On Tuesday, August 19, the MICDS campus was buzzing once again with shining faces and enthusiastic students throughout our 14 grade levels. This highly anticipated day, with nerves, jitters, and excitement, expanded into connection, reconnection, and relative ease as our community embarked on this year’s adventure as Rams.
With the Ronald S. Beasley Lower School under construction, parents embraced and navigated a new Lower School carpool routine. At the same time, Head of Lower School Amy Scheer and many other school staff members welcomed each and every student upon arrival. Once inside and on the playground, students were greeted by familiar faculty faces while exploring their new temporary classrooms in the Upper and Lower levels of the Shoenberg building.
Special presentations took place during Middle and Upper School kickoff assemblies. Jen Schuckman, Head of Middle School, said in her remarks, “Each of you comes to our school with your own unique talents and gifts that will brighten our days and strengthen our middle school.” She then asked the newly minted eighth-graders, “What will be the legacy of the Class of 2030? Make the most of this year and set the tone for what we should expect from one another. We will look to you to lead our middle school with integrity and spirit.”
Middle Schoolers also heard from English Teacher Andy Kay, now in his 18th year, who shared what he wants students to know most: “We are part of something great here. Something that has been here long before us and that will continue on long after we are gone. As we begin the year, let us not be afraid of what we do not know. Let us be reminded that around the corner and in every nook and cranny of this fine institution exist people who are inspired every day to get out of bed, put one foot in front of the other, and arrive here ready to serve.” Harper Naughton ’30 addressed her peers with reassurance for both returning and new students. She said, “[When I came to MICDS] I had NO idea where I was going. That’s because MICDS is big. But being big means there are more paths you can take, more opportunities, and more options that are open to everybody. These paths come in all sorts of varieties.”
Further north on campus, Head of Upper School Scott Small asked the freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors two questions: “Who do we want to be?” and “Where do you want to go?” He shared, “Let’s be fully present – your learning, your integrity, and ultimately your wellbeing are what are most important to your teachers and to every adult that is here to support you, including me.” Student leadership rounded out the assembly with information on activities, community service, and upcoming theater productions.
We can’t be more excited for the year ahead with our Rams and their families!