Welcome to the first 2023-24 all-Upper School assembly!! 

During Collection on August 30th, students got to experience many firsts! They sat in new seats, embraced new people, and welcomed new Upper School Head Brandon Rogers to the community. 

With a riveting, “Mission Impossible”-themed video, new senate co-presidents Macy, Noah, and Harrison introduced themselves, and prepared the community for the “mission” of the 2023-24 school year.  

Dean of Students Travis Henschen then re-informed the student body about the student handbook. Students were shocked to find out that some rules had already been violated! They learned about all the parking violations in the first week.  

Luckily, the dress code hasn’t changed much; still no camo like past years. Besides that, Henschen kindly reminded the student body about the school’s values and the rules that all students must follow while on and off campus. It’s important to always keep up a good image. Henschen’s positive attitude will always be a great way to start the year!

Rogers had briefly introduced himself to students in his weekly email “Neighborly Notes,” but he expanded on that during Collection. He opened their eyes to the fires and disasters occurring in Maui – near his former school – and introduced the idea of kuleana; a new word to define community responsibility. 

Rogers’ intro showed the crowd the type of person he is and how wonderfully he will fit into the giving and respectful Friends School community. He also showed how important charity is to him. Following Collection he sent a lovely Neighborly Note to give students ways to help those affected by the fires.