VCS magazine Summer 2022

Page 8

Shaping Graduates Through School Traditions By Helen Huang

When I came to VCS 13 years ago, I started the school year the way everyone new does: at the Opening Assembly. Hearing children singing familiar songs of welcome, the 8th Graders introducing themselves and new students and staff, and the cheers for the ringing of the bell, I realized this school was unlike any I had been in before. I remember thinking, “Wow. Everyone is all in at this place.”

BIG BUDDIES/LITTLE BUDDIES When an 8th Grader becomes a Big Buddy,

What impressed me so much at that assembly was how

most of them aren’t sure what to expect. Even

personal it felt, like everyone was comfortable sharing

those who were once Little Buddies themselves

themselves with the whole school. And as I continued

recognize the experience will be totally different

through that first year and beyond, I learned that sense

for them this time; now they are the students

of openness was a constant. It was brought out inside the

who once seemed so much older and more

classrooms, but it was also created through traditions like

mature. Big Buddies are exciting company for

the Opening and Closing Assemblies, the Upper School

Little Buddies just by virtue of their age and

Overnight, and Big Buddies/Little Buddies. Each of these

their position as school leaders, and 8th Graders

activities creates a sense of belonging and comfort, while

tend to be happily surprised by the speed and

also encouraging students to consider their own identity

ease with which their partnered Kindergartener

in the context of the communities to which they belong—

or Kindergarteners develop affection for them:

the class, the grade, and the school.

wanting hugs and high fives, joyfully showing them their classroom and their work, presenting

As the Upper School Student Life Coordinator, I am able

them with cards and crafts. These unexpected

to see how VCS students evolve in the years leading up to

gestures not only help 8th Graders appreciate

Graduation, and I’ve come to believe these traditions aren’t

their special position in the school and their

just memorable, but transformative. They are a large part of

responsibility to the community but also feel

what makes a VCS education unique, helping our students

more closely tethered to the community after

feel truly at home. And feeling comfortable isn’t just a bonus

Graduation. Our Big Buddies head off to high

in education: it’s the foundation from which meaningful

school knowing they are remembered and missed

learning happens: social-emotionally and academically.

by many at VCS—including their Little Buddy.

6 | THE MURAL


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