Joyous Family Gatherings Bring Over 400 People to Campus

Monday, September 11—Hundreds of people congregated on campus to reconnect and kick off the school year at the Lower School Family Gathering on Thursday, September 7 and the Upper School Family Gathering on Monday, September 11. 

Noshing on burgers, hot dogs, pretzel bites, and tomato watermelon salad, students and their siblings alongside parents and guardians mingled and socialized. “Turnout at both gatherings shows that Winsor families are excited to be together in all situations—from heat waves to downpours,” shared Community Connections Coordinator Carey Bertrand P’26 who volunteers with the Winsor Parents’ Association (PA) and helped plan both events. Despite the weather, there was stellar attendance—over 400 people spread across two days.

With the perspective of both an alum and a parent, Community Connections Coordinator Jane Glazer ’99 P’29 knew families wanted events to happen close to the start of the school year, and the PA made it happen. The Lower School Family Gathering took place during the first week of school and the Upper School Family Gathering followed closely in the second. “Having the events take place so close to the opening of the school year really allowed for new families to meet a bunch of Winsor folks, and it also made for an evening of reconnection for returning families after the summer break,” said Glazer. 

Building on friendships forged at orientation and fall retreats, students played games while the adults sipped lemonade. The return of tetherball was a big hit, which now has a permanent home in the courtyard. Students also enjoyed ladder ball, corn hole, and giant Jenga. When rain sent the Upper School students inside, they added Uno, Bananagrams, and Apples to Apples to the mix. “Seeing the students running around, playing games, and excitedly awaiting the raffle results was a real joy!” Glazer observed. A raffle for Winsor blankets garnered widespread crowd participation. 

The Community Connections Coordinators are looking forward to the year ahead. Our goal with the PA is to “enrich the student and parent experience,” said Bertrand. Glazer added, “The Winsor PA shines at these capstone events, and is looking forward to a school year filled with more joyous events!”