We started Ripp Rally Day in 2015 as a fun way to kick off the school year and bring the whole community together. Today, the tradition continues and typically takes place on the Friday of the first full week of school. 

Each Upper School student is paired with a child in Kindergarten-Grade 4. Prior to Ripp Rally Day, the students are encouraged to write letters or send drawings to introduce themselves to their partners. On Ripp Rally Day, Upper School and Lower School partners travel together throughout the morning. Even our Early Childhood students are part of the excitement! They  come out to cheer, dance, and watch.

The day consists of different stations to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Athletics Department collaborates every year to provide new activities, adapt others, and make sure that the morning runs smoothly. The department’s main focus is to create a morning that is exciting and challenging for students and teachers alike. Ripp Rally Day promotes teamwork, exercise, cooperation, strategy, and school spirit.

As the activity leaders, ninth graders play an important role in Ripp Rally Day. They communicate with the groups of children and adapt to the different ages that rotate through their stations. Faculty support the nines throughout the day, encouraging them to ask themselves: “How is this going for me? How is this experience going for the group that I am teaching? What are some positive things that are happening at my station? How can I improve it for the next group?” 

These guided questions help the ninth graders learn to take responsibility for their stations and it shows when they are in front of their peers, especially if they are running for Red/Blue team captains. 

Every year the ninth graders pleasantly surprise me. They work hard to keep their stations exciting and organized. The nines learn valuable lessons about themselves and walk away with a new and improved appreciation of this fun-filled day. 

Most importantly, Ripp Rally Day allows everyone to play games, have a good time, try their best, and be a good friend. Laughing, singing, piggybacks, hugs — it's a win for everyone. This partnership between ages and grade levels brings the school together as one community and sets a positive tone that starts the year off with school spirit. Games and children are synonymous with each other and laughter plants the seeds of learning. Go Red! Go Blue!