The first Lower School (LS) Assembly of the year kicked off this week with a slightly different format and a theme of the month. “Each assembly is connected to a core value,” explained LS Principal Mr. Choi. “For this first assembly, we’re highlighting the value of community.” Moving forward, fifth graders will also be playing an active role in facilitating the events. LS Assistant Principal Mrs. Lopez, who will be closely involved in planning the assemblies, said fifth-grade “helpers” are volunteering to be creators, readers, and narrators/MCs for each assembly. For instance, several of these helpers read aloud “Our Class Is a Family,” a picture book by Shannon Olsen.

The assembly opened with live performances by Mr. Owen Caprell (who teaches students to play brass instruments for our D-E 360° Private Music Lessons program) and Mr. Jared Newlen (who teaches woodwinds). Administrators were then introduced to students, including Head of School Dr. CW, Associate Head of School Ms. Preeti, Mr. Choi, Mrs. Lopez, LS Assistant Principal Ms. Massei, and Ms. Simone in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging office, who spoke about making sure “we all feel like we belong.” Following acknowledgments of August birthdays, the assembly closed with a sing-along of “It’s You I Like,” directed by LS Music Teachers Ms. Dove and Ms. Crawford. Here’s to our youngest lifelong learners embracing the spirit of community!