Goldenrod is blooming, and the light is gently shifting. Mornings call for rain pants and cozy sweaters, and the sound of students once again fills our hallways. How wonderful it is to have everyone back! 

These familiar yearly rhythms provide us a natural moment to reflect; on the growth of each student, of the progression of each class up a grade, and the tremendous vitality and enduring spirit of our school community. This fall we are especially grateful for all of the love, devotion, and vision that has gone into creating our school as we celebrate our 45th year!

As we have for many decades now, we began this school year by coming together for our Opening Day Assembly. Faculty greeted those assembled with a lovely offering of the song Behold the Sun Again by Heidi Wilson. Then it was time for our cherished Rainbow Bridge Ceremony. This ceremony is an important right of passage, which honors the transition rising grade 1 students make as they leave the kindergarten. The Rainbow Bridge marks the students’ readiness to move from the dreamy world of early childhood into the world of letters, numbers, and more structured learning.

As the grade 1 students make this journey across the Rainbow Bridge they are accompanied by their grade 8 buddy – someone who will become very dear to them in the year ahead through shared school activities. In this way, the ceremony draws a powerful parallel between the grade 1 students beginning their educational journey, and the grade 8 students drawing their journey at PRWS to a close. 

What I notice each time I watch the grade 1 students cross over the Rainbow Bridge is the strength with which we can see each child’s personality and character shine. Although they don’t say a word, the essence of each child is already there, ready to be guided and nurtured. We are happy to welcome the rising grade 1 students into the grades building, and to welcome all families back to our school. Blessings on our 45th year! 

-Hannah Hastings, Enrollment Coordinator