Head of School Bob Izzo welcomed nearly 250 guests as they enjoyed breakfast and conversations in the Dining Hall. Mr. Izzo took a moment to share a message of appreciation and highlighted those who traveled great distances, Puerto Rico and Italy to be exact. He further spoke to what makes the Hamden Hall experience so special - the commitment of the teachers, the bonds between students of all ages, and the support of all community members.

“Grandparents and Special Friends, thank you for joining us. I know the children are very excited to have you visit their school,” said Mr. Izzo. “I want you all to know that whatever your contribution is to your grandchild’s Hamden Hall education – it is most appreciated. There is nothing more important to give to a child than the opportunity to become lifelong learners.  And we are absolutely committed to providing our students with an outstanding educational experience.”

As Mr. Izzo concluded his remarks, students in Grades 4 and 5 gathered together and performed the school song. The spirited occasion continued with dedicated volunteers including Upper and Middle School students and current and past parents leading all students and guests to their assigned spaces around campus for grade-level activities and games. 

Guided by Lower School music teacher Rachael Jungkeit, the PreSchool/PreKindergarten classrooms were full of the sounds of drums along with finger play songs, scarf dancing, and musical stories. Classroom teachers kept all engaged with a read-aloud of the book, The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, with a corresponding art activity where students and their guests created a keepsake item that included a wood slice with the student's picture on it and used wooden beads on the twine to create a wall ornament. Kindergarten and Grade 1 headed over to Swain Library for a recorded reading presentation of the book The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry and The Fan Brothers by Lower School Librarian Pam Wilonski. Following the presentation, all students and guests partook in a collaborative art project spearheaded by art teacher Sue Bennett 1973 where they made wooden scarecrows that were colored, decorated, and attached to woven baskets. 

Grades 2 and 3 got competitive over in Taylor Gymnasium with rotating game stations featuring bowling, mini golf, cornhole, Jenga, tinkering, and a photo booth for visitors to enjoy. The stations were designed by Lower School physical education teachers Elliot Markman 2017 and Peyton Nevins. Grades 4 and 5 remained in the Dining Hall for a DIY balloon car derby race activity created by Lower School science teacher Emily Davies and Makerspace teacher Ann Kohler.

 

The morning concluded with classroom visits followed by an optional tour of the Davis Street Middle School campus.