Hundreds of parents descended upon campus for a very busy Parents’ Weekend 2015. We were blessed with glorious late October weather and the campus looked gorgeous for our many visitors. The fact that Parents’ Weekend coincided with Halloween provided for some not-so-spooky-but-fun visuals!
The weekend began Thursday afternoon with a dinner for our parents of international students. Preceding the dinner was an outdoor dedication ceremony for two Chinese Lions that were commissioned and installed just outside of the Atkins Athletic Center. Their imposing stature is reflective of their symbolic intent “to guard the gates”. Read more about the dedication ceremony.
The weekend began in earnest on Friday afternoon as parents and extended family members arrived at Ware Hall for a Welcome Reception and Registration. Additionally, college counseling sessions were hosted in the Theatre by the College Office and offered some timely tips for senior and junior parents respectively. Outdoors, a variety of thirds athletic contests kept things lively as guests made their way to the respective class receptions at various campus locations. Each reception ended simultaneously which resulted in an impressive parade of 800+ students and parents heading to the Atkins Athletic Center to dine and hear the very talented Middlesex Jazz Orchestra perform. Comments from School President Kojo Edzie ’16, School Vice-President Deborah Williams ’16, and Parents’ Committee Chair Paul Parisi P’09’11’14’17 all preceded a thoughtful address from Head of School Kathy Giles P’06’09’11. Concluding dinner, parents and students had the opportunity to hear instrumental and choral performances in the Chapel, as well as to star gaze from the Clay Center observatory.
Despite such a busy Friday afternoon and evening, parents were back early Saturday morning ready to attend classes. The talent and passion of the Middlesex faculty was on full display for all parents to enjoy, as they had the opportunity to meet their children’s teachers and learn about the objectives of each course. Following a delicious buffet lunch in the gym from our in-house caterer, Flik Dining Services, it was off to the various fields for athletic contests for many students and their parents. The large crowds helped spur the Middlesex teams to many victories, as Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, Volleyball, Field Hockey and Boys’ Cross-Country were all victorious on the day.
Thank you to the many parents who traveled from near and far to join us for the weekend. Your energy and enthusiasm was invigorating to us all, and the entire community enjoyed your visit!