Classes of 2037 and 2025 count up and down for 100th day of school

To many of us, the 100th day of school is just another day. But, this year, it marked a special milestone for the on-the-way-up class of 2037 and the outgoing class of 2025.

With red and black balloons aloft and framing the sides of the Helen A. Dolan Center Theater, kindergartners and seniors invited their families for a misty-eyed “counting up and counting down” part of the school year. Six seniors who had attended Friends Academy since Kindergarten took to the stage (and even more on a special video with their Kindergarten friends) to explore the meaning of the first 100 and the last 100 days of school.

“The most important thing I’ve learned is to stay true to yourself,” shared senior Jhanvi Gambhir. “There were times when I questioned myself, but at those times it’s important to reflect on who you are and what you believe.”

Waving at the group of dressed up and excited Kindergartners, senior James Tsunis reflected on the longevity of friendship. “Is everyone excited that it’s the 100th day of school?!” he announced. “Take a look at the people next to you,” he directed. “They might be your friends for a long time. I even went away for a long time and I still kept in contact with those same friends,” he said. “You never know… maybe they will be your best friend 10 years from now.”

One by one, Kindergartners approached the microphone as they led family members through their signature experience program. “We celebrate the 100th day of school and lots of other things,” one student shyly shared. “We also celebrate special things at home,” he added in preview of a video that described, from a 5- and 6-year-old point of view, the multiple holidays celebrated by Kindergarten FA families – Eid, Christmas, Easter, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and of course, birthdays!

An important mathematical point along the Kindergarten mathematical curricular arc, the 100-day unit encourages students to learn, identify, and estimate numerical patterns. A cumulative project transforms theory into creative practice, when students ideate and design their visual understanding of 100, the basis of more complicated math. Using everyday items, such as cotton balls, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, and plastic googly eyes, Kindergartners created a diaspora of visual storytelling that is currently on display in the hallways outside their classroom. 

“Beginning on the first day of school, our students engage in counting routines,” said Kindergarten teacher Liz Servino. “They track the days of school using a number cart, explore groupings of ten, and reinforce their understanding of place value and numerical patterns in a hands-on and meaningful way,” she added.

Back in the Theater, the program continued with an original song by FA Music teacher James Liverani, that reminded all of the immensity of growing up. “When I was seeing these Kindergartners, I felt like I was seeing myself back in Kindergarten,” remarked senior Matt Martin. “I’ve known some of you seniors since you were 3!” responded Mrs. Servino. “Be kind to everyone and don’t let opportunities pass you by because you were mean to someone,” encouraged Matt. “There are so many people you are going to meet who you could spend time with, so don’t close any doors,” he added.

Senior Max Katovitz agreed, noting that his career at Friends Academy had afforded him a life of varied experiences. “I was given many different opportunities – in arts, athletics, and academics,” he recalled. “Immerse yourself in it and then when you find what you like, you’ll have the confidence to do it and,” he said, looking directly at his Kindergarten friends, “to try and leave a good imprint on the world.”

A final ceremony in which Kindergarten students presented each senior with a rose as a symbol of their friendship concluded the event.

It was hard to determine who was more affected at the end of the program – seniors, Kindergartners, or their family members – but for seniors Jhanvi and Ava Ward, the promise of Friends Academy is one that was realized for them and a wish they imparted for the next generation. “We are fortunate to have this tight-knit community,” said Jhanvi. “Make as many friends as you can and keep as many of those friendships as you can,” invited Ava, and, “enjoy that time together,” added senior Morgan Washington. “Then when you get older… say hi to your former teachers in the hallway,” said Ava. “It will help you feel connected to them, especially when you can’t see them every day,” she smiled.

Photography by Margaret Pegno Schwartz/Friends Academy