Virtual Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day

Friday, May 6, 2022

 
For over 40 years, Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day has been one of Fessenden’s cherished annual events. We are optimistic about the ways in which virtual programming can bring our global community together and reach a larger audience. 
While we wish we could be gathering together on campus this year, we instead invite you to join us virtually for several live and pre-recorded activities, meant to capture the joy of learning and growing this year. We hope that you enjoy seeing the joy and energy of our amazing students! Click on any of the links below to get an insider’s look at the campus and our boys in action.
 
There is no need to RSVP. All Grandparents are automatically registered for this event and you will receive additional information about this special day via email. Should you have any questions, or you would like to update your email address, please don’t hesitate to contact Danielle Blutt at dblutt@fessenden.org.
We hope to see you on campus again very soon! Enjoy the day!

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Fessenden Grandparents Award

Each year, Fessenden employees are celebrated for their commitment to the School through endowed awards presented at the Head of School Recognition event which highlights distinguished service or professional achievement. One of these highly regarded awards is the Grandparents Award. Established in 1985 by current grandparents at that time, the Grandparents Award recognizes a teacher or a staff member who extends responsibilities far beyond the walls of the classroom and selflessly assumes the role of surrogate parent, big brother or sister, friend, advisor, or mentor to the students in their care. Below is a list of Grandparents Day recipients and remarks from the past five years. These remarkable individuals helped to bring out the best in each of your grandsons and our community.

Award Recipients

2022 - Kathleen Brophy, Lower School Art
Kathleen is a creative and energetic educator who inspires the boys with the message that they can do anything. She leads with humor and warmth, and engages the boys by offering a wide variety of carefully-researched and selected projects, making the imagined possible.
 
2021 - Maggie Amorello, Grade 5 English
Maggie is a true professional who takes great care in setting clear and fair expectations for all of her students. She understands the importance of taking the time to learn about each of her students to ensure their success in the classroom.
2020 - Lauren Maiurano, Center for Innovation Coach
Lauren is a talented teacher who is able to connect with a wide range of students from Pre-K to Grade 9. She is dedicated to creating a collaborative and creative environment for the boys to enhance their educational journey.
2019 - Mbakwe Okafor, Assistant Director of Admissions
Mbakwe is a caring and thoughtful mentor to those boys he interacts with on a daily basis. As a member of the Admissions team, he is able to make true connections with families and their sons, lasting the entire tenure of their Fessenden experience.
2018 - Judy Gobbi, Assistant Director of Residential Life
Judy ensures that boys feel comfortable and cared for during their boarding experience at Fessenden. A thoughtful and intuitive mentor, she is always looking out for the best interest of each of the boys in her care.
2017 - Lila Bhan, Upper School English, Memorial Dorm Parent
Warm, welcoming, and thoughtful, boys are drawn to Lila and her caring nature. The connections that Lila has with the students in her classroom and dormitory are lifelong, and she inspires all that she meets to enjoy the process and journey of their education.

Schedule of Events

Please be sure to check back the morning of May 6 for links to each of the following events.

Live Events

The events below will occur at the times listed—please click the Zoom links to join up to five minutes before the start time.

7:45-7:55 a.m. Middle School Morning Meeting *LIVE*

Join Head of Middle School Sean Guthrie, as well as Middle School faculty and students for their morning meeting. Nominated by their peers, the Bruin Award is presented each Friday to a student that exemplifies our core values and mission. When prompted, enter Meeting ID: 856 2676 5023 and Passcode: KnvqB3

7:45-7:55 a.m. Upper School Morning Meeting *LIVE*

Join Head of Upper School Jason Lewis, as well as Upper School faculty and students for their morning meeting. When prompted, enter Meeting ID: 830 8011 8527 and Passcode: 90Yhe6

10:00-11:00 a.m.: CCI Innovation Studio I Class  *LIVE*

During this time Upper School students will "present" what they were working on, Science Bob will give a virtual tour of the space, followed by a Q&A opportunity.

10:15-10:30 a.m.  4H Student Poetry Reading *LIVE*

12:50-1:20 p.m. 2H Class Drop-in *LIVE*

1:30-2:30 p.m. Q&A with Fessenden’s Division Heads *LIVE*

Panel with Head of Lower School Katie Charner-Laird, Head of Middle School Sean Guthrie, and Head of Upper School Jason Lewis
Moderated by Assistant Head of School Cindy Metsch

Pre-Recorded Events

On Friday morning, please enjoy the videos below at your leisure.

Welcome to Fessenden

Head of School Steve Armstrong

Student Meditations

Zach A., Andre Z.

Campus Tour

Caleb Thomson '79, Director of Admission & Enrollment Manager

Science Experiments

Souad Belcaid, LS Science Teacher

Student Art Showcases and Performances

Lower School PE

Tyler Kelley and Travis Price, LS Physical Education Teachers
Sneak peek into Grade 3 PE!

Lower School Library

Lower School Spanish

Send a message to Fessenden students!

Dear Grandparents and friends, 

We invite you to send along best wishes to the Fessy boys as they finish out the year strong! Upload a photo, message, or video by following this link.

Thank you!
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