End-of-Year Traditions: Celebrating Another Wonderful Year at Brown School
As another school year comes to a close, Brown School students, families, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the traditions that make our community so special. These events provide an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments, celebrate our growth, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
One of the highlights of the season was the return of Moving Up Night to Proctors Theatre. Performing on such a grand stage is a remarkable experience for our students and a fitting way to showcase their talents. Under the direction of Mrs.Sudduth, our Music Teacher, and Mr. Nurre, our Guitar and Percussion Teacher, students delivered outstanding performances that filled the theater with pride and excitement.
A special moment of the evening was the performance by Mr. Nurre's High School Rock Band. The group debuted an original song written by Eden, one of our ninth-grade students, with music composed collaboratively by the band members. Mr. DeLeo and his select group of middle school math students also delighted the audience with their spirited performance of Girls Just Want to Have Fun. As always, the student slideshows and faculty presentation were crowd favorites, bringing laughter, cheers, and plenty of excitement as students relived the year's special moments.
Another treasured tradition is our annual Field Day Celebration. Students from Nursery through High School proudly paraded around the school carrying their banners, chanting team cheers, and showing their school spirit. The day was filled with friendly competition, teamwork, and fun. The most anticipated event, as always, was the tug-of-war competition. While students gave it their all, the faculty once again emerged victorious in the final showdown against the Upper School. We are happy to report that we still have a little strength left in us!
Our Cubs and Bears also had their moment to shine during the Preschool End-of-Year Celebration. Families gathered to watch students perform, celebrate their accomplishments, and proudly walk across the stage to receive their certificates. The annual slideshow was a touching reminder of how much our preschool students have grown throughout the year, both academically and socially.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2026. Graduation is always a meaningful occasion, filled with reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future. Students were celebrated for their accomplishments and recognized for the unique contributions they made to our school community. As they participated in the traditional Clap-Out, walking past faculty and staff who cheered them on one final time, it was impossible not to feel an overwhelming sense of pride and emotion. It was a powerful reminder of the relationships built, the challenges overcome, and the bright futures that await our graduates.
As we reflect on these cherished traditions, we are reminded that Brown School is more than a school, it is a family. Together, we celebrate successes, support one another through challenges, and create experiences that our students will carry with them for years to come. We wish all of our students and families a safe, happy, and restful summer and look forward to another wonderful year ahead.
Remembering Mr. Eric Myers
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of a beloved member of our Brown School community, Mr. Eric, affectionately known to many as "Batman."
Mr. Eric cared for our school from 1996 through 2020, and during those many years, he became so much more than our custodian; he became part of the heart and soul of Brown School. While he often playfully gave the impression of being a bit like Oscar the Grouch, those who truly knew him understood that he was one of the kindest, most loyal, and most lovable members of our community.
Eric took immense pride in his work. His floors were a reflection of that pride, cleaned and polished to perfection with care and dedication. No matter how bitter the cold or how heavy the snow, he could always be counted on to ensure that our walkways and parking lot were safe and clear for students, families, and staff.
In the quiet hours of the evening, you could often find Eric still hard at work, cleaning classrooms while listening to his beloved classical music. He especially cherished the times when the Empire State Youth Orchestra visited Brown School for rehearsals, marveling at the talent and passion of the young musicians.
Eric also brought joy to our days in his own unique ways. A devoted Yankees fan, he never missed an opportunity to tease Mrs. Vitale each baseball season about her loyalty to the Mets. And of course, no one at Brown School will forget his well-known love of brownies, often rewarded with freshly baked treats from grateful teachers.
Mr. Eric was more than an employee; he was family. His presence, his humor, his work ethic, and his quiet acts of care touched generations of students, faculty, and families.
He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him and calling him a friend.
New Traditions: Adventures at Ridin-Hy Ranch
This spring, Brown School's Middle School students enjoyed an unforgettable trip to Ridin-Hy Ranch, and by all accounts, it was a tremendous success!
In a world filled with laptops, tablets, and phones, students welcomed the opportunity to unplug from technology and reconnect with nature. Surrounded by the beauty of the Adirondacks, they spent their days exploring the outdoors, building friendships, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Students challenged themselves on scenic hikes, cooled off with swimming, and enjoyed a wide variety of activities including horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, ping-pong, tennis, kickball, and even a few spirited rounds of BINGO! Whether they were paddling across the water, cheering on teammates, or simply enjoying time together outdoors, students embraced every opportunity for adventure and fun.
The reviews from the Middle School trip were so enthusiastic that our High School students quickly began asking if they could have the same experience. Just a few short weeks later, they too traveled to Ridin-Hy Ranch and enjoyed beautiful weather, exciting outdoor activities, and plenty of time to connect with classmates.
Both trips provided students with much more than recreation. They offered valuable opportunities to strengthen friendships, develop independence, appreciate the natural world, and experience being fully present in the moment. We are grateful to those who helped make these trips possible and look forward to future adventures!
Launching a New Impact Group
This year, under the leadership of Ms. Amanda Keil, Co-Head of Brown School, a dedicated group of Upper School students stepped beyond the classroom and into the community to make a difference through the newly established Brown School Impact Group. This group was created to provide students with meaningful opportunities to serve others while developing leadership, teamwork, and civic responsibility.
