Back to School, Mustang Style!

We were so happy to welcome our Mustangs back to school this week and there was no shortage of excitement on campus! From our annual Flag Raising Ceremony to Cardboard Boat Races—and everything in between—our students enjoyed a fun-filled week to kick off the year. It was a wonderful start to what is sure to be another great school year!

After the first day of school on Wednesday, our K–8th graders gathered at the flagpoles on Friday to raise the flags and participate in flag-related trivia led by Middle School English teacher, Mrs. Linsenmeyer. Our 8th graders took the lead in handling and raising the flags – the American flag, Maryland state flag, and Episcopal Church flag – to their proper positions as our K–7th graders watched and learned. Mrs. Melfi’s 4th graders led the Maryland trivia portion of the day, proving themselves experts in Maryland state history. Students also recited the Pledge of Allegiance, the School Prayer, and sang the National Anthem. The Flag Raising Ceremony was a meaningful way to end the week, honoring our country and state while teaching our students important lessons in leadership and history.

The fun continued the following week, after a three-day weekend, with our 8th graders participating in Cardboard Boat Races! This tradition is typically held in 7th grade, where students research, plan, and build cardboard boats to race in the Severn River. Last year’s event was unfortunately canceled due to weather, but the boats were saved over the summer so students could finally race them this year! Our current 7th graders were also in attendance, carefully observing each design’s success before returning to their classrooms to begin planning for their own race at the end of the year. Records were broken and boats were sunk, but our 8th graders were thrilled to finally take part in this tradition, cheered on by their 7th-grade peers. We are so proud of our students for applying their research and creativity to build real-world structures—and having fun while doing it! We love this tradition, even though it looked a little different this year, and we can’t wait to see what our 7th graders design when it’s their turn in the spring.

As we look ahead, we’re grateful for the traditions, community spirit, and enthusiasm that make our school such a special place. With strong beginnings like these, we know this year will be filled with growth, learning, and countless memorable moments for our Mustangs.