Volume: V Issue: 2, December 2022 . SHS Home . Alumni Page . Online Giving. On
A Place to Belong is brought to you by Shady Hill’s Advancement Office, Marketing and Communications Office, and the Alumni Board. Now, more than ever, we are committed to sharing news that reminds us all how vibrant and innovative Shady Hill continues to be, while forever embracing the mission and values you hold so dear. 
Grandfriends Day
Shady Hill welcomed over 300 grandfriends back to campus on November 10 to celebrate the special role they play in children's lives. Grandfriends gathered to engage in classroom activities thoughtfully planned by faculty. Special musical performances by Grade IV and the Middle School chorus added to the joy of the day.

To see more photos from Grandfriends Day, click here.
A Peek into Classrooms: Grade IV 
The Grade IV team created the Identity Flag project at Shady Hill 10 years ago, and it is still going strong. As Gradehead Dana Rogers explains, "Since students learn better when they feel truly known and accepted by their peers, this project's goal is to bring about that deep level of understanding and acceptance. It is also a great opportunity for students to work on writing and presentation skills and to incorporate artistic symbolism."

Click here to watch the video.
A Peek into Classrooms: Grades V-VI
On November 22 Shady Hill held its first in-person Gratitude Assembly in three years! It was an event filled with music, poetry, and reflection -- especially reflection on our gratitude at being together.

A musical highlight was the performance of Sly & the Family Stone's song “Thank You (falettinme be mice elf agin)” featuring many student soloists. Prior to the Assembly, students in grades V & VI used this song as a jumping-off point for discussions about identity and belonging. After reflecting on the questions “what does it mean to feel like you can be yourself?” and “Is Shady Hill a place where everyone can be themselves?” students wrote their own lyrics using the form of Sly Stone’s verses. 

Inspired by music teacher Kabir Sen’s arrangement and new lyrics, students led the crowd in singing their own words. Some also sang lyrics written by other students, demonstrating one of the many ways we can support each other and make sure all voices can be heard in our community.

To view the lyrics, click here.
Calling Alumni Artists!
The much anticipated Alumni Art Show is quickly approaching on March 2o to March 23, 2023, with a special reception taking place on the evening of March 23 from 7PM-8:30PM. The reception is for the entire Shady Hill adult community, regardless of affiliation: alumni, parents, grandfriends, PALS, etc.  

We invite alumni artists, as well as past and present faculty, to showcase their artwork. If you are interested in being a potential art exhibitor, please sign up here.

If you have any questions, reach out to [email protected].
Reunion 2024
Last year's Reunion was a tremendous success, attracting far more attendees than usual thanks to its inclusion of more class years. Two years of pandemic postponements brought this unexpected silver lining of high turnout, inspiring a new concept of holding Reunions less frequently and inviting all alumni to each one. With the full encouragement of the Alumni Board, Shady Hill will begin holding an ALL-ALUMNI REUNION in even numbered years, alternating with the Alumni Art Show, which falls in odd-numbered years. We will announce the date of the first such All-Alumni Reunion in the next issue of A Place to Belong. Meanwhile, remember the Alumni Art Show reception is coming up March 23 -- mark your calendars!
Afterschool Invites Alumni to Teach
Shady Hill alum Melia White '10 shares her talents as an Afterschool teacher.
Shady Hill Afterschool would love to connect with alumni looking for a way to stay connected with the SHS community! We are a joyful play-based program that would be looking for support with games, crafts, homework time, and ensuring students are safe and happy. We are open to new activity ideas to enrich our offerings. If you may be interested in part-time work, subbing or volunteering, please contact [email protected].
Shady Hill Fund

Join the Circle! Your gift to the Shady Hill Fund is a link that, when connected with others, unites our entire community and celebrates the School's mission. If you have not already done so, please make your Shady Hill Fund gift by December 31. Gifts (of all sizes!) makes our community stronger!

Please make your gift today!
Holiday Book List
The SHS librarians want to aid you in your quest for the perfect holiday gift this year. They’ve selected a few favorite books for your consideration.

From picture books to novels and a few things in-between, there’s a little something for everyone.

Check out the suggestions here. Happy Holidays!

Are you following the Shady Hill Alumni Spotlight series on social media? We welcome nominations! Whether their work relates to social justice, environmental activism, or any other pressing issue, email your suggestions to [email protected] or submit your nominations here.
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