Submitted by: Marthe Salomon-Samedy, Lower School Librarian
If you’ve ever walked past the gym during a Lower School assembly, you know the feeling: the room is buzzing with excitement. Maybe an author is sharing the writing process, student dancers are introducing traditions from halfway around the world, or students are leaning in to hear a meaningful talk about our school’s core values.
Assemblies are more than a fun break from classroom routines. They are truly the heartbeat of our school community, one of the few times our kindergarten through fifth-grade students gather under one roof to laugh, learn, and share an experience.
Long before an assembly begins, it takes weeks of planning, thought, and collaboration to bring it to life and create a meaningful experience for our students. Assembly coordinators (Ms. Marthe and Mrs. Lopez) work alongside guest presenters, colleagues from other divisions, teachers, students, and parents to identify inspiring guests, ensure programs connect with what students are learning in the classroom, and coordinate rehearsals around the school day. It is a thoughtful balancing act where coordinators support everything from music selection to stage prep, while students contribute joke ideas, help prepare materials, and assist with technical needs.
Our parent community plays an equally important role. When students volunteer to present, parents often help bring their ideas to life by preparing content at home, gathering props, photos, and videos, and helping their children feel confident and prepared to speak in front of an audience. This shared effort ensures every presenter feels supported, and every assembly runs seamlessly and is a memorable experience for everyone.
Within the 40-minute window, it's easy to think of assemblies as entertainment, but some of the most meaningful learning happens between the opening remarks and the final applause. In a world where children spend so much time engaging with individual screens, gathering in a shared space is valuable practice. Students learn to listen attentively, respond respectfully, applaud enthusiastically, and navigate the excitement of being part of a large group.
Long after they leave Lower School, students may not remember a particular Tuesday lesson. Still, they will remember the author who visited, the traditions they explored, or singing “Africa” by Toto during our Sing-Along Assembly that brought the room together. These shared experiences build school spirit and create lasting connections among students.
Welcoming guest artists, storytellers, musicians, and community members exposes students to different cultures, perspectives, and traditions. These encounters spark curiosity and help children grow into thoughtful, open-minded citizens.
Assemblies also give students a chance to celebrate one another. When younger children watch fifth-graders confidently lead a presentation, they see what's possible as they grow. This shows up when a Kindergartener eagerly asks, “When is the next assembly? Who is going to be the next presenter? When am I going to be a presenter?” That same spirit shines through in our monthly birthday recognitions, where the whole room cheers for every student and teacher marking another milestone. They witness leadership, creativity, and good character in action.
Every assembly transforms an ordinary room into a place of discovery, connection, and wonder. Thank you to every student volunteer, parent, teacher, and coordinator who helps make these moments possible. Together, we create memories and strengthen the community our students will carry with them long after they leave Lower School.