“If we are to preserve culture, we must continue to create it.”

Throughout a student’s education they will graduate, formally or informally, at several inflection points. Preschool, 5th grade, 8th grade, and high school are typically acknowledged by a graduation and a transition to a new educational stage. As students cross these thresholds, they are celebrated with fanfare, ceremonies, appreciations, diplomas, speeches, even caps and gowns. 

Internally, a student graduating at any level may be experiencing a broad range of emotions, from pride to relief, with no small amount of anxiety as they stand before a new experience. 

At TEA, 5th graders, 8th graders, and Seniors engage in a Passage Presentation on the eve of their graduation ceremonies. For the upper school students, these presentations are public events in Building One. Students speak on their journey, their growth, and their learnings over the years at TEA. For them, a passage presentation is an encapsulation, and a literalization of the threshold they are crossing. Each student is unique, and their paths are as well. 

The opportunity to give a Passage is an incredible tradition for the students, their peers, and the adults in the community. 

Please consider joining us for:

Please make sure you join and leave the passage events during breaks, thereby honoring the student speakers by minimizing distractions.

We look forward to sharing these important moments of reflection, celebration and gratitude with you.

Sincerely,

CultureFest is this Thursday, May 21! This student-inspired and student-led event, founded by TEA junior Lola Slatt, celebrates the many cultures, traditions, and stories that make our community stronger. We are currently looking for “vendors” willing to share a slice of their family history through food, culture, or tradition. Please sign up here! 

Our exciting month caps off with the 3rd Annual Rainbow Run! Please join us on the Legacy Trail on Sunday, May 31st. Registration is OPEN, and we are hoping to surpass last year’s attendance. Tomorrow, be on the look-out for a volunteer sign up opportunity via ParentSquare. 

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible communiTEA (internal and external) for bidding so enthusiastically in this year’s Grit & Glamour Silent Auction. Your generosity and spirited participation helped make this year’s Gala an extraordinary success in support of our students, faculty, fieldwork, and financial assistance programs.

Not ready for the fun to end? Several popular Sign-Up ParTEAs are still open and will remain available until they sell out! Opportunities include:

Don’t miss your chance to connect with fellow parents, try something new, and continue supporting TEA in a fun and meaningful way.

— The 2026 Gala TEAm

Students can choose two slices of cheese, pepperoni, or one of each, plus fruit and a bubbly water for $10. Gluten-free options are available. Pizza is provided by Zano’s.

When ordering, please select your student’s exact meal preference (2 cheese, 2 pepperoni, or 1 and 1, including gluten-free options). If you’re unsure whether you’ve already placed an order, feel free to reach out to Courtenay Wallpe to confirm.

Don’t miss our last TAP meeting of the school year Monday, June 8th! We have executive positions opening up next year including VP, Treasurer and Field Work Support. If you’re interested, please contact TAP President Kim Burns at kim@thekb-collective.com.

Have Hawk News feedback? Please let us know here.