Even when she was still in elementary school, Blake Ormond knew she wanted to become a teacher. And she imagined it happening at the school she was attending — Chicago City Day School.
This fall, that notion became reality. Ms. Ormond, a member of City Day's Class of 2014, joined the school's faculty as its new music teacher.
"It feels like a homecoming," Ms. Ormond said. "I love walking these halls again."
Ms. Ormond returned to City Day, and the city of Chicago, after spending a number of years in Minnesota. She earned her music degree at St. Olaf College in Northfield, then taught at a small pre-K through-12 school in St. Paul.
"Teaching there was a valuable experience, but I knew all along that I could do so much more at a school like City Day," she said. "I knew how much the school values the relationship between student and teacher, and I knew how committed the students and their families were. I was so happy when this opportunity opened up."
Ms. Ormond's eighth-grade yearbook photo
Filling the role also meant that Ormond could move closer to family members, including her mother. Ormond, whose two siblings also graduated from City Day, said the school was an important part of life to her family.
"My mom cried when I told her I'd be working here," Ms. Ormond said.
City Day Head of School Chris Dow said he is delighted that Ms. Ormond has joined the faculty.
"It is truly special to have Ms. Ormond share her love of music and passion for education back where it all began for her," Mr. Dow said. "It speaks volumes about the connection our alums feel to City Day long after they graduate."
When the school year started, Ms. Ormond, whose specialty is voice, immediately began working with her students on all aspects of singing, from pitch to posture. She'll introduce students to different musical instruments, including guitar, later this year.
"I love teaching music because it builds confidence, which is an important focus at City Day," she said. "And the study of music connects to so many other subjects. We touch on history and geography; studying lyrics helps reinforce what they learn in their language classes.
"To do all of that here, a place I already have a connection to, makes it even more rewarding."
- Interested in learning more about City Day's faculty and/or arts program? Attend an admissions event.
