By Natalie Hobbs ’18, Communications Specialist
Kids Days represent one of the many initiatives aimed at harnessing the power of our multigenerational community to enable “a shared schoolhouse.”
The inaugural Kids Day was organized by the baseball team in the spring of 2024. The Upper School baseball team invited Lower and Middle School students to attend their game against Wilmington Friends. Before the game, the younger students were paired with the players and walked onto the baseball diamond as the team was announced.
The younger students then cheered on the varsity baseball team with green and white pom poms and ice cream sandwiches in hand. After the team’s post-game talk with their coaches, the Upper School players stayed and welcomed the younger students back onto the field for a catch. The older players gave the younger students tips on their throws and discussed what position they play, fostering authentic connection across divisions.
After the success of this parent-led initiative, the athletics department formalized the collaboration with the Division Heads and Dean of Student Life Eduardo Silva. Director of Athletic Operations Josephine Harrington ’99 spearheaded and actualized the initiative. The goal of Kids Day is to increase school spirit and engagement and foster community.
For the majority of Kids Days, Lower and Middle School students are partnered with Upper School student-athletes, walk out onto the field or court for team announcements and enjoy a special giveaway or treat while they watch the game.
For the boys soccer Kids Day, Lower and Middle School students played on DeGroat Field under the lights during halftime. For the cross country Kids Day, the younger students stretched alongside the Upper School runners before their Homecoming race. For the swim meet in January, students gathered in Kullman Commons to make posters to cheer on the swimmers as they boarded the bus to compete in their off-campus meet.
Each Kids Day is unique while maintaining the mission of building lasting relationships and creating a true and enduring sense of belonging.
The opportunity to build relationships across divisions goes beyond the moments on the field or court with the Kids Day initiative. Representatives from each team attend a Middle School morning meeting prior to their competitions to invite the students to their team’s Kids Day. Representatives also greet Lower School students in their uniforms during morning drop-off on the day of their team’s Kids Day.
Although these exchanges between students across divisions are short in duration, they create memorable moments for everyone involved.
Kellen Brown ’31, a football fanatic, remembers “The best part of football Kids Day was meeting the players and getting the chance to walk out on the field with them.”
Alex Rice ’25 shared, “As a cross country athlete, we rarely get fans at our competitions. And that’s understandable since we basically run away from them in a matter of seconds. Kids Day truly was a game changer for our team at our Homecoming race. As each of us came through the finish line, we could hear all the kids and their parents cheering for us and saw them smiling and waving their green and white pom poms. In all my five years of cross country, I had never seen so many Tower Hill fans before. It was so special to share my last ever Homecoming race with our younger students, because not only did I feel so much support, but I realized that these kids are quickly becoming excited to be the future of this team. I’m ready to pass them the baton, and I can’t wait to return and watch them race!”
The Kids Days’ athletic competitions were among the most highly attended for the year, not just by students, but by their families, alumni and faculty and staff as well.
When Dean of Students, Upper School teacher and parent of Lower School students Jessica Douglass was asked to reflect on Kids Day, she shared, “I have truly loved the Kids Days! For my own children, I love to see their joy when they get to meet their heroes and preview the sports they are looking forward to playing. Seeing the Upper School athletes share their love of each sport and demonstrate such kindness towards our youngest students is a gift. Watching my students with my own kids, I find myself both grateful and proud.”
Kids Days are just one example of community members’ school spirit and deep investment in Tower Hill.
