Wednesday, August 27th, marked the beginning of the Julia Morgan School for Girls’ 10th year, providing an innovative and unique educational experience for middle school girls in the East Bay.

     Distinctive to JMSG’s Opening Day, returning students joined the voices of the entire faculty and staff as they sang Funga Alafia, a Liberian song of welcome, while sixth-graders paraded through the school’s main archway.  “It was a surreal opening,” reflected Olivia Knowlton (7th grade), “it was a true example of the Julia Morgan atmosphere.” 

     Following tradition, the 63 incoming girls participated in numerous activities including the chair tradition, where each girl paints her own chair to symbolize her place in the school, and making kachina wisdom dolls to represent the wisdom that will guide each girl throughout her time at the school. Students also selected and placed inspirational quotes in public spaces throughout the school.

     On Friday, all 183 students had the chance to work with local Bay Area artists as a part of the school’s 2nd Annual Artist Day, simultaneously creating new art and new friendships.  Fifteen artist volunteers were paired with groups and spent two hours leading art projects ranging from Oil Painting and Book Art Jewelry to Pastel Patchwork and African Animal Batiks. “It was cool to see the different ways you could make art,” said Kadijah Means (6th grade). "The African Batik project was about learning to deal with change, and learning to not be attached to your artwork.” The finished pieces will be sold at the 2008 JMSG Auction to be held at the school on Saturday, November 8th, with all proceeds benefiting the Financial Aid program.

     For more information on the Julia Morgan School for Girls or JMSG events, please contact Melody Ferris at (510) 632-6000 x130.  We would be happy to arrange school visits.