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Rectory School’s Centennial Year meant commemorating the past and looking forward to the future while handling the challenges of the present. The COVID-19 pandemic meant that usual on-campus activities needed to be rethought not canceled. We celebrated the people and well-loved traditions that make Rectory so amazing and experienced new activities that we hope will continue long into Rectory’s future.

MLK Day: Centennial Acts of Service What started as one day of service expanded to include the full month of January as Rectory School celebrated its 100th year with its Centennial Acts of Service campaign, which coincided with its annual MLK Jr. Day of Service. Guided by Dr. King’s “most persistent” question, the world-wide Rectory community was invited to participate in Rectory’s decade-long tradition of service to others. Students, alumni, families, employees, and friends took the challenge and participated in various acts of community service around the world. Learn more at www.rectoryschool.org/service-project. Kellogg Award The Kellogg Award, established in 1993 by Rectory alumnus Peter Kellogg ’57 in honor of his mother, Mrs. James Crane Kellogg III, recognizes Rectory employees for their dedication and commitment to Rectory School. Each year, two employees are selected to be recipients of this award because of their many years of service and their special help to the school and students. On April 12, 2021, Mr. Williams announced the two 2021 recipients: Lisa Hart and Meghan Fluckiger. Learn about their accomplishments and why they were selected for this prestigious award when you visit www.rectoryschool.org/facawards.

Rectory Regatta On May 22, 2021, a dragon boat, several elaborate squareshaped vessels, and even one that included the Rectory Memorial Bell (music included!) returned to the pond for the annual Rectory School Regatta. Roughly a dozen recycled cardboard and duct tape creations launched from the shoreline, with more than half making it all the way across and with some even able to make the return trip.

Science (electric and solar cars) A highlight for each Grade 8 science class is the end-of-year construction of electric and solar vehicles. (The lead up to which includes learning the basics of motion, speed, work, and power.) The Spring 2021 classes did not disappoint! Electric cars zipped down tracks set up along an academic wing hallway while solar cars sped across parking lots. COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Eligible Rectory faculty and staff ventured over to Pomfret School’s fieldhouse to take part in a historic COVID-19 vaccination clinic offered by our regional health district, the Northeast District Department of Health. Faculty and staff members received their first and second doses of the Moderna, Inc., vaccine in early March and April, respectively. Here’s to a bright, healthy, and happy future!

Centennial Tree What does Rectory mean to you in its centennial year? The greater Rectory community was invited to “decorate” the Centennial Tree created outside the Hettinger Library with words and pictures that share what the school means to them in celebration of our 100 years of dedication to the academic and overall growth of our students. The black and orange tree, designed by art teacher Judy Blakelock, became a meeting place for some and a place to reflect for others.

Ice Cream Truck Who doesn’t enjoy an ice cream or frozen treat on a warm spring day?! On May 20, 2021, to show appreciation to our faculty and staff for what they do throughout the year, the Committee for Academic Excellence (CAE) hosted a Mr. Softee ice cream truck on campus and treated employees to as many scoops, floats, and frappes as they liked. Outdoor Ice Rink You can’t keep Rectory students off the ice! A wonderful new addition to the campus appeared as temperatures dropped during the winter months. A temporary outdoor ice rink took the place of basketball courts on the Seaward Family Student Pavilion. Students enjoyed broomball competitions and pick-up hockey games on the weekends. During the week our ice hockey team took advantage of the rink whenever possible and our elementary school students took the opportunity to strap on blades for a leisurely skate during break time.

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