Presidio Hill School celebrates a series of special events, some old and some new, that helps create a deep sense of community among students, families and staff. As these traditions transpire over seasons and across years, they become the rhythm that keeps time for the school community.
Fall Gathering
The annual Fall Gathering gives everyone in the Presidio Hill School community an opportunity to kick off the school year with fun (three-legged races and a water balloon toss), food (a potluck that includes fare as diverse as the school community), and conversation (what we really did during summer vacation), while building a sense of belonging that is as vibrant as autumn in a picture book.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
When Charlie won the Golden Ticket, he chose Grandpa Joe to accompany him on his journey through Roald Dahl's chocolate factory. Grandparents and Special Friends Day gives students a chance to bring a favorite grownup along on the magical ride of learning at Presidio Hill School. After a taste of Presidio Hill, most grandparents and special friends leave wishing they could go back and repeat whatever grade they just visited—so long as they could attend Presidio HIll School the second time around.
Follies
Abominable snowman, garden gnome, pharaoh, windup toy. In December, Follies gives every student a colorful starring role as each class takes the stage to sing and dance its way through an original musical extravaganza written and produced by the 8th grade class. Complete with student-created art pieces featured in every performance, this is indeed an integrated arts experience in the tradition of Presidio Hill School.
PHS Game Night
What do you get when you cross a wildly spinning top, little wooden bowling pins and a maze? What's the kookiest retro game around? How do you play Tri-ominos? Game night is a chance for Presidio HIll School families to learn and play together and, lucky raffle ticket permitting, take home some new games. It's boisterous good fun with ample helpings of sharing, cheering each other on, and cheesy pizza on the side.
May Festival
Befitting a spring festival, May Festival, also known as May Fest, bursts out in every direction: a giant prancing dragon, students reciting original poetry, a festive May Pole dance, kindergarteners spinning through the Virginia reel, a chili cook-off, impromptu pickup bands, and friendships infuse the park with an atmosphere that is distinctly Presidio Hill School.
Friday Coffee
Friday is the one day of the week when some students may enter Presidio Hill School with a hint of reluctance, because they are tempted to mingle on the front doorstep with the chatty knot of parents who have traded drop-off for "drop everything for a mug of coffee and some tasty conversation." Long after students settle into their classrooms, parents linger with thoughtful conversations that define the Presidio Hill School community.
Scones with Scott
Although delicious, the platter of homemade scones may be an unnecessary incentive for parents to attend these informational talks. A chance to dialogue with Head of School Scott Duyan about topics related to progressive education is the real treat. These information sessions offer community members an opportunity to share and deepen their understanding of the progressive pedagogy that informs a Presidio Hill School education.