Parents Head Back To Class For Upper School Family Weekend

The occasion was Upper School Family Weekend, which included time for parents and guardians to head back to school to meet their student’s teachers. 
 
A fall tradition at Masters, Upper School Family Weekend took on a decidedly academic tone this year. The annual event began on Friday with advisor appointments for new and boarding parents and a cocktail reception in Estherwood for new Upper School parents and guardians. 
 
Head of School Laura Danforth and Head of Upper School Nikki Willis kicked off Saturday with a warm welcome in the Claudia Boettcher Theatre. Danforth spoke about the essential role parents and guardians have in fostering our community, and Dr. Willis conveyed the challenges today’s students face, from a changing career landscape to the lure of social media. Willis stressed the commitment Masters teachers have in guiding students to live with resilience, purpose and balance. “I want students to learn about themselves as human beings more than anything else,” she said.


The remainder of Saturday’s events included Curriculum Day mini-classes, where parents and guardians followed their student’s schedule, gathering around Harkness tables to meet their student’s teachers. Curriculum Day mini-classes were followed by workshops focused on the college process; equity and inclusion; health and wellness; and global initiatives.
 
In the afternoon, community members cheered on Masters athletes as they competed in games across campus. Five varsity teams — boys' soccer, girls’ soccer, volleyball, tennis and field hockey — demonstrated immense skill and talent on the fields and the courts, with girls’ tennis edging Kennedy Catholic, 4-3. 
 
Monday morning, classes were back in session — this time, with students.