School Traditions

Seven Year Seniors at Graduation
Candlelight
Vermont Trip
The Pioneer Valley
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Ice Cream Social

The Thursday before Labor Day, we invite all families, new and returning, to gather and get to know one another. Students meet each other, their buddy/mentor, and their advisor and advising group.

Mountain Day

The Thursday before Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the entire school (faculty, staff, students) gets together to climb a local mountain and have a picnic at the top.

Candlelight Ceremony

This takes place the evening after Mountain Day, and is our most long-standing tradition. Faculty. staff, and students process into two circles - one inner and one outer - surrounding a bonfire. The inner circle is for new community member, and the outer circle is for returners. This is done at dusk. The bonfire is lit. The head of school lights a candle from the bonfire, and shares it with student leaders, who share the fire with everyone. Students give speeches about the CIRCLE values and what they mean to them. Musical performance. The president of the student body invites the inner circle to join the outer one to form one big circle. At this point, there are no longer "new students". We then process out of the circle into an assembly. The Head addresses the group. We sign the Magnolia Song. The head then blows out their candle, after which everyone blows out their candle to symbolize the end of the ceremony.

  • I recall my first Candlelight, back in 2016, as a 6th grader, with a massive fear of fire. I was scared of this tradition, scared of the fire burning in front of me, and frankly, scared of the change that comes with attending a new school. It may seem daunting to be in this circle right now, but I'll give you all a quick piece of advice that it took me too many Mountain Days, Candlelights, and MacDuffie adventures to realize. Do things that push you. Go up to someone new and introduce yourself, take advantage of new and unknown opportunities, take big risks, and please, be your authentic self every step of the way. Our community is better because you are in it.

    Gabe Shumway '23

  • My first candlelight, I remember watching with awe as the orange flame burned in silent darkness. But when I saw the small candles lit up around the circle, I realized that these small, individual candle lights all have the potential to become a bright, dancing flame. Candlelight is a tradition that symbolizes acceptance. As the two circles merge with each other, new students join us as valued members of our MacDuffie community. This means that we always hold respect for each other, look out for each other, and employ ourselves to better the community and even the world. Like the little candle in your hands, you have the power to light up darkness, wherever you are from and wherever you go.

    Yuki Kuang '23

Senior Sleepover

Seniors, whether they are day students or boarders, are invited to stay up all night inside the school the evening after Mountain Day and the Candlelight Ceremony. They take part in activities: movies, games, dancing, and they plan the assembly for the next morning (a presentation, and a senior gift). They also paint (and sign) a large mural that is displayed in the Student Center for the remainder of the school year, then photographed so a smaller version can be permanently displayed in the hallway by the dining hall.

Senior Skip Day

Traditionally the night after "senior sleepover" - once the students run their morning assembly and clean up after themselves, they are free to go home and miss classes.

Heart Week

On the week of Valentine’s Day students are given a "heart week person" - they give a gift every day, and include clues that help the person figure out who they are. On Friday, their heart week person is revealed.

Senior Gift

The seniors take up a collection and make a gift to the school at the end of the school year. Gifts in the past have been picnic tables, chairs, a glider rocker, and art work.

Magnolia Day

The Wednesday before Commencement, we have a relaxed day of fun! Non-academic awards (called "service awards") include Mock Trial, Quiz team, STARS (our student representatives for tours), yearbook, Magnet (newspaper), Muse (literary magazine) recognition. We rent "bouncy castles" etc. and have outdoor games.

Eighth Grade Rite of Passage

The Thursday before Commencement, academic awards and honors are presented to eighth graders. There is a showcase of eighth grade art, and musical performances by the middle school band and choir.

Commencement

Presentation of senior academic awards and diplomas. Takes place on the first Saturday in June.