Throughout the year, students generously donated their time and energy to several local organizations and causes. Students helped package more than 2,500 pounds of food at the Regional Food Bank, assisting in efforts to combat food insecurity throughout our region. They rolled up their sleeves at the Ronald McDonald House, helping with spring cleaning projects that support families facing medical challenges. At the Albany Therapeutic Riding Center, students worked at clearing fields and maintaining outdoor spaces that benefit riders and staff. They also sorted bottles and cans for the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society's Empties for Animals program, helping raise funds to care for animals in need.
No matter how challenging the task, our students approached each project with enthusiasm, determination, and a willingness to help. Along the way, they discovered that service can be both rewarding and fun. We are incredibly proud of the members of the Brown School Impact Group for representing our school with kindness, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact in our community. We look forward to expanding these opportunities and continuing our tradition of service in the years ahead.
Earth Day
Earth Day at Brown School offered students an opportunity to explore environmental stewardship through hands-on, collaborative experiences. Under the leader ship of Mrs. Cooper, Ms. Dunham, and Mrs. Lasselle, the gymnasium and cafeteria became spaces where learning, creativity, and community came together.
Students rotated through activity stations that encouraged them to think about sustainability in tangible ways. From making paper out of recycled materials to creating bird feeders, planting seeds, and transforming old t-shirts into reusable bags, each activity invited students to consider how everyday actions can support our planet. Additional crafts, such as bookmark making and rock painting, provided further opportunities for creativity and reflection.
A strong sense of community was present throughout the event, as many of the stations were led by Upper School students. Through clear guidance and encouragement, they supported younger students, creating an environment where collaboration across grade levels felt natural and engaging. As students interacted with each other at stations, it was reinforced that caring for the Earth is a collective responsibility. The event was further enriched by contributions from the extended Brown School community. A special thank you goes to parents Bridget Barrett and David Bensley from General Electric Wind Turbine who demonstrated how wind turbines generate energy, and representatives from Cornell Cooperative Extension who introduced students to composting and the role of worms in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Through these experiences, students saw that environmental responsibility is not just an abstract idea, but something that grows through shared effort, thoughtful action, and a strong sense of community. Seeing students laugh and work together highlighted that BrownSchool students have a shared commitment to making a difference together.
Celebrating Spring with a Colorful Holi Fun Run
Brown School students and families welcomed the arrival of spring with a joyful and vibrant Color Run through Central Park. Participants ran, walked, and laughed their way through the course while being greeted by volunteers at multiple stations who showered them with bursts of colorful powder.
The Color Run was inspired by Holi, the ancient Hindu Festival of Colors. Celebrated each spring, Holi marks the transition from winter to spring and symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and the triumph of joy and positivity. The bright colors used during the celebration reflect the beauty and energy of the new season as flowers bloom and nature comes alive once again.
Our community embraced the spirit of the festival as students, parents, faculty, and staff enjoyed this opportunity to celebrate together. By the end, participants were covered from head to toe in brilliant shades of pink, blue, yellow, green, and purple, a colorful reminder of the happiness, hope, and new beginnings that spring brings.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year's Color Run a memorable celebration of community, culture, and the vibrant season.
Celebrating Lunar New Year
Brown School students once again showcased their creativity and school spirit during our annual Lunar New Year Parade. Each grade level and advisory group designed and created its own colorful dragon, which proudly made its way through the halls as part of this joyful school-wide celebration.
As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we are inspired by the horse's qualities of determination, strength, and forward momentum. At Brown School, we look forward to embracing these qualities as we continue to take practical steps toward achieving our goals and building an even stronger school community. Thank you to our students and faculty for making this festive tradition such a memorable event!
Volleyball Season
The Brown School volleyball team wrapped up an incredible season filled with growth, teamwork, and heart. From the first practices to the final games, every player showed tremendous progress as skills improved, confidence grew, and the team came together in an exciting way.
One of the most rewarding parts of the season was seeing our older players step into leadership roles, offering support, encouragement, and guidance to their younger teammates. Their positive example helped create a welcoming team environment and made this season especially memorable.
To celebrate, the season ended with a parents and teachers versus students tournament. It was a huge success, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and great memories. It was the perfect way to bring everyone together and close out an amazing season for Brown School volleyball.
Spring Carnival Fun at Brown School!
Brown School families enjoyed fun, food, and friendship at our annual Spring Carnival. The event brought together students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends for one of our favorite community traditions. Chef Kyle once again prepared a delicious spread that was enjoyed by all. Students had a blast participating in exciting activities including riding the mechanical bull and bouncing in the bounce house. Laughter and smiles could be seen everywhere!
The Spring Carnival continues to be a favorite Brown School fundraiser and friend-raiser, providing a wonderful opportunity for families to connect while supporting our school community. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this year's event such a memorable success!
Celebrating Faculty Milestones
This year, we proudly recognize faculty and staff members whose dedication and commitment have enriched our school community for 5, 10, 20, and more years. Their expertise, mentorship, and care have made a lasting impact on generations of students and families. We thank them for their continued service and the many ways they strengthen our community.
