Celebrating Fall at the School by the Sea

Fall Family Weekend kicked off at the School by the Sea on Friday, October 20, 2023. After families checked-in, picked up some Seawolf swag, and grabbed a coffee and sweet treat from the Carlson Room, they dispersed throughout Stroud Academic Center and the rest of campus for “mini-classes.” Starting with A Block, all the way through G Block, families followed their student’s schedule and spent 15 minutes in each of their classes. This allowed families to get a glimpse into the academic life at Tabor and meet some of their student’s teachers.

In between the mini-classes, grade-level meetings were held, where families had the opportunity to hear from their student’s Class Dean and ask questions. After the last mini-class of the morning, families attended House and Day Student meetings. Residential Families met their student’s House Parents, Proctors, and housemates’ families. Meanwhile, Day Families learned more about the Day Student Program from Mr. Howes, Director of Community Wellbeing.

After breaking for brunch, families had a variety of afternoon sessions to participate in. First, there were student-family-advisor conferences, where students led the conversation and reflected on their progress, feedback, and goals. Afterwards, an “Athletics and Co-Curricular Presentation” was hosted by Kelly Walker, Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars, and Kenny Ackerman, Assistant Director of Co-Curriculars. Next, an “Archives Open House” gave families the chance to explore the space and meet Archivist Sophie Arnfield. Later in the afternoon, there was a “Head of School Meet and Greet” in the Martignetti Student Union of the Campus Center. Here, families enjoyed a dessert, talked with Tony and Lucia Jaccaci, and learned about Tabor’s Strategic Vision and how leadership is mapping the journey for the school’s future.

Afterwards, a “Diversity, Equity, and Belonging (DEB) Dialogue” with Director RoseMarie Wallace was offered for families to learn about Tabor's progress in establishing a welcoming environment for all. During this time, an “ASSIST Open House” was also offered to families to meet Director Kerri Husband-McGregor and learn about Tabor’s academic support offerings.

Fall Family Weekend continued the next morning, Saturday, October 21. After brunch, students and families of the Class of 2025 participated in the “Grade 11 College Kickoff.” Highlights from this annual event included having college representatives from Trinity, Case Western Reserve University, Northeastern, Boston University, and Grinnell College partner with Tabor’s College Counseling Office. Meanwhile, families could also choose from several TaborX (TX) demonstrations to attend: ImprovTX, Game Theory Optimized TX, International Dance TX, and American Sign Language (ASL) TX. Later in the morning, Mr. Howes addressed families about the many ways Tabor supports its Seawolves and how families can implement tips and strategies at home in a “Youth Mental Health First Aid Discussion.” Lastly, both days of Fall Family Weekend concluded with an opportunity to ride the launch, join Captain Jay Amster, and board Tabor Boy for a student-led tour of the School Sailing Vessel.

After Fall Family Weekend, Seawolves showed up for Tabor Day. Alumni, families, faculty, staff, students, and other friends of the Tabor community all gathered under the tent along the turf—where there was chowder, chili, hot chocolate, and apple cider to help stay warm. Whether it was enjoying a sideline snack, cheering on the Tabor teams competing, playing cornhole, or reconnecting with old friends, the rain could not keep our school spirit away this Tabor Day. All-A-Taut-O!

Tabor Day