl named Hannah told me that when the boys came into the classroom, they would write all over their drawings. This launched the girls into an enthusiastic conversation about how they loved being separated from the boys, and how Middle School was so much better than Lower School. They explained that in addition to being separated by gender, the food and their schedule is better.

When we eventually left, the girls and Maynard gave us cheerful goodbyes and welcomed us back anytime. The enthusiasm and positivity of the girls was contagious, and we both agreed we would love a classroom environment similar to theirs.

All photos by Sophie Sands.