06/15/2026
8th Grade Graduation & Moving Up Ceremony | Last week, WMS closed out the 25-26 school year by celebrating all the children in our community who are moving on and moving up.
Wednesday's Graduation Ceremony afforded us the profound privilege of hearing from each of our matriculating 8th graders. Whether sharing words of wisdom or a meaningful piece of music, each graduate summed up their time at WMS with introspection, insight, and intention. Though the purpose of a graduation is to acknowledge completion, it felt equally like a celebration of who these twenty-one young people are becoming: independent, intrinsically motivated individuals, each driven by unique interests, a deep appreciation for the power of community, and an indefatigable sense of purpose. We wish the Class of 2026 all the best as they embark on this exciting new chapter!
Then on Thursday, the full school community gathered in the gym for the Moving Up Ceremony. At WMS, moving up does not just mean advancing a grade level; it honors the significance of stepping into a new plane of development. We celebrate this important moment with performances that acknowledge the children's sense of accomplishment and anticipation: Lower School students moving to Lower Elementary performed a Maypole Dance; rising Upper Elementary students shared the traditional Ghanaian circle game "Sansa Kroma," and the contra dance, "Sashay The Donut"; our future 6th graders performed the intricate "North Skelton Sword Dance"; and a collection of 8th graders ended the program with a moving rendition of "For Good" from the musical Wicked. The ceremony concluded with the whole community forming a circle around the 8th graders, who passed from person to person saying goodbye.
The 25-26 school year was defined by countless moments of meaningful growth and genuine joy, and we are so grateful for the educators, caregivers, and community members who supported the children along the way. To our Polar Bears, we hope you enjoy a restorative summer break — and we look forward to seeing so many of you during camp! 💙🐻❄️
