Polytechnic School

Our kindergarteners celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival last week with a day of stories, creativity, and cultural learning! 🌕🏮 Students made pretend mooncakes using traditional molds, enjoyed the real thing while reading A Big Mooncake for Little Star, and learned about the Jade Rabbit. They also explored basic Chinese vocabulary through a fun language game with Upper School Mandarin students. Thank you to our teachers, parent volunteers, and student helpers for making this special celebration possible! 🧡

Congratulations to Elizabeth R. ’27 on being named to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses 2027 Rose Court! 🌹

Elizabeth is a writer, community leader, and multi-sport athlete whose many contributions reflect the spirit of Poly. She founded and leads Panthers Forward, serves as head of The Polygraph, writes for The Paw Print, participates in Moot Court and Student Ambassador Council, and is an active member of the Black Student Union and Girl Scouts. She also competes in cross country and flag football and will captain the track and field team this spring.

We also congratulate Mia G. ’27, who was selected as one of the Top 28 finalists for the Rose Court. We are proud to see both students recognized for their leadership, service, and impact in the community. 🧡🌹

Middle School Block is officially underway! 🎉 Every Thursday, students step outside the traditional classroom for two hours of hands-on learning, exploration, creativity, and community engagement. From gardening and debate to hiking and service opportunities, Block gives students the chance to discover new interests, build community, and learn in different ways. We can’t wait to see where their curiosity takes them! 🧡🌱🥾

One of Poly’s beloved traditions, First and Fifth Grade Buddies, returned last week to much fanfare! 🥳📚 Students paired up for reading, puzzles, games, and art. It was a full-circle moment for our fifth graders, who fondly remember being first-grade buddies not long ago. How fun it will be to see these students connect throughout the year in North Campus’ hallways! 🧡

The first day of the Club Fair brought plenty of school spirit, creativity, snacks, and fun ways to get involved! This Monday’s event featured Community Engagement Clubs and Affinity Groups. Be sure to check out the remaining days:

📚 Thursday at Lunch: Academic Teams and Student Publications
☀️ Friday at Community Time: Interest and Social Clubs

Clubs are a cornerstone of life at Poly. We can’t wait to see these groups grow! 🙌

Our sixth graders returned from their Big Bear Outdoor Ed trip after plenty of time to bond and explore! 🏕️🌲🧡 From cozy campfires and night hikes to animal encounters, the Class of 2033 shared new experiences and made memories along the way. Thank you to the chaperones and organizers who made this trip possible!

Cheers to the first full day of kindergarten! 🎉 On Tuesday, our youngest Panthers settled into their new routine with plenty of laughs, learning, and new adventures. It’s an exciting step for our kinders in the Lower School! 🐾

🌅 Senior Sunrise is back! 🧡 The Class of 2027 kicked off their final year at Poly with an early-morning celebration on the athletics field, complete with signs, snacks, and matching jammies. This beloved tradition will come full circle in spring with Senior Sunset before Commencement. Here’s to one unforgettable final year together! 🌇🐾

Our first all-school assembly of the year on Tuesday was a sight to behold! The energy was contagious! Every year, I look forward to our student introductions of new faculty and staff, as well as the amazing displays of school spirit. The ASB, Student-Athlete Leadership Council, dance team, and, of course, our Panther mascot helped us ring in the new year with Poly Pride. Here we go! -Head of School John Bracker