Traditions
Celebrating Traditions, Building Community
At The Girls’ Middle School, traditions are more than just events on the calendar—they’re moments that knit our community together, celebrate our mission, and honor the diverse voices and talents of our students and families. Year after year, these gatherings create shared memories that strengthen the GMS spirit.
Sixth Grade Adventure Days
As a cornerstone of the GMS experience, Adventure Days are crafted intentionally to give our newest students the chance to bond, explore, and challenge themselves. Led by our sixth grade teaching team, students spend two days (and one night) off campus together. From outdoor adventures to sleeping bag storytime, these days spark friendships that last through middle school and beyond.
African Dance
Leave your inhibitions at the door! For the past 14 years, Masankho ____ has brought the rhythm, movement, and joy of traditional Malawi dance and drumming to GMS. Students participate in African Dance through their PE classes and share the energy of drumming and dance with families at an annual assembly.
Día de los Muertos
Celebrated every autumn since 1998, Dia de los Muertos is a vibrant school-wide tradition at GMS. In Spanish classes, students create sugar skulls and papel picado, and learn traditional songs and dances with Ballet Folklorico. Our altar is created and lovingly decorated by families. The celebration culminates in an all-school feast and celebration of life, remembrance, and connection.
The Winter Talent Show
From song and dance to magic and ventriloquism, the Winter Talent Show is a student-driven favorite. It’s a chance for every student to shine and for the community to cheer one another on in an atmosphere of joy and encouragement. Role modeling the risk-taking we ask of students every day, teachers and administrators alike participate in showing off their “talents.”
Pi Day
Every year on March 14 (3.14) we gather to celebrate the algebraic constant Pi. Students – both individually and in groups – take to the stage to recite (or sing!) as many digits as they can from memory. Costumes abound for teachers and students alike and of course, there’s pie.
The Bennett Scholars Breakfast
Each spring, we gather to celebrate and fundraise for The Bennett Scholars program, which opens doors for students through need-based scholarships. The Breakfast is a powerful reminder of our mission to expand access, equity, and opportunity, and a wonderful celebration of the successes of our Bennett Scholars past, present, and future.
GMS Graduation
Our eighth grade graduation ceremony showcases our mission and community in full color. GMS Graduation is intentionally orchestrated to feature the creativity, individuality, and confidence of our students, and celebrate the warm and supportive relationships they have built with our teachers and each other in their time at GMS.