A Moment of Community

When I pulled up to campus today, I was greeted by a sea of green shirts, beaded necklaces in SA colors, and even green tutus! The whole school community — especially our students — are so hyped for our first big social event of the year: Back the Pack and Movie Night. As a student said to me, “this is a next level feeling of school spirit,” and I couldn’t agree more with that sentiment. This afternoon we will cheer on the Varsity Boys Soccer team, and then students will spend the evening watching Ratatouille in the Jackson-Banke amphitheater under the stars. These are the moments when our students make lasting connections and the meaningful moments of their high school experience: fun with their friends, pride in being a Coyote, and the sense of belonging that we all value so deeply. 

That feeling of togetherness is at the heart of every Wednesday, when we all gather in the gym for Community Meeting. Each Community Meeting is a celebration of individuals — through our Senior Speeches, Moments of Talent and Reflection, among others — and of our community as a whole, through Coyote Cup competitions, special presentations, and other community-wide celebrations. Each of these gatherings leave us feeling uplifted and connected as one school community.

That same feeling was palpable for the parents who attended New Parent Orientation and Back to School Night. We want our parents and families to feel welcomed and engaged every time they come to campus, and it is so meaningful to our staffulty that you form such important partnerships with us. As I mentioned at the beginning of the school year, this is your home, too, and we appreciate you making time to spend at SA (even for events that do not involve your child). 

Next week, we will invite everyone in our extended community — students, parents, siblings, staffulty, alumni, and friends — to join us for our annual Fall Family Picnic. It’s one of our favorite nights of the year, a time set aside to simply meet new people, enjoy connection, and there is fun for every member of the SA family. The Family Picnic is more than a chance to enjoy a beautiful fall evening and listen to some great music. It’s an opportunity for parents to meet their child’s friends and classmates, to put faces to names, and to build relationships with other families. Spending time with other SA families enriches our understanding of our student’s social world, and it’s just a lot of fun to be at SA in this festive setting.

When we ask our students, alumni, and families about what makes Sonoma Academy special, there are certain themes that come up again and again. Of course, people mention our wonderful teachers, deep  and meaningful learning, and our engaging classes. But there is one word that nearly everyone associates with SA — community. We foster a warm, inclusive, and close-knit school culture because we know that learning occurs best within a connected community where we all feel an empowering sense of belonging. We look forward to all the fun events on our calendar in the weeks ahead, from the Family Picnic next Friday to our Homecoming Dance on October 6, knowing that each gathering will create a lasting feeling of fun, community, and connection. As for this afternoon, all I can say is, GO YOTES!