As the air gets cooler and leaves begin to turn, the Ravens are settling into their nest.

Lower, Middle and Upper School students have now found their footing on campus, teachers have gotten into a rhythm, and the school year is in full swing.

The first month of school is coming to an end, and September was filled with plenty of activities to welcome new Ravens families, and to embrace longtime community members.

Head of School Derrick Willard welcomed everyone back on a picture-perfect first day of school, kicking off the 2026-27 school year.

One of the early events to welcome families back was the Parent Partnership Kickoff on Aug. 28. The annual Volunteer Fair was rebranded as the Parent Partnership Kickoff, encouraging parents and guardians from all three divisions to “find their fit” at Ravenscroft. All parent group leaders set up tables in Pugh Lobby, where interested individuals signed up for committees or volunteer opportunities.

“We saw an increase in participation and overall interest in getting involved,” said Director of Parent Engagement Sarah Baker. “The enthusiasm is contagious, and our volunteer team is proving just how fun and rewarding it is to be part of this community.”

Before the second home football game of the season, Ravenscroft hosted a Tropical Tailgate outside the football stadium. Ravenscroft organizations and families decorated their trucks with Ravens paraphernalia, with plenty of food to go around before heading inside to support the football team.

Each division hosted an evening to meet with families during Back-to-School Nights. Head of Upper School Aaron Sundstrom emphasized how the theme of Brains and Belonging is shaping work in the Upper School this year, on Wednesday, Sept. 2. 

“We know that if they feel comfortable in their environment and recognized by their teachers and peers, then learning outcomes improve,” Sundstrom said.

Head of Middle School Bernardo Guzmán gave an enthusiastic welcome to parents during their Back-to-School Night Wednesday, Sept. 9.

“This is truly one of my favorite nights of the year because it is a night when you get to put faces to names,” Guzmán said. “Not just any names, not just any faces, but those of the educators who work tirelessly day in and day out to support your students, your Ravens.”

Jennifer Baccus, Head of Lower School, hosted the final Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, Sept. 16, and talked to parents about the Lower School’s 2026-27 academic year theme: “Restoring Wonder: Cultivating a Culture of Joyful Curiosity.”

“We knew reimagining our science curriculum was a good place to start,” Baccus said. “After several years of planning, we are thrilled to have launched our Science Lab class and aligned our curriculum with the Next Generation Science Standards so our youngest Ravens can learn to think like scientists.”

The annual New Family BBQ, held Wednesday, Sept. 23, was an opportunity for our new families to get to know each other and 

connect. While rain forced the event indoors from its traditional home at Pugh Pond, our newest Ravenscroft families made the most of the opportunity, embracing this new journey together over some delicious food. The highlight of the event was a message from Fran Pugh, Trustee Emerita, who told the group about her family's more than 100 year connection to the school. 

Click here to find photo galleries from these signature events and programs.