Parents and guardians whose students are new to Ravenscroft enjoyed time with faculty, staff and school leadership during the annual New Parent Barbecue, hosted by the Office of Admissions.

The event, held Sept. 10 at Pugh Pond, gave these new Ravens an opportunity to meet and visit with one another, hear from campus leaders and enjoy the natural splendor of Tara Farm, which is adjacent to the school’s campus. On hand to welcome the nearly 200 attendees were Head of School Derrick Willard, board chair Laura Helton Kalorin ’92, faculty and staff, Parents’ Association leaders and trustees — including trustee emerita Fran Pugh, who has long made Ravens of all ages welcome on her property.

Attendees noted how much they enjoyed this opportunity to meet other Ravens in a relaxed setting.

“My husband and I greatly enjoyed the event,” new Upper School parent Kirsten Weeks said. “We met new people, learned more about Ravenscroft, had delicious food and began the process of connecting with the Ravenscroft community.”

“It was wonderful to be warmly welcomed by the Ravenscroft community at the New Parent Barbecue,” Ben Grinnell, whose sons joined the Lower School this year, added. “Our family is excited for our boys to grow and contribute to the thriving, diverse Ravenscroft community. Hearing about the many corners of the country and the world from which new families have come was inspiring — a local community with a global reach.”

“We have experienced such a warm welcome since joining Ravenscroft. Our kids have already begun building some amazing friendships in their classes and have slotted in the school seamlessly,” Mary Basil, who has children in both the Lower School and the Middle School, said. “We feel very fortunate to be part of the Ravenscroft school community.”

Members of the Admissions team said they were thrilled with the turnout and enjoyed watching new families connect with one another.

“Ravenscroft has been hosting the New Parent Barbecue for over 20 years, and it’s one of our favorite events of the school year,” Director of Enrollment Management Margaret Mills ’76 said.  We love that it’s casual, and the setting of Tara Farm is so special. We hope that our new parents have fun, make new connections and feel the warmth of our community.”