Upper School at Wheeler

The 8th-Grade Moving Up Ceremony was filled with reflection, celebration, and excitement as students, families, and faculty members gathered in Madden Gym last evening to mark this important milestone.

Audience members listened closely as students shared insights from pivotal moments throughout their school year and Middle School journeys. Some of the most heartfelt moments of the ceremony came as advisors presented certificates to each student, some with signature handshakes and others with big hugs, as families and loved ones cheered them on!

Head of the Hamilton School at Wheeler Bill McCarthy reflected on the class’s impact, sharing, “You are exiting our Middle School in a different developmental place than when you began, and you are leaving the Middle School in a better place than you found it.”

Head of Middle School Vanessa O’Driscoll P’27, P’29 reflected on the qualities that students will carry with them to Upper School and beyond. “Because you are young, are aware, and creative, and resilient, you’ll make do when the new doesn’t have what you need,” she said. And you’ll make memories with your people about making do, and being disappointed, and being in awe, and being together.”

We’re glad we were able to be together yesterday to celebrate the end of our students’ Middle School experiences. Congratulations as they begin their next chapters in Upper School! 💜🥳🎉💛

“There’s no place as special as Hamilton,” Andrew B. ’30 remarked during the Hamilton School’s Closing Assembly this morning. His thought was clearly reflected throughout the auditorium, in the welcoming address from Head of the Hamilton School at Wheeler Bill McCarthy, to the individual accolades and appreciation that teachers expressed for every single student, to the heartfelt and at times humorous speeches delivered by Andrew and his fellow Hamilton 8th-graders.

The theme throughout was that Hamilton is a place where students are known and cared for, and where they come to know their incredible strengths and the learning differences that – rather than a barrier – become a super power.

It was a special way, indeed, to end a great school year. Congratulations, Ham Fam! ❤️ 💜 💛

Today’s Lower School Closing Assembly was like receiving a big high five, or maybe a huge hug – and there were plenty of both to go around!

The festivities kicked off with a celebratory clap-out for the 5th-graders, and after everyone made their way inside to Isenberg Auditorium, there was singing, a special story – “Me and Other Bunnies,” by Mo Willems – read by Head of Lower School Kate Hewitt P’30, and flowers and cheers for four Lower School faculty members who stepped in this year to assist and/or are leaving for other opportunities or retirement: Christine Smith P’07, Abbie Patterson, Alec MacCrory, and Sarah Hemenway P’18. Finally, every student stepped up – literally – to the next grade, as they said goodbye to their teachers this year, crossed a threshold, and emerged on the other side to say hello to the teachers who will be with them next year.

Congratulations, Lower School community! Have a great summer break! ☀️ 💜 💛

During their Moving Up Ceremony this morning, each 5th-grader shared reflections and favorite highlights from the school year. From the Lower School Soccer Tournament and Dance Showcases, to Field Day, the Multicultural Food Share, time at Wheeler Farm, and the 5th-Grade Musical, there were many memorable moments to celebrate together in Isenberg Auditorium, as well as moments to learn and grow from.

For Head of Lower School Kate Hewitt P’30, one of those memorable 5th-grade moments was the production of “The Phantom Tollbooth.” Reflecting on the students’ performance, Ms. Hewitt highlighted two Wheeler values they brought to life throughout the year: dialogue and creation.

“The show gave you an opportunity to dramatize a specific kind of conflict that I know all of us in this room have found ourselves trapped in at one time or another,” she said. “Whether you agree or not with someone is sometimes not the point. The point is listening with an open heart, withholding judgment, and moving on with integrity,” she added. “It is an act of creation to be in authentic dialogue with someone you disagree with.” As 5th-graders head into Middle School, she offered one final wish, “that you keep engaging in dialogue and you keep creating.”

During his remarks, Head of the Hamilton School at Wheeler Bill McCarthy reflected on the importance of embracing imperfection, learning, and growth, grounding students in the idea that there is no single path to success: “I encourage you to always strive to be your own self and make decisions and choices based on what you believe is right and appropriate. At times, this is not easy to do, as you may feel pressure to conform or believe that success requires perfection. There is no such thing as the one and only perfect song, goal, or book…As you move forward, I ask that you remain true to yourself and lean into your creativity and special talents.”

As the ceremony drew to a close, Councilman John Goncalves ’09, a former Wheeler 4th-grade teacher, returned to surprise the 5th-graders and congratulate them on this milestone, bringing the celebration full circle.

Congratulations, rising 6th-graders!🥳