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.
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