MS Closing Ceremonies
Thursday, May 22
Corbin Field (under the tent)
3 p.m
What is it?
This event celebrates our Grade 8 students as they move up to Grade 9 – this is likely the last opportunity for them to be together. This is not a graduation ceremony in the more traditional sense – we fully expect these students to continue their education through college so it is a bit early to celebrate this particular milestone. It is, however, our opportunity to say so long, good luck and don’t forget to write.
What do we wear?
All MS Students are expected in our Formal Dress Code.
Families dress as you like. Most arrive looking photo ready, if that helps.
In the past, some Grade 8 students have chosen to wear white – pants or dresses, mostly. This is not a tradition, nor is it important to the aesthetic of the evening. We want students to feel comfortable while thinking about the path ahead, not perseverating over what they are wearing at that moment.
As Grade 8 will be on the risers, seated and facing the audience, please bear in mind the present style as it relates to hemlines.
Dress Code for Grades 6 and 7:
Monday Formal (school blazer/crested sweater, tie, belt, dress pants/skirt)
Dress Code for Grade 8:
- School blazer, dress shirt and tie, or blouse – dress pants or skirt
OR
- Crested sweater and dress shirt and tie, or blouse – dress pants or skirt.
- Dress
- As Grade 8 will be on the risers, seated and facing the audience, when considering student attire for the event please note present style as it relates to hemlines.
Who attends?
- Grade 8 families and friends are welcome – we will have plenty of seating for any who wish to attend, and we love a festive crowd.
- Grade 6 and Grade 7 families are welcome but not expected.
There is one caveat: The families of students who will receive an award will be notified in advance so they may quietly invite family and friends.
Student information
- Grade 8 will meet in the Gym at TBA
- Grades 6 and 7 arrive by TBA, meet in the Athletic Center foyer
What if our student is receiving an award?
- First: Grades 6-8 will have awards by subject and level, but not every student receives an award, and some will receive more than one.
- Second: Professional photos will be taken and the ceremony will be live streamed (and a recording available online), so please sit back and enjoy the moment.
- Third: If you learn from Skelley that your child is slated to receive an award, congratulations! But we must ask you to keep this information to yourselves for the short term so we can protect the harmony of our building. We have been doing this for a long time and keeping it quiet is the least disruptive approach. So don’t spread the word beyond those you choose to invite, and ask them to keep a hat on it as well. After the ceremony, feel free to yell it from the social media rooftops.
What about parking?
Please park in the Athletic Center parking lot used for Middle School morning drop-off.
However – Folks in need of extra assistance (using a walker, for example) should park in the tennis court lot on Faculty Street, across from the track. We will have golf carts on hand to ferry those in need to the tent. Parking is limited so please be thoughtful.
Parent and Family information
Location and Bathrooms
- The event will be held in a large tent on Corbin Field, which is across from the tennis courts on Faculty Street
- Bathrooms will be available in the Athletic Center
- Water will be available
Seating
- Students of Grades 6 and 7 will be in the first three rows, either side of the center aisle
- Grade 8 families will be behind them, also centrally located
- Grade 6 and 7 families will be to the side of Grade 8 families
Live stream and photographs
WMA will be recording, live streaming and photographing the event – the photos are always beautiful, as is the live stream…so please do not hold your phone up, blocking the view of those behind you
What happens after?
We usually have enough light for a few family photos and then the mosquitos arrive. We encourage leaving before the mosquitos make their appearance. After the ceremony, your students are also officially on Summer Vacation, so go celebrate their hard work and growth since August!
Upper School ceremony attendance
Do Middle School students need to attend the Upper School Prize Day (May 22) and Commencement (May 23) ceremonies? Only if they want to, and only if they are accompanied by an adult.
