Mrs. Vitale’s Corner
At an independent school, traditions do more than mark the passage of time, they connect us to one another and to the values we share. They are the moments our students look forward to, the rituals families come to cherish, and the experiences that alumni remember long after they leave our halls. Traditions help turn a school into a community.
From long-standing celebrations to simple, meaningful routines, these shared experiences create continuity across years and grade levels. They give students a sense of belonging, provide comfort and familiarity, and remind us why this Brown School is special. In a school built on close relationships, traditions offer common touchstones that bring together students, teachers, families, and alumni.
This year, we have already experienced many examples of Brown School traditions, and we continue to bring new ideas to our halls in the hopes that new traditions will be started! We hope these stories spark memories, deepen connections, and celebrate the moments that make Brown School a community.
Traditions & Community
Back to School BBQ
Brown School’s annual Back-to-School Barbecue was once again a highlight of the season and was very well attended by students and families. This long-standing tradition offers students the opportunity to drop off their school supplies, step into their classrooms, and begin to feel comfortable before the first day of school. Most importantly, it provides a welcoming space for students, especially those new to Brown School, to meet classmates and begin forming connections.
The barbecue also served as a wonderful opportunity to introduce new faculty members to our school community. This year, we were pleased to welcome Ms. Carey as our new third-grade teacher and Ms. Dunham as our upper school science teacher. Our new art teacher, Ms. Below, already got to know students across all divisions, from Preschool through High School. In addition, our Preschool program welcomed Ms. Anna and Ms. Stella as assistants in the three-year-old program. We also welcomed Mrs. Cipriano to our library!
With smiling faces, warm conversations, and a strong sense of community, the Back-to-School Barbecue set a very positive tone for the year ahead.
Veterans Day Assembly at Brown School
For more than 25 years, the Brown School community has come together to honor Veterans Day with a meaningful school-wide assembly. Students recognize and celebrate family members and friends who have served in the armed forces through patriotic songs and heartfelt presentations, along with special token gifts created by students. Prior to the assembly, students also raise money for the Blue Star Mothers organization through athletic events and friendly competitions, most notably the annual Penny Walk. These funds support the creation and mailing of care packages sent to service members currently serving around the world.
For the past 15 years, Brown School has been honored to welcome Mr. John McKenna III, who shared the powerful story of his son, John McKenna IV, who lost his life while serving in Afghanistan. Mr. McKenna, along with a number of dedicated volunteers, was instrumental in the creation of the Courtesy Room at Albany International Airport, which provides comfort and support to service members traveling to and from their duties. Although Mr. McKenna was unable to attend this year’s assembly, he was deeply missed, and his enduring message was remembered and shared by students, faculty, and guests: on Veterans Day and every day, never forget to thank a veteran.
Brown School was also grateful to welcome Mr. Steve McCutcheon, who serves veterans living in the Schenectady area by helping them access their benefits. He delivered a meaningful message to students about the importance of the Pledge of Allegiance, encouraging them to reflect more deeply on the words they recite each day. Following the assembly, guests and students enjoyed a buffet breakfast prepared by Chef Kyle, and many commented on their gratitude and how impressed they were by the students. We extend our sincere thanks to Mrs. Sudduth, our music teacher, for the creation and direction of the concert; Mrs. Cooper for organizing the fundraising events for Blue Star Mothers; and all of our classroom teachers and students for their efforts in decorating the gym with beautiful patriotic displays.
Our Tastiest Tradition: Friendsgiving
One of the most beloved traditions at Brown School is our annual Friendsgiving Feast, a day filled with warmth, gratitude, and unforgettable flavors. As the delicious aromas wafted from the kitchen and through the halls, Chef Kyle prepared a true holiday feast featuring homemade turkey and gravy, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, corn, cranberry sauce, biscuits, and butter.
Students, faculty, and staff gathered to enjoy this comforting meal, made even more special by the many family volunteers who generously helped serve lunch. The celebration continued with hot cocoa and pie, making the day feel like a true holiday shared among friends.
We are deeply grateful for the teachers, staff, parents, and community members who make Brown School such a safe, joyful, and welcoming place to learn. And on this special day, there was no question, Chef Kyle was the most celebrated of all, recognized for his incredible culinary talents and the care he brings to our community year after year.
Fall Festival
Our school community came together for another truly wonderful Fall Festival filled with laughter, connection, and autumn magic. From start to finish, the event captured the spirit of the season and showcased the incredible energy and generosity of our families, staff, and volunteers.
Guests were welcomed by the delicious aroma of a carefully prepared menu created by Chef Kyle, which was a highlight of the day. Families enjoyed a variety of tasty offerings that kept everyone warm, happy, and well fed as they moved from activity to activity.
The festival grounds were alive with excitement as children bounced with joy in the bounce houses and delighted in visits to the petting zoo. The pony rides were a particular favorite, creating unforgettable memories for students of all ages as they experienced the simple joy of meeting and riding these gentle animals.
