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Screen-Free Summer

Byline photo of Husain Asif
Byline photo of Salma El Bissati
Byline photo of Reed Francez
Byline photo of Leila Koss
Byline photo of Audrey Yin
Husain Asif, Salma El Bissati, Reed Francez, Leila Koss, and Audrey Yin
June 3, 2026
To promote a screen-free summer, the Midway compiled three adventures in the Chicago area for students to take.
To promote a screen-free summer, the Midway compiled three adventures in the Chicago area for students to take.
Eva Neves

A 2023 study from the National Library of Medicine found that excessive screen time is detrimental to a child’s development. Now that summer is here, reduce these negative impacts by enjoying these recommendations for activities and treats.

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME. Over the summer, junior Samara Grossman is a camp counselor at Hidden Valley, a camp in Maine that focuses on arts and the outdoors. Being a camper was her favorite experience and she wants to share her passion for camp with younger campers.
Students return to overnight camp as leaders
INSPIRED EDUCATING. English teacher Carrie Koenen stands with projects her students made over the years. Ms. Koenen has always been drawn to the world of literary analysis and encourages students to read for pleasure.
End of a Chapter: English teacher Carrie Koenen will retire after 22 years of instilling love for literature
EARLY EDUCATION. Kathleen Iatarola, a second grade assistant teacher, will retire after teaching at Lab for 23 years.
Kathleen Iatarola, early childhood educator, retires
Click, Check, Concentrate. A student in Shauna Anderson’s third period Accelerated Algebra class keeps a bingo board open on their screen while following as another student solves a problem on the whiteboard. The student-created game, based on Ms. Anderson’s commonly used phrases and habits have become a daily part of the class, encouraging students to stay attentive and engaged during lessons.
Bingo board boosts attention, sense of community in math class
FLYING FRISBEE. Even after retiring from the sport, physics teacher Matthew Bonges lets ultimate remains a defining part of how he thinks about teamwork and community both on the field and in the classroom.
Fast-Paced Flying: Physics teacher Matthew Bonges brings ultimate to the community
INSIDE NATURE. In Café Lab, eighth grader Paolo Benzoni picks lettuce that his home economics class grew using a hydroponic tower. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants with a nutrient solution, instead of soil. Seventh graders and lower school students in Extended Day have also helped grow greens in the tower.
Tower Power: Plant growing system educates middle schoolers while supplying cafeteria
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THE MAROON SEA. The Class of 2026 floods Rockefeller Chapel on June 11 for the 122nd University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Commencement. Students held fans. Rockefeller Chapel was overrun with heat during the ceremony.
At graduation, speakers, performers commemorate 148 students in the Class 2026
After a busy year, the staff will take a break from publishing over the summer.
Midway will be taking a break during the summer
CONGRATULATORY CLAPS. Looking up at awards announcements projected during the awards assembly, seniors Summer Pinc, Peyton Palmer and Lydia Gilbert clap together. The assembly, during a special schedule on the morning of June 4, ended with seniors hanging out in Scammon Garden and eating popsicles.
Gallery: End-of-year celebrations
Third baseman Elliot Poston slides to a base during an away varsity baseball game against Francis W. Parker School on May 1. Elliot walked and scored a run. The U-High Maroons won 7-4.
Baseball wrap up: team loss at sectional final
The new photojournalism leaders are Bryce Kenny and Simon Vaang, editors-in-chief. The new U-Highlights leaders are Sadie Ellis and Kayla Monterola, editors-in-chief
New editors chosen for 2026-27 U-Highlights and photojournalism teams
SENIOR SEND-OFF. On June 4, seniors saw their 2026 U-Highlights yearbooks for the first time in Café Lab at the senior breakfast. Before the awards assembly, they had the chance to sign each other's books.
Signing Day: U-Highlights yearbooks distributed to student body