The last day of the 2014-2015 school year is this Friday, June 5, and it will be a half-day. Our End-of-the-year Assembly will be held at 11:30 a.m. in Fitzpatrick Hall. This is our last gathering as a whole school for the year. Immediately following the End-of-the-year Assembly, the annual Family Picnic will begin in the courtyard. If your child(ren) will ride the bus that day, please note that buses will depart at 1:00 p.m.
BCD’ Graduation and Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 10th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Fitzpatrick Hall. The Eighth Grade class will be recognized. Academic, athletic, and citizenship awards will be presented to Upper School students. Members of the faculty will share special remarks that they have prepared for each of the graduating Ninth Graders. Everyone is invited, and it can be an especially meaningful event for students and parents of Sixth Graders to attend as an introduction to all we value and celebrate in Upper School at BCD.
During the past thirty-four years, it has always been my experience that the end of a school year is a time when children of all ages (that means parents and teachers, too!) may express mixed feelings. While we think about the accomplishments and learning experiences during the past year and eagerly anticipate summer vacation, the end of a school year can be a time when some children may feel sad and uncertain about the future. Saying farewell to friends, ending a relationship with a special teacher, and moving on to a new class, middle or upper school, or a new school can provoke feelings of loss and letting go. It is important to speak with your children during these times. It is most helpful to acknowledge and affirm their feelings and to discuss ways to express their thoughts about others during this period of transition.
As the school year nears completion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the hard work and dedication of all of BCD’s employees. Each does so much to build and maintain the special culture at BCD, all with eye on what is best for and in support of the children. We have had a fantastic year at Berkshire Country Day School, and I believe everyone has been an essential piece of that success.
I am grateful for the many ways that parents participated in the life of the school during the past year. Your partnership enhances the quality of our work here at school. I send my very best wishes to all for a wonderful and enriching summer.
Sincerely, Paul Lindenmaier, Head of School
PS I received this note this morning, more evidence of the enduring value of a BCD education:
Good morning Paul,
I was at the Miss Hall’s School Commencement yesterday, and a program insert listed the prizes awarded the day before. BCD was well represented: Julia B. got the English prize, Ginger C., the Latin, and Hallie N., the Horizons. In addition, Hallie received the highest honor given at MHS: The Margaret Witherspoon Award, given to the student who best exemplifies the values of MHS — integrity and honor!
A teacher comment from elementary or middle school was read for each graduate as she received her diploma. Hallie’s was from Jim Fawcett (from a Grade 7 report card), which absolutely delighted her.
Thank you for all BCD did for Hallie and how well it prepared her for high school — and beyond.