"Good Schools, like good societies and good families, celebrate and cherish diversity"
—Deborah Meier
"The teacher’s task is not to talk, but to prepare and arrange a series of motives for cultural activity in a special environment made for the child."
—Maria Montessori
Our Caedmon Traditions
In just over 40 years, Caedmon has established a wonderful array of cherished school traditions, some old and some just beginning. Here is a sampling:
International Family Map of the World
As new families join our community, they are asked to fill out a Community Awareness Questionnaire, the purpose of which is to learn about the cultural, spiritual, and attitudinal perspectives they are bringing to Caedmon. The most immediate outcome of the survey is the map of the world mounted in the lobby, upon which is displayed the names of all our international children within the nations of their family’s origin. Visitors can see at a glance the incredible international diversity that Caedmon enjoys.
Autumn Apple-Picking Trip
Caedmon children return to school each fall eagerly anticipating the apple-picking field trip, when the entire elementary program is packed into buses and taken to an orchard upstate. They spend an entire day amid the smells and colors of autumn, filling their bags (and their bellies) to bursting with fresh-picked apples of every variety. For days before and afterward, at home and in the classroom, everything is all about apples.
Halloween Picnic
The Caedmon Family Association sponsors a school picnic to welcome Caedmon families back to school. It is a perfect Saturday afternoon event that brings the entire community together to share fall colors and Halloween festivities on the grassy slopes of Central Park.
Thanksgiving Feast
In late November, Dr. Greg Blackburn, the Head of School, visits the classrooms to join the children in contemplating all the things in their lives for which they are grateful. He prepares with the children a collection of poems of thankfulness. On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the entire school comes together to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner, listen to a story, sing a few songs, and hear a selection of poems.
Holiday Potlatch
During the holiday season, the Caedmon community comes together for a celebration of giving that is inspired by the Native American “potlatch” traditions. The potlatch tradition recognizes the act of giving as a source of honor and prestige. The elementary children, their teachers, and other adults in the school draw the name of their “potlatch person”. The weeks before the holidays are spent deciding on the perfect gift for their potlatch person - either something created, or a precious possession that is passed on. When the Potlatch Party finally arrives, it is giving, not receiving, that lights up the children’s faces.
The Multicultural Holiday Play
For over a decade, Caedmon has celebrated the holidays by bringing as many as six holiday traditions from around the world together into an original, all-school musical production. Recognized by the National Association of Independent Schools for its innovative approach to curriculum, the event allows the children to experience each other’s cultural and spiritual heritage, in a moving and entertaining production. When the Early Program children join in for the sing-along finale, the stage erupts with warmth, color, excitement, and truly multi-spiritual good cheer.
The Wreath of Hands
An enormous yule-tide wreath adorns the school lobby each year, made up of over 250 signed handprints traced, cut out, and colored by every person in the school.
Instrumental Faculty Concert
The professional instructors from The Caedmon School’s Instrumental Music Program Afterschool graciously donate their time and talents once each year to present a concert of classical music for the community’s enjoyment.
Trustee Reception for Faculty
A school like Caedmon has many dedicated individuals working towards the same goals, some of whom seldom get to know each other. Once a year the Board of Trustees hosts a faculty reception, offering an opportunity for everyone to share ideas, perspectives and express their gratitude.
Moving-Up Day
In May, the elementary children spend part of a morning visiting the classroom into which they will be moving the following year. They are teamed up with an older buddy who gives them the low-down on all the new privileges and responsibilities they will soon enjoy. The Early Program children who are entering kindergarten the following year spend an hour visiting the kindergarten classes.
Annual Caedmon Family Association Spring Fundraiser
Since it is held on the school premises, this annual fundraiser becomes an event that even the children enjoy, as the lobby level and lunchroom are gradually transformed by elaborate decorations into a thematic wonderland.
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
The hospitality committee takes it upon itself each spring to thank the Caedmon teachers, on behalf of all the families, for the expertise and devotion they bring to their work with the children. This gourmet meal is an international feast.
Diversity Committee Potluck Supper
The family-driven FACES of Diversity Committee celebrates its own efforts each spring by hosting a potluck feast that features cuisine, beverages, and music from across the cultural spectrum. Caedmon’s generous supply of international families guarantees that the recipes are the “real deal” and the conversation lively.
The Spring Play
Each spring the entire Elementary Program prepares for a musical stage production that showcases their musical accomplishments. Each show follows a story line or theme that the children perform with an impressive display of dialogue, song, choreography, and instrumental ensemble performances.
Upper Level Spring Musical with Dr. Blackburn
To celebrate their impending graduation, Upper Level students spend the months of April and May rehearsing for a musical presentation during the final week of June.
The Spring Beach Trip & Day in the Park
With lessons finished for the year, it is time to enjoy some fun in the sun. Elementary children head for a day at a Long Island beach. They’re not supposed to go into the water past their knees, but somehow they always manage to get totally soaked. The youngsters in the Early Program find it just as thrilling to share an afternoon all together, picnicking at a nearby park.
Closing Exercises
Caedmon’s graduation ceremony is a tradition rich with meaning. The event begins with a museum-style display the week before graduation, showcasing the students’ work from the year. The graduates act as docents; they lead their families through the exhibit and explain the work. Next, following a formal procession where each student is presented a lei from Hawaii, each student or group of students presents a project and delivers a speech to their families and fellow students. The Head of School and the Head of the Board of Trustees then presents each student with a diploma. Finally, Kindergarten Book Buddies present gifts to the graduates, the students are welcomed into the Caedmon Alumni Association, and the role of Upper Level is passed on to the next years’ class.
