Charles River School welcomed a record number of parents, caregivers, and special guests to campus for its annual May Day celebration. After a warm welcome from Head of School Gretchen Larkin, guests heard from a student panel about life at CRS. Associate Head of School Elizabeth Clayton moderated the panel, prompting students to talk about everything from the Buddy program to thematic, hands-on learning and their favorite classroom projects. After hearing students discuss the curriculum, guests had the chance to see it for themselves. They made their way to their students’ classrooms, where they studied the walls filled with schoolwork and art, participated in learning games and activities, and tested their own study skills.
After guests visited classrooms, Gretchen made remarks at the ceremonial groundbreaking for our new playground. One of two priorities of the Climb Higher Campaign, along with increased endowed funds for financial aid, the new playground represents one of the things so core to CRS – the joy of childhood. Financial aid helps provide the CRS experience to a wider range of students, which benefits the full community of learners. Joined by members of the Campaign Committee, Gretchen helped kick off construction that will start later this spring on the new playground.
Following the ceremony, the community enjoyed one of the highlights of May Day – the all-school assembly. Each grade performed together for a true celebration of Charles River School. Performances included original songs, drumming, dancing, and more singing. The seventh grade performed a special rendition of “Seasons of Love” from Rent in honor of Gretchen, who ends her nine-year tenure as Head of School at the end of this year. Following the full program, Gretchen thanked the full community, speaking words that described what guests had been able to see for themselves all day: CRS is an extraordinary school with curious, inspiring students and faculty. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this CRS tradition!