As the sun set, the event concluded with a spectacular Trunk or Treat, where creativity was on full display. Families transformed their vehicles into imaginative and festive scenes, delighting trick-or-treaters and adding a magical ending to an already special day.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Liz Ritz for planning this event and to everyone who assisted in organizing, volunteering, and participating in our Fall Fest. Your time, creativity, and dedication made this tradition another outstanding success and a true celebration of our school community. We are so grateful for your support and look forward to many more joyful gatherings together.
Lion King Jr.
This year’s middle school production of The Lion King Jr. was a reminder of what has long defined life at our school: creativity, collaboration, and a community that supports one another. For many alumni families, school productions hold special memories, and this year’s performance felt like a continuation of that proud tradition.
The production grew out of months of rehearsal, problem-solving, and teamwork. Student actors dedicated themselves to learning music, choreography, and character, while encouraging one another along the way. Just as essential were the students working behind the scenes. From lighting and sound to scene changes, the technical and backstage crews ensured that our performances ran smoothly.
The show was guided by a dedicated team of educators whose passion was evident throughout the process. Mrs. Sudduth brought the music to life with care and enthusiasm, Ms. C. created dynamic choreography, Mr. DeLeo kept things running seamlessly backstage, and Ms. McGann led the cast and crew with vision and steady encouragement.
As school productions are truly community efforts, this year’s parents and families generously contributed their time and talents. They were instrumental as they designed costumes, built and painted sets, organized concessions, and supported countless details behind the scenes.
We are immensely proud of everyone who contributed to The Lion King Jr. The production was more than a performance—it was a shared experience that reflected teamwork, perseverance, and school pride. For those who remember their own time on stage or in the audience, we hope this story brings back fond memories and affirms that the spirit of these traditions continues to thrive.
Camp Chingachgook
For many years, our visit to Camp Chingachgook has been a special tradition. It is a time to build friendships, develop independence, and create lasting memories outside of the classroom, and this year was no exception. Although the weather brought rain throughout the day, it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of our students or staff. The students spent the day participating in outdoor activities and enjoying time together in a beautiful natural setting. Our 6th graders started their day with canoeing, the 7th grade class tried the high ropes course, and the 8th graders climbed the 75-foot tall rock wall! After lunch, students got into 2 groups. While one group learned and practiced archery, the other group played games and were given challenges meant to make them struggle in order to build their skills in communication while working in a group. Laughter, teamwork, and enthusiasm could be seen everywhere as students embraced the experience and made the most of the day. The rainy skies simply added to the adventure and reminded us that some of the best memories are made when we step outside our comfort zones.
Buddy Program
Our Buddy Program is one of the most anticipated traditions of each new school year, as students eagerly wait to find out who their buddy will be. These meaningful connections between younger and older students help build a stronger, more caring school community. Older students grow as leaders and positive role models, while younger students develop confidence and a sense of belonging. The program supports social-emotional growth, encourages positive behavior, and helps students feel connected across grade levels. So far this year, buddy classes have enjoyed decorating cookies, creating decorations for school events, reading together, playing games, working on art projects, spending time on the playground, and giving back through a community service project by making fleece blankets for Kitten Angels.
Bees, Biology, and Big Ideas at Brown School
High school biology students explored big scientific ideas by taking a closer look at one small but mighty creature: bees. By revisiting this topic from many angles, students learned that science grows richer when questions, discussions, and real-world experiences are connected.
Bees are an ideal species to study because of their fascinating life cycles and highly organized social behavior. Students began the unit by reading and discussing how genetics influence the way bees live and work together. These conversations helped students understand how bees communicate, cooperate, and pollinate flowers—an essential process that supports ecosystems and food production.
Learning extended beyond the classroom with a visit to Union College, where students met members of the Bee Club and learned about beekeeping. They explored beehives, saw honey-extraction equipment, and even tasted honey produced by Union’s bees. Students also learned that pollinators are responsible for about one-third of the world’s food supply, highlighting how closely human health is connected to the health of bees.
To wrap up the unit, students spoke with the creator of BuzzHive, an app that monitors beehive health. This experience showed students how science and innovation can work together to protect the environment.
Through this engaging study, Brown School students are discovering that science is all around us—and that understanding the world often starts with curiosity, collaboration, and care for the living things we depend on.
The Gingerbread Man’s Adventures
The Gingerbread Man made his appearance the week before our winter break. He left picture clues on the bulletin board showing where he had been. He traveled to many parts of the school, from the set of The Lion King to jumping out of Chef Kyle’s oven to playing the guitar. The Gingerbread Man spread kindness, a little Brown School magic, and lots of love.
The Gingerbread Man was never caught, and hopefully he will return next year for more adventures. Will the Gingerbread Man send other friends to visit the school? We shall see!
