Fall Family Weekend 2018

Did someone say busy? That’s one of the top responses when we ask people about Fall Family Weekend. The other response is "fun." Weekend events stretched from Friday evening at 5 pm till Sunday at 12:30, and there was something for everyone—parents, siblings, and students.

We continued the tradition of the kicking-off barbecue dinner. For most families, it was the first meal they had shared with their children since August, so the evening was filled with excitement, joy, and love.

“I’m starting my tenure with a laser focus on relationships.”

After dinner, everyone moved over to the Milligan Center for the Performing Arts where Blossom welcomed families to campus. She started by sharing a humorous, embarrassing story from her time as a Thacher student to reassure students that being embarrassed by your parents doesn’t have to be the end of your social life. Then, she talked about studies on success and shared that they have found the importance of relationships to long-term success, “#1 [factor] Having the support of a professor or teacher who cared about them, made them excited about learning, and encouraged their dreams.” She told the community,

“That’s why I’m starting my tenure with a laser focus on relationships. Building and deepening trust, opening our home not just for Open House but dinners with dorm groups, impromptu gatherings for faculty and staff, conversations with students who’ve got ideas to share. It’s why I’m looking for new and different ways to connect with you, parents, to engage in discussion about our kids and how we best support them.”

Blossom also spoke a bit about the the evolution of the Thacher curriculum and encouraged everyone to put relationships at the center of the weekend. Then, she ceded the stage to the Performing Arts Sampler.

Each performing arts group had an opportunity to share a bit of what they have been working on with families, faculty and other students. The eclectic program included performances from the Jazz Ensemble, Strings Duo, Dance Ensemble, Theater, Chamber Ensemble, String Quartet, Chamber Singers, and the Freshman Chorus. The evening offered something for all tastes, from Birdland by Joe Zawiul for jazz lovers, to Mendelssohn’s Die Nachtigall for classical voice enthusiasts and a contemporary dance piece choreographed by Gallia Vickery, our dance instructor.

Throughout the weekend, the Student Art Exhibit graced the Thacher Commons. It included pencil drawings, photography, paintings, and three dimensional art.

After breakfast at the Hills Dining Hall, parents attended classes with their children. This whirlwind of 20 minute classes gave them a glimpse into the academic lives of their kids. Experiencing the depth of discussions and level of engagement in the classrooms can be eye-opening for parents new to the School.

The trap range was open from noon to 3 pm on a hot and windy day with temperatures at 90 degrees. Steve Kanaly and Chris Van Son were the range masters. Thirty-three shooters shot on four squads for 20 rounds of trap. There were 15 two-person teams in the Parent Student Trap Competition. Club presidents, Brooks Walker and Xavier Cardoza assisted in getting this busy day started. Congratulations to Peter Kong CdeP 1985 for the high trap round (23/25) and Jon CdeP 1983 and Jake ’19 Twitchell for the high team round (18/25).

For the football team, the Parents Weekend game is the highlight of the season. Many parents will only see their sons play one game each season, and this is it. The Toads enjoyed a big win at home this afternoon against the Blair squad. The final score was 52-0.

Read about the game in this news article.

Blossom started a new tradition this Family Weekend—the book discussion. Early in the year, she encouraged parents, faculty, and staff to read the book The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, then she invited everyone (readers and non-readers) to her house to discuss the ideas shared by the authors. The premise of the book is that we can help kids reduce their stress and anxiety, foster independent thinking, and achieve their full potential by giving them more of a sense of control over their lives.

The Families of Color Reception is another new event. Matt Balano, director of diversity and inclusion, organized it. Why? “In my short time here at Thacher, a number of families had reached out, wanting to learn more about our student affinity groups. At the same time, other families of color and faculty members had expressed a desire for Thacher to provide a space where families could connect and meet. I thought hosting a gathering could be a way to start the conversation and for families to meet our affinity group student and adult leaders.”

Blossom and Brian CdeP 1992 opened their home for a second time on Saturday when they welcomed the entire community to Open House. The evening was filled with games, food, and connections.

A few dozen members of the community started Sunday with a blast, as they gathered on the Gymkhana Field at 7a.m. for a rocket launch. The event was provided by the Nye and Hale families. The Hales offered a rocket launch as a auction item at last year’s Parents Auction, the Nyes purchased it, and the whole community was the lucky recipient. The launches were impressive with the highest rocket rising 1,000 feet above the ground.

Chris Mazzola, a former member of the Thacher faculty, gave the talk at the Chapel Service Sunday morning. She shared stories from her 20 years here as a teacher, administrator, and parent. You can read her talk here.

Seeing their children on a horse riding proficiently, or at all, is a first for many freshman parents. And, the kids are excited to share their new skills with their families. So, the highpoint of the weekend for many freshman is the Riding Exhibition. While a few upperclass riders joined the exhibition, most riders were freshman. They created entertaining drill routines and rode under noms de guerre like, No Horsin’ ‘Round, Halter Egos, and Unlawful Lopers.

For many families, it was goodbye until the Thanksgiving.

Family Weekend is only possible because of the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Thank you everyone!