Dear Upper School Students and Parents, 

I hope that this finds you relaxed and rejuvenated in these fleeting days of summer break! It feels like the past two months simultaneously crept and flew by–a phenomenon that I often notice when considering the passage of time. It’s certainly been a wonderful break, but I am ready for August 19th (and I hope that you are, too!).

Considering my profession, it’s probably no surprise that the start of school is my favorite time of year. The magic of a new beginning–coupled with infectious energy, positivity, the sheer joy of coming together as an Upper School community, and fresh school supplies–truly can’t be beat. It’s also the perfect time to set goals and intentions for the coming year. Students, as you think about the coming year, I challenge you to consider the following…

• 9th Graders: How might you connect your goals and intentions to our Mission (To provide a superior educational experience, in a community of trust, that prepares students for a life well lived.)? Think about what it might look like to bring the best version of yourself–as a student, athlete, artist, and community member–to SDS each day. 
• 10th Graders: In addition to connecting to our Mission, be thinking about confidence. Sophomore year is designed to be a year of growth. How might you build and demonstrate confidence this year? Perhaps you are planning to explore a new challenge, pursue new interests and passions, or work on growing your academic, athletic, artistic, or authentic leadership skills (or all of the above!)? This is the year to take confident steps towards the SDS graduate that you want to be. 
• 11th Graders: In addition to connecting to our Mission and demonstrating confidence, be thinking about discernment. Junior year is a pivotal year in your Upper School journey. At this moment in time, you have half of your Upper School career remaining. However, by the end of this school year, you’ll be about to apply to colleges and universities. That’s pretty remarkable! Taking the time to make thoughtful, informed decisions and careful, intentional choices will serve you well as you navigate this challenging and exciting year. 
• 12th Graders: In addition to connecting to our Mission, demonstrating confidence, and exercising discernment, be thinking about the importance of being purposeful. You’ve poured your time and talents into the past three years, and Senior year is finally here. Each piece of this final year serves a purpose. Final lessons, special privileges, extra responsibilities, unique opportunities, and amazing memories all await. Relish each moment with purpose. Distractions are plentiful, and it can be easy to lose focus as you navigate the year. If you can remember to run your race with purpose, you’ll be set up for even greater success. We are already so proud of you and we can’t wait to celebrate with you next May!

As promised in my mid-July email, I’m pleased to share some important details surrounding the start of school:

• All students (with parents in cc) received their courses via email in early June. Individual student schedules will be accessible via FACTS a few days before school starts. Once they go live, schedules will be temporarily “frozen” through August 24, which is when the Drop/Add period will begin. Mrs. McGrath can help with questions surrounding schedules. 
• The summer checklist should be completed by the first day of school. 
• For your convenience: Textbooks & School Supplies, Summer Assignments, & BYOD Information. 
• Don’t forget to check the MS/US Dress Code. Ms. Sorrenti can help with any questions surrounding dress code. 
• All students must have a completed Griffin’s Table registration form on file for the ‘26-’27 school year. This must be completed each year, even if the student doesn’t plan to utilize Griffin’s Table for lunch and/or snack.

Save the Date for…

• Sunday, August 16
  • New Parent Orientation @ 4:30 PM in the Dent 
  • Senior Parent Meeting @ 5:30 PM in the Seminar Room
• Tuesday, August 18
  • New Upper School Student Orientation in the Seminar Room
    • New to SDS Students: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
    • Returning SDS 9th Graders: 1:30 - 3:00 PM
• Wednesday, August 19
  • 1st Day of School (½ Day with 12:30 PM release)
  • Class of 2027: Senior Breakfast and “Last First Day” photos @ 7:30 AM in the Crowley Concourse and outside of Stone Gym.
• Thursday, August 20
  • 2nd Day of School - Full Day of School
    • All School Welcome Assembly in Webster Gym–Students should dress more formally. 

That’s all for now–stay tuned for additional Back-to-School details that will be sent on Friday, August 14. In the meantime, please reach out with any questions that you might have. Enjoy these last two weeks of summer! 

With excitement,

Jenny Glenn
Head of Upper School