The first week at the Crowden School is always a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation, and this year was no exception. As our school students walked up the Rose Street steps and through the doors each morning, their faces lip up with big, bright smiles at seeing both familiar and new faces.

A special highlight of the first day was a fantastic, portable first day of school photo booth (made by our 6th Grade Core teacher Ms. Bassoff!), which quickly became a hit among everyone–students, teachers, and staff alike. 

Our days were filled with engaging activities designed to build community and set the tone for the year. The first assembly focused on getting to know each other. Multi-grade student teams (Menhuin, Heifetz, Primrose, DuPre) have been part of the student experience at Crowden since its founding days. This week, students gathered in their teams to get to know one another and create some creative wall displays. Each student received a blank puzzle piece to decorate with items that represent themselves. The second group activity centered on showcasing how we embody the Crowden School values–be safe, be respectful, be responsible. Both activities will be displayed in the Mancini hallways, creating a vibrant mosaic that visually symbolizes how we are all connected.  

Despite the flurry of new schedules and adjustments to accommodate school assemblies and auditions, it was like muscle memory for our returning students! They quickly slipped back into their routines, helping our new students get acclimated, everyone eagerly navigating the day.