Already Looking Forward to Fall
By Matt Peer - Faculty
This week the school is busy preparing for graduation. As a first-year employee of the school, I have been amazed at what a truly remarkable place Darlington is. I am sad to say goodbye to the Class of 2011, but eagerly await the start of a new school year in three short months.
I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some important dates for the 2011-12 school year as well as my vision for Student Life and the chance to work with your children.
It is the goal of my office to provide as many opportunities as possible for your children to engage in activities that will help build and strengthen our community throughout the year. Some of these activities will be time-honored traditions and some will be new to our school. It is our ultimate goal to create programs that will allow your child to grow and spend time socializing and engaging with their peers and faculty in a variety of settings.
In August, we will have a freshman retreat during the second week of school to help build class unity.
October 6-9 will be Alumni and Parents’ Weekend. By combining these two events, we hope to showcase our students as they compete in athletics, perform on stage and in the arts, and socialize at the annual Homecoming Dance. There will be opportunities for parents to meet with teachers, administrators and parents. A more detailed announcement and schedule of events will be published in the coming weeks.
October 16-17 will be the Senior Retreat to camp Skyline.
December 4 will be the Lessons and Carols service.
April 21 will be the Junior-Senior Prom.
May 18 will be Upper School Honors Day and Baccalaureate.
May 19 will be Commencement.
In addition to these larger events, the House Senate and Student Life Office, along with the Parents’ Association, will be planning events throughout the year. These events will be opportunities for our students to come together to socialize in a safe and friendly atmosphere and celebrate their youth. I encourage you and your families to join us whenever possible at events like RUMPUS, Light the Lake, the International Fair, Tiger Fest, talent shows, and karaoke and open mic nights.
I look forward to working with you and your children and welcome any thoughts and ideas your family may have to help make our community stronger.
