Through beloved rituals, our community shares its love of SFS, reinforces values, provides continuity, and is inclusive of each student and adult. Community members feel they are part of something larger than themselves.
Some traditions involve the entire community, and others are celebrated within a specific grade with classmates. Each one enriches the SFS experience for generations of students, staff, and family, inspiring lasting memories and connections. These shared moments strengthen the sense of belonging and create a legacy that unites past, present, and future members of the community.
The Gongs
At the opening ceremony, the striking of the gong by the youngest and oldest student is an important ritual that signifies the beginning of the school year. On the last day of school, the gong ceremony marks the progression of the students to the next grade and the graduation of the 8th graders.
Singing Time
Though there is constant music and singing at SFS, Singing Time is a dedicated gathering of all lower school students and their teachers in the music room -- and it takes place every day!
Halloween
An exciting time of year, Halloween is full of traditions at The San Francisco School. From costumes and parades in preschool; to lower school’s Intery Mintery and Monster Mash; and the carnival and haunted house hosted by middle school students, it’s a much anticipated celebration, embraced by the students, staff, and families.
St. George and the Dragon
For a very long time, SFS 8th graders have been performing their wacky versions of this English Mummers play with its dragons, giants, and fools to the delight of the lower and middle school audience and families. Ask an SFS alum what role they played, and they will remember, even if they graduated decades ago!
Ice Skating
On the last day of fall semester, students, families, and staff lace up their skates and hit the ice! Our 1st-8th graders celebrate winter in a thrilling afternoon by skating with their “buddies” (pairs of younger and older students who have established friendships throughout the year) or with their school “families” (cross-grade groups of students that come together regularly throughout the school year). In a recent addition to this tradition, members of The Pact (an interscholastic mentorship program for students of color) trade in their skates for bowling shoes for an evening of tenpin, pizza, and camaraderie.
Heritage Celebrations
Throughout the year, the many cultures of our diverse community are celebrated in meaningful ways. Cuisines from around the world are represented in the school lunches for students and staff. The middle school elective Celebrating Us plans and leads several all-school celebrations throughout the year to highlight different cultural traditions and history. Often students from other classes, grades, or affinity groups participate with poetry, song, and dance. Some Extended Day classes have the opportunity to perform in the celebrations, such as Bollywood, Cumbia, Kung Fu, or Chinese lion dancing.
Fostering Goats from Toluma Farms
Since 2010, each spring, a class of SFS students travel to Tomales and tour Toluma Farms. To the excitement of the entire school community, they bring two baby goats back to stay at the SFS barn and roam the Adventure Playground for six weeks. The goats elicit wonder, affection, curiosity, and a living lesson in STEAM. Students, staff, and families collectively care for the adorable goats during their stay.
Mud Pies and the Hug & High-Five Line
For more than 50 years, on the last day of school, students are treated to a special treat after singing the mud pie song -- but only if they can keep a straight face as their teachers and peers try to make them laugh! (For more details, read the story of Joanna Chiyo Nakamura, inventor of the mud pie, former SFS parent, and kitchen staff!).
And after the closing ceremony, faculty, staff, and graduating 8th graders line up outside of the Steve Morris Community Center to offer a goodbye hug or high-five to lower and middle school students as they leave for the summer.
