4th Grade: Leading with Kindness

In early June, the Class of 2033 celebrated their promotion from the 4th grade. The audience of families, faculty, staff, and friends clapped as the students filed into the Lower Middle School’s Flexible Performance Space to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Lower School Principal Christy Diefenderfer opened with acknowledgments and some important reminders to the students of what they have learned and accomplished in the Lower School that will serve as a solid foundation for them in their middle school years and beyond:

“You have learned to be leaders in Lower School. Take those skills with you to Middle School. Do not take lightly the important relationship you have with your classmates. Treat each other with care, kindness, and respect. We know you will continue to shine bright next year! We are so proud of you!”

She then introduced Head of School Russell Shaw, who spoke about how it can often be hard to know in life if something that happens is for the better or for the worse. What we do know is that things change, and he hopes the students meet those changes with curiosity, with our values, with kindness,  and with care. “Middle School will bring lots of experiences and challenges, some of them difficult, but try not to label them—rather to ask yourself: “What can I learn from this?” he said.

The fourth grade followed Russell’s remarks with a vocal performance of the song “I Choose” by Liz Camozzi, accompanied on piano by Assistant Middle School Principal John Barnes.

Then four students shared their school memories:

• Nuri expressed thanks to her teachers who were patient and supportive, and fellow students who have all treated her with kindness, and that his Lower School experience was one of joy.
• Nazir shared what he loved the most about fourth grade was having a pre-K buddy, and that he will miss his Lower School teachers who helped him build confidence and grow.
• Josh recalled that when he started at GDS, it was during the COVID pandemic and he was introduced to all of his teachers and classmates online. But despite that, he quickly grew to love GDS and will look back with fond memories on his Lower School experience—while also looking forward to making new ones in the 5th grade.
• Taylor said his best memory was of meeting new people and making new friends, and his favorite part of the year was the overnight trip at Camp Pecometh. He’s proud to graduate from the 4th grade, and though Middle School might be a little hard because there are a lot of changes, he knows they can all do it.

After the student recollections, Lower School Counselor Anne Marie Baumann lauded the students for the qualities they’d achieved over their Lower School tenure and for their continuing work on skills through Health and Wellness lessons intended to help build “Hopper Habits”—skills for managing feelings, resolving conflicts, and working toward goals; that she saw this as a gift they were giving to their Lower School classmates as they move on.

Regarding this, 4th-grade student Juliana addressed her classmates and audience concerning a project she put into motion:
“I asked about having ‘cool down’ spots that more students could use when their feelings are strong and they need to take a break. Already, there are small posters in the hallways with sensory tools and breathing strategies that all students can use,” she said.
She went on to explain that the 4th graders were putting together “break boxes” that will be available in the Lower School office and in both common areas on the second floor, where students will be able to use putty, have writing and drawing materials, visual timers, and other calming tools.

A slideshow of 4th-grade memories followed, and the students processed to receive their certificates of promotion.

Lower School Assistant Principal Denise Jones congratulated the students and announced that the ceremony would conclude with words of encouragement from their 4th grade teachers.

• Julia reminded the students to continue to advocate for themselves and others, and to stay true to themselves and to keep taking care of each other.
   
•  Liz reminded them that building a strong community takes commitment, time, and effort, and considering the perspective of others; that they have the power to decide to build bridges.
   
•  Payal encouraged them to remember to listen and to learn from each other, and that that requires both paying attention and understanding.
   
• Jay wished that they would continue, even as they face new challenges and responsibilities in Middle School, to have fun; that it is a time to be curious, to explore what excites them, and to be surprised.

Congratulations Class of 2033!

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