GrandFriends Day is full of joy and happiness as the lower school students come together to present songs and crafts. The ceremony started with a welcoming speech from the head of school Mrs. Rubinstein, and the head of lower school Mrs. Wilson. Soon after the first graders made their way to the stage to present their song ‘Happy Grandparents Day’. Following, the second graders presented their song ‘Grandma and Grandpa’. Third graders sang ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand’ and fourth graders presented ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’. Lastly, the fifth graders concluded with ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’. There was so much happiness as students looked into the crowd and spotted their family members. Grandparents and students were then dismissed to their classrooms for crafts. Some classes wrote letters, asked questions, or even drew pictures of their grandfriends. There were also flower crafts where students and grandparents created pipe cleaner flowers as a keepsake. There was a fun photo set up outside where students could take pictures with silly props. By the end of the day, students were able to spend time with their grandparents and show them their home away from home.

This year, CDS has opened grandfriends day to both middle and upper school. They began their morning with a small breakfast and time to socialize. There were small scones, croissants, quiches, and other small treats as well as coffee and water. As everyone began finishing up, the head of upper school, Mr.Walsh, welcomed students to show their grand-friends around the campus, and classroom and introduce them to some of their teachers. Many students showed their grand-friends their lockers, common gathering places, and some of their favorite areas to study. By the end of the tour, people made their way to the theater for a performance by our band. Mrs.Rubinstein opened with a few words and then Mr.Walsh followed. Two upper school students followed and expressed the way CDS has impacted them and their time here. After, Mr. Mayo and his students performed a beautiful piece. This concluded the grandfriends celebration.

Grandfriends are such a special experience where students can show their grandparents the other side of their life and their great accomplishments. Next year, CDS hopes to have even more grand friends and share the joy.