Honoring Class of 2020

Dear Class of 2020,

John Dewey, the eminent philosopher of education, said that education is not preparation for life, it is life itself. The last chapter of your Paideia education was life at its most uncertain: too much disruption, too many question marks, too much separation. We were saddened alongside of you; that’s not how we wanted our last school days with you, and it has been hard witnessing your disappointment.

I hope as the spring recedes and time permits some perspective that all of us develop the vision to look over or beyond the obstacles of the last few weeks and remember instead what we had together for all the months before. Graduates, all 3000 of them, most commonly say that Paideia taught them about relationships –with adults who engage and even more, with friends who laugh together, go through hard spots together, lean on each other with kindness and who strive for honesty. The experience and lessons of those relationships was already in your backpacks before March 13. You can carry them anywhere and everywhere. You will take us with you, and we are proud to be part of your ride.

My best always,
Paul Bianchi

High School Chorus Tribute to the Class of 2020

The high school chorus video concert included a stirring performance of the song "Bridge Over Troubled Water", an appropriate metaphor for these times. Students sent in individual videos of themselves singing which were combined into the concert performance. Senior choristers were recognized at the concert by music teachers Scott Morris, Beverly Blouin and Katie Woolf.

We Love You Class of 2020

Tribute from teachers and administrators

Senior Slither Photos

Photos from Paideia's graduation, the Senior Slither, are now available for purchase on the website of the school photographer Danny Lee.

Cross-Age Relay 2020

The cross-relay is the highlight of Field Day and one of Paideia's most cherished traditions. It is often described as watching childhood racing by. This year, Covid-19 might have canceled the actual Field Day but thanks to efforts of faculty and staff led by India Stubbs and the participation of scores of parents and students, the relay took place. As always, the six teams feature a senior caption and members from kindergarten through high school filmed racing. Paul Bianchi even drops his cap signalling the start of the race. Go Paideia!

Senior Week

The traditional Senior Week kicked off with high school principal Brett Hardin valiantly subbing for seniors spraying shaving cream on one another to mark the end of high school.

Graduation 2020

Late may, we will have a car parade through campus where the graduates will receive their diplomas and personal letters of congratulations from faculty. There will be decorations along South Ponce, faculty spaced apart in the park, and music to cheer along each graduate and family.
Late summer, graduates and parents will gather on the campus green, seated apart, for a program that can include some acceptable form of a walk-in, music, talks, and fun. We want this event so that the entire class can be together.
Early winter, we will have a dinner for 2020 graduates (now alums), parents, and family. No one knows, of course, whether the world will be tolerating such gatherings in late December, but we are asserting this time as a placeholder.