The first day of school can often spark extra flutters of nerves, excitement, worries, and hopes for students and teachers alike. Sparks flew on Monday, August 17, as MICDS welcomed students to campus for the 2026-2027 academic year, and any lingering jitters were slowly replaced with connection, reconnection, and a felt sense of community and excitement for the year ahead.
The newly renovated Ronald S. Beasley Lower School opened its doors to smiles all around. Returning students were wowed by the updated spaces, new ways to navigate, and the warm embrace of a new teacher and classroom. New students and their families were met with extra care amid the excitement on this busy morning. And, no first day of school is complete without a few tears from little ones and grown-ups. Junior and Senior Kindergarten parents were invited to spend their post-drop-off moments with Head of School Chelle Wabrek at a BooHoo Breakfast, sharing the bittersweet emotions of this milestone over coffee and donut holes.
In the Middle and Upper Schools, students and faculty gathered for separate assemblies. Wabrek visited both to offer warm welcomes and share her mixture of nerves and excitement about her first day of school, too.
In the Middle School, Head of Middle School Jen Schuckman shared in her remarks, “Our first day is like opening a new jigsaw puzzle, each one-of-a-kind student finding their purpose and place in our community. Our faculty, advisors, coaches, and staff form the sturdy border around our students, and we all link together to create the masterpiece of the MICDS Middle School.”
Eric Lay, JK-8 Physical Education Department Chair and faculty member, shared remarks encouraging everyone to be curious and kind as we get to know each other. Two eighth graders, recipients of last year’s Eliot Award, also delivered their seasoned middle school words of wisdom. Gavin L. ’31 shared some helpful advice to his fellow middle school students and noted, “I love being a Ram because MICDS is more than just a school. It’s a community where you can embrace challenges and learn more about yourself.” Then Betsy B. ’31 explained, “It’s not every day that you get to start a new chapter in your life surrounded by a community as special as this one. Because of that, I fully encourage you to take advantage of it!”
On the north end of campus, Head of Upper School Scott Small took to the podium and asked students to author their own “tectonic” personal growth by thinking critically, creatively, and compassionately while embracing productive struggle and authentic effort over shortcuts that rob them of their opportunities to be truly present, engaged, and maximizing their own learning. In addition, he discussed the critical role that personal and shared responsibilities play in our commitment to ensuring that each and every member of our learning community is valued, championed, and appropriately challenged as both learners and people.
Best wishes for the year ahead, Rams!