Teamwork Takes the Field!
Posted by Sarah Pollex
The Unquowa field was buzzing with excitement as our 3rd, 4th, and 6th graders kicked off an awesome soccer showdown! The game was packed with quick moves, smart passes, and plenty of cheers from teammates on the sidelines. Both teams played their hearts out and after all that action, the match ended in a thrilling 2–2 tie! Every goal, save, and high-five showed just how much fun teamwork can be. From start to finish, the energy was nonstop-and the Gator spirit was everywhere! Way to play, Gators!
A Magical Day at the Florence Griswold Museum
Posted by Alice DesGranges
Our 2nd and 3rd grade students spent a truly enchanting day at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme.
Students explored the Wee Faerie Village, where local artists have crafted tiny fairy dwellings using recycled and natural materials. Each house told its own imaginative story, some perched on mossy roots, others nestled among branches, and many young visitors were convinced they glimpsed a fairy or two flitting nearby.
After touring the miniature masterpieces, the children took part in a plein air painting session inspired by the museum’s landscape tradition. Working on canvas boards under the autumn sky, students learned how to capture light, shadow, and the serene beauty of the riverfront setting.
It was a beautiful day filled with art, nature, and just the right touch of magic, a reminder that creativity often begins with curiosity and a bit of imagination.
Founders’ Day Festivities
Posted by kellysullivan
Unquowa families, faculty and alumni gathered on the back field to celebrate one of our favorite traditions – Founders’ Day! It was wonderful to see so many alumni back on campus, catching up with classmates and teachers and showing their Unquowa pride throughout the day.
Chef Adam and his amazing team treated everyone to a farm-to-fork feast featuring butternut squash soup, hamburgers and hot dogs, an autumn crunch salad, freshly baked pumpkin bread, and more! The local band Tangled Vine kept the crowd entertained with their lively tunes, and our own Mr. Coe wowed everyone by joining them on guitar for a few songs.
Our 8th graders and their families did a fantastic job running the bake sale, children’s activities, and the 50/50 raffle — all to raise funds for their class trip. Kids had a blast bouncing in the inflatables, painting pumpkins, and playing lawn games, while parent volunteers kept the Community Closet and Gator Goods tent running smoothly.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this special day possible. Days like this remind us just how lucky we are to be part of the Unquowa community!
Pequot Tribe Studies
Posted by Wendy Kerr
Third Grade continues to study the Indigenous tribes of the Northeast. After a study of the local Golden Hill Paugussett tribe, students shifted their attention to the Pequot tribe. Third graders have been learning about the natural resources found in northern Connecticut and how that influenced what materials the Pequot had and used to build their homes and other dwellings. In honor of Indigenous People’s Day students worked cooperatively in small groups to build small scale wigwams and a long house. Finally, students put it all together to create a whole village!
中秋节快乐Zhōng qiū jié kuài lè – Happy Mid-Autumn Festival
Posted by Carina Blackwell
It’s that time of year again! Both Lower and Upper School Mandarin students celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival — a joyful occasion that usually falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, during the time of the fullest and brightest moon. Students made mooncakes out of clay, and Upper School students also tasted mochi!
This year, students used clay instead of real dough to press into the mooncake molds. They could choose from two shapes — square or round — and everyone was excited to see their own creations emerge from the mold. They loved this cultural class and hands-on activity. Some students even said they were going to bring their clay mooncakes home to trick their siblings and parents into taking a bite!
Upper School students enjoyed tasting the mochi, noting how the outside had a chewy dough-like texture while the inside was filled with ice cream.
Students also enjoyed learning that the festival honors the legendary hero Hou Yi and his wife, who is said to have gone to the moon, leaving him heartbroken. To express his love and longing, Hou Yi prepared a feast with mooncakes for dessert. The round shape of the mooncake symbolizes reunion, making this holiday similar to Thanksgiving — a time for families to gather, share delicious food, and appreciate the full moon together. In some areas, people fly lanterns to wish happiness and good health for their loved ones, further enhancing the spirit of togetherness during this cherished celebration.
The Mid-Autumn Festival culture class is always a favorite because students learn about the traditions in such a fun and engaging way. We are grateful to share this culture with the Unquowa community and to celebrate alongside our students!
Sing Sing Sing – 3rd Grade Rockin’ It!
Posted by emilyhall
The 3rd grade class put on a wonderful performance of this 1936 swing song. What fun to see them “sing with a swing” and boy did they entertain us. The composer, Louis Prima, would be proud. As we continue to learn the FUNdamentals of music, theory, dance and drama, I can’t wait to watch them grow. Bravo!
