Dear Upper School Students & Parents, 

That’s a wrap on our first full week of the ‘26-’27 school year! There wasn’t a dull moment to be found–between classes, the opening of Griffin Grounds, the annual Honor Code Ceremony (thank you to Dr. Tim Schmitz, David Roark, and the Honor Council), Senior Sunrise, Club Fair, a division-wide Rock/Paper/Scissors tournament, and fall athletics–Upper Schoolers were staying busy and having fun! Please enjoy some pictures from the week:

Looking forward, here’s what’s on the horizon for the division: 

• Saturday, August 29
  • SAT Prep: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the Seminar Room
  • Senior Paint & Park: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
• Sunday, August 30
  • Senior Paint & Park: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Friday, September 4
  • College Colors Day
• Monday, September 7
  • No School: Labor Day
• Wednesday, September 9
  • Upper School Back-to School Night: 6:00 PM in Dent
• Friday, September 11
  • I’m a Griffin Day/SDS’s Birthday
• Saturday, September 12
  • SAT Prep: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the Seminar Room

Fall sports are in full swing–please keep an eye on the team calendars for the most up-to-date information. I’m also pleased to share that various college representatives will begin visiting campus during the week of September 8! Demonstrated interest is an important metric in the college admissions process, so students should be sure to connect with representatives of interest when possible. 

A quick reminder to our drivers about parking--please be sure to leave the reserved spaces for the families who purchased them at our annual fundraiser.

Finally, stay tuned in the next few weeks for information regarding this year’s Special Studies offerings and the sign-up process. Remember–Special Studies will be the last week in January (January 25-29, 2027) and will include supplemental lessons throughout the school year that will ultimately earn academic credit. We are so excited about this Learning Lived experience and can’t wait to share more with you!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend & GO GRIFFINS!

Jenny Glenn
Head of Upper School