CA’s Middle School is preparing for this year’s Continuation ceremonies, the event that marks eighth graders’ transition from Middle to Upper school. Continuation will be held Monday, June 1, from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in the small gymnasium (note venue change from previous years), followed by the Head of School’s reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the CA Dining Hall. This marks the last official event of the year for Middle School students.

 

Continuation is a family celebration; it is a chance to join together, have fun, and appreciate the growth and maturation that has taken place in a student over the past three years. The centerpiece of the afternoon is the ceremony during which teachers celebrate individual students and the entire class. The reception provides a nice opportunity for students and families to share stories and enjoy each other’s

company; the food provided includes heavy appetizers. Some families choose to  plan a meal after this event; others do not. The reception generally concludes around 6:15 – 6:30.

Parents will receive a formal invitation from the school. Please note that all members of a student’s immediate family — mother, father and siblings — are honored guests at the Head of School's reception. There will be a small charge for each additional extended family member or friend you choose to invite to the reception.

Attire for boys is coat and tie, and the equivalent for girls. We do not want girls (or parents of girls) to feel like a new or particularly fancy outfit/dress is necessary.  What a girl might wear to church, synagogue or grandmother’s house is probably just the ticket. We do care about modesty and ask that girls wear a wrap or shawl if they are wearing a strapless dress.

Bring your camera. Photos are welcome during the ceremony and the reception. Additionally, there will be a photographer at the reception taking both candid and family pictures.

 

Upon return from Spring Break, students began the process of creating a memory page, which will be aggregated and presented to each student at Continuation in the form of a “memory DVD.” Page creation will be coordinated at school by advisors. In the next few weeks, parents will be given the option to purchase a hard copy of the Memory Book for a nominal fee, just enough to cover the cost of production.

 

We are often asked how parents can help make this evening special. The simple answer is to come and enjoy the celebration. We hope that the ceremony creates fond memories of the years spent together in the Middle School and of the learning that has shaped who your son or daughter is today. The evening is intentionally reflective, but also age-appropriate and low key.

 

If you have any questions or if I can be helpful in any way, please do not hesitate to contact Middle School Head, Bill Wolf-Tinsman.