W+H fifth graders and their kindergarten buddies celebrated their Buddies Assembly under the theme “Hopeful Leaders,” connecting to the fifth graders’ Capstone Projects. Each fifth grader introduced their “Líder de Esperanza” in Spanish, sharing why they chose that individual as a leader of hope. They were then surprised by their Kindergarten friends, who shared why their fifth grade buddies are their leaders of hope.
Earlier this year, the Kindergarteners discussed the traits that make a legendary leader and connected those qualities to their buddies. Their heartfelt video presentation was followed by a collaborative cumbia performance to the song “El monstruo de la laguna” (“The Lake Monster”). The kindergarteners wore traditional Colombian cumbia outfits while their fifth grade buddies played the monsters from the story.
At the end of the dance, art teacher Mrs. Sara McDermott revealed another special surprise that the fifth graders had been preparing for their Kindergarten buddies in art class. Each fifth grader transformed their Kindergarten buddy’s monster drawing into a handmade stuffed monster, which had been hidden under the large paper “lake” that also covered the original drawings. The joy and excitement on the students’ faces made the moment unforgettable.
It was an assembly full of meaningful surprises, creativity, culture and celebration for these groups of buddies whose friendship will last a lifetime. This year also marks the 16th year that the Lower School has carried out this special year-long collaboration, which continues to build meaningful relationships across grade levels.
Capstone Projects are an important milestone in students’ academic journeys, beginning in fifth grade and continuing through Middle School and Upper School.