Shark Bait: Eighth Graders Pitch to Panel of “Sharks”
Legnini’s entrepreneurial focus challenged students to think about this: the many hours spent on research and development would be devalued without a strong, creative, and well-informed pitch.
“Pitching their social networks is a really great way for them to practice presentation skills – not only to their peers, but also to adults,” says Legnini, drawing from his own experience in pitching his company over 60 times to various investors.
Legnini points out to his students that an essential skill all great presenters possess is the ability to speak off-the-cuff. He assures his class there are going to be questions they didn’t anticipate.
The “sharks” ask those questions to force students to think quickly and critically. “It’s important to feel that deer-in-the-headlights pressure and to think about what methods you can use to get past that to deliver a good answer,” explains Legnini. The classroom is the perfect setting for students to take those risks, stumble their way through it, and learn from that experience.
“I tell all my students they may not leave my classroom as entrepreneurs or expert coders, but they are going to leave with problem solving and critical thinking skills,” says Legnini.
So, could a group of Shipley entrepreneurs appear on a future episode of Shark Tank? “Some students were so involved in this project, they showed initiative to take it one step further,” explains Legnini. “Together we are working on how to write an actual business plan and thinking about how to take this to the next step.”
Fingers crossed! The real success lies within the students’ deeply rooted learning experience. Whatever business or personal endeavors Sean’s student pursue, the critical thinking, problem solving, and presentation skills they’ve gained as a result of this project proves to be most valuable investment.
Princeton University graduate Ishea Johnson ’19 credits her Shipley teachers with creating an environment where she developed and thrived as an independent learner, contributing to her success in college. "Shipley is truly outstanding in that it simultaneously provides its students with a rigorous, academically challenging curriculum while also fostering intellectual exploration and creativity," she says.
Ozzie Jones earned a Barrymore Award nomination for Outstanding Outdoor Production, showcasing his transformative journey and key role in Theater in the X's acclaimed "Dreamgirls."
In the journey of self-discovery and personal development, eighth grade students at Shipley embark on a path of finding their voice. This article highlights eighth grade English, and how students learn to express their opinions, beliefs, and thoughts through literature and class discussions, laying the foundation for compassionate participation in the world.
Shipley All School President Henry Katz ’19, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in May with a BA in Political Communication. This summer, he served as an intern at The White House in the Office of Scheduling and Advance, and has recently started a new position as a Political Strategist at Schoen Cooperman Research in New York City.
Learn more about Chantra Reinman—from her unexpected journey into education to her love for travel, and a surprising encounter with royalty, Chantra shares what drives her to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Discover why she's so passionate about protecting children's options and possibilities, what she loves to do in her free time, and why the classic film Roman Holiday holds a special place in her heart.
In the whirlwind of the first few weeks of school, Shipley's teachers set the tone in their classrooms with engaging ice-breaker activities that transcend traditional introductions. Through these activities, our students are not merely getting to know each other; they are building the foundations of a thriving, supportive, and vibrant community that will guide them on their journey to becoming their best selves.
Phillip Brown, Upper School Theater Director at Shipley, considers his portrayal of Jay Jackson in Lantern Theater Company's "The Royale" to be the role of a lifetime.The play was nominated for seven Barrymore Awards, including Outstanding Overall Production of a Play, with Phillip himself nominated for Outstanding Leading Performance in a Play.
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The Shipley School proudly recognizes Benjamin Bradlow, Maxwell Davis, and Nicholas Marks, members of the Class of 2024, who have achieved the status of semifinalists in The National Merit Scholarship Program. Merit Scholar designees are selected based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.
Explore the world of renowned artist Rory MacArthur at The Speer Gallery in a mesmerizing exhibition on loan from the West Collection. Discover MacArthur's journey into glyphs and abstraction, where he crafts perfect glyph-like objects using color, shape, surface, and form in an age inundated with symbols.
The Shipley Boys and Girls Soccer teams embarked on an incredible 10-day journey to the UK, where they trained with professionals, played friendly matches, and experienced the culture. See photos and read more about their adventure abroad.
In an effort enrich Shipley’s Theater Arts Program, significant changes are underway, touching every aspect of the program—from personnel to scheduling. Learn more about the exciting changes underway in Shipley's Theater Arts.
Meet Sergio Jackson, Shipley’s Director of Athletic Performance, who inspires the community to move and thrive. Learn about his journey from a college athlete to Shipley, where he creates an inclusive and empowering environment for the community. You will also discover how he applies his guiding principles of strength, energy, resilience, and gratitude (SERG) to help students achieve their health and wellness goals.
Departing Director of Physical Plant and Security, Bob Meals, shares his fond memories and gratitude. This place isn't just a workplace; it's a home," he emphasized, having lived on campus for 25 plus years. The family-like environment, the friendships, and the connections with students, families, and coworkers are what make this place so unique."
Join us on Saturday, September 30, for this day-long celebration that will include a kids’ carnival, free community barbecue, athletic events, Kona Ice, and more. Festivities begin at 10:00 am! Carnival, Kona Ice Truck, 5th grade smoothies, and Middle School bake sale proceeds will support Shipley's 22-year partnership with The Brain Tree Primary School in Uganda.
Read reflections from Class of 2023 Shipley alumni, who are now thriving at various prestigious universities. They share how their Shipley experience has equipped them with resilience, adaptability, courage, and a passion for exploration and learning. Read all of the Class of 2023 reflections.
Shipley's very own Director of Bands, Dr. Harley Givler was recognized as a finalist in the 10th Annual Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute Ovation Awards. He and the nine other finalists were nominated by current and former students who wrote essays on “How My Music Teacher Changed My Life.”
Shipley’s Asian Student Alliance (ASA), led by co-presidents Amber Feng ’24 and Anne Gu ’25, recognized Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with programming for Upper School students, including a presentation about AAPI Heritage Month by members of the ASA, and one by guest speaker Elvis Zhang ’17 about his life as an entrepreneur and Asian American.
Capping their stellar season, the girls’ played Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in the Final League game, only this time the tables turned and Shipley was victorious.
Shipley's Middle School Latin students took the 2023 National Latin Examination with over 100,000 students from around the world. Thirteen students earned Latin Award prizes and recognition for excellence. Middle School Latin students also competed in The Philadelphia Classical Society's 84th Annual Latin Week Competition - Traditional Artistry & Literary Projects on Classical themes. A total of 30 Middle School students won Latin Awards and recognition for excellence.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.