From a student’s first cookie at recess to the final walk across the Commencement stage, Rumsey Hall traditions shape the rhythm of life on campus. These moments become milestones and memories that stay with students long after they’ve left, and one of the reasons so many alumni speak of Rumsey not just as a school, but as a home.
More than fun events, these traditions are threads that tie our community together, moments to celebrate growth, and ways to mark the passage of time. They help students understand what it means to belong, and what it feels like to be truly known.
Each October, faculty and staff bring their beloved dogs to campus in celebration of Rumsey’s birthday and our beloved mascot.
Belonging & Connection
Our traditions bring people together across grades, cultures, and backgrounds, creating a strong sense of unity that defines the Rumsey experience.
- Blue Dog Parade – Each October, faculty and staff bring their beloved dogs to campus in celebration of Rumsey’s birthday and our beloved mascot.
- Color Wars – A spirited, year-long competition that builds camaraderie and pride. Red vs. Blue and every student belongs. Points are earned for acts of kindness, school spirit, and personal effort.
- Bromley Ski Weekend – For more than 50 years, students, families, and faculty have gathered at Bromley Mountain in Vermont for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding, and community.
- Hot Cocoa and Storytime with the Head of School – A cozy Lower School tradition that brings warmth and wonder to the holiday season.
- Cookies at Recess – Sometimes, the smallest moments make the biggest impact. This simple gesture has been a tradition since 1900 and is beloved by students in the Upper School.
A campus favorite that occurs in both the Lower and Upper Schools featuring choreographed group acts, faculty appearances, and over-the-top stage presence. It’s playful and unforgettable.
Expression & Creativity
Every Rumsey student has a voice and many ways to share it. Our creative traditions make space for self-expression, confidence-building, and celebration.
- Talent Show – A joyful showcase of Upper School student talents including, spoken-word poetry, musical instrument performances, singing, and dancing.
- AirBand – A campus favorite that occurs in both the Lower and Upper Schools featuring choreographed group acts, faculty appearances, and over-the-top stage presence. It’s playful and unforgettable.
- Winter Musical and Winter Celebration of Song – Our winter performance traditions bring students and families together in celebration of music and ensemble work.
- Playing with Words – A Lower School tradition honoring student authorship during National Poetry Month where students write, select, and revise a published piece, then share their work aloud in small, multi-age groups.
A joyful, campus-wide celebration of reading and storytelling. Books are read together and the love of literature comes to life.
Growth, Recognition, and the Joy of Learning
We celebrate effort, character, and achievement throughout the year and infuse learning with moments of wonder and celebration.
- Bookfest – A joyful, campus-wide celebration of reading and storytelling. Books are read together and the love of literature comes to life.
- Academic Awards and Ribbons – Recognizing effort, growth, and excellence in all areas of school life.
- Varsity Club and Sports Banquet – Celebrating dedication, teamwork, and leadership in athletics culminating in a spirited end-of-season gathering.
- Checkers, Chess, and Kickball Tournaments – Beloved competitions that build sportsmanship, strategy, and school spirit in equal measure.
A capstone experience that brings the graduating class together to reflect, connect, and celebrate.
Senior Year Leadership and Milestones
As our oldest students prepare for what comes next, we honor their leadership, accomplishments, and impact through meaningful traditions.
- Declamations – A signature public speaking program that builds confidence, poise, and voice.
- Senior Trip – A capstone experience that brings the graduating class together to reflect, connect, and celebrate.
- Painting the Rock – A beloved rite of passage. Seniors paint the iconic campus rock as a symbol of their leadership and unity.
- Commencement – A deeply meaningful and joyful ceremony that honors each student’s journey and the community that helped shape it.
