Opening week wins in the Middle School
Students participate in opening week activities 

Middle School students opened the school year with a new week-long program that focused on establishing expectations and routines for the year and helping boys see how they can have a positive impact on their communities.  

“We know that boys are relational learners who thrive in an environment in which they can experience the world around them. This week is dedicated to doing just that,”” said Head of Middle School Erin Duffy. 

Students participate in opening week activities 

Each day of the week was dedicated to forging relationships with peers and advisors, establishing a firm foundation in Landon’s Core Values & Character Pledge, and building essential organizational skills, technical proficiencies, and healthy habits.  

Boys participated in on-campus sessions led by Landon faculty and staff that focused on topics ranging from ethics and community to study skills. Wellness sessions included discussions on nutrition, sleep, and mental health.  

Students participate in opening week activities 

Students and faculty also visited the National Mall, touring the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress, and enjoyed a scavenger-hunt-style museum exploration to identify Landon’s Core Values in action. 

Middle School Spanish Teacher Agustin “Gus” Umanzor ’08 said he appreciated the opportunity to start the year with new and returning students by engaging in activities together outside of the classroom.  

“For the new students, it is a great way to become Landon Bears and build on that brotherhood,” Umanzor added. 

Students participate in opening week activities 
Students participate in opening week activities 

“My favorite part was probably the tour of the Capitol,” Grady ’28 said. “It was a really unique way to start the year. I thought it was fun.” 

Students participate in opening week activities 

“It was a really great opportunity to set the expectations of our core values and get them to see how the core values play out in the real world.” Middle School English Teacher Alyssa Doherty said.  

Advisory groups also participated in service-learning opportunities ranging from working with senior citizens at Byron House, to repairing bicycles with Bicycles for the World, to volunteering with a park clean up benefitting Montgomery County Parks. 

Students participate in opening week activities 

“It was cool how we did community service as a class. It is more memorable when you do it as a group,” Luis ’28 said.  

Duffy said the trips allowed students to learn more about the world around them and address real-world challenges in our area. The time spent showed the boys that community service goes beyond how they may picture it at this age, she added.  

Students participate in opening week activities 

“To truly serve, one must work to understand the issues affecting the community, accept their possible role in creating the problem, and then take an active role and engage in partnership to affect change,” Duffy said. “Children are powerful. They can affect change and positively affect the world around them. We are providing them with ways to begin this journey.” 

“It was great to see the boys reconnect, create new friendships, and help their community at large,” Travis Wooden, Middle School History Teacher and History Department Chair, said. “They were able to learn a great deal from each other, their advisory, and our nation's capital.”

Students participate in opening week activities

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