A Moment to Look Up
On April 8, students, faculty, families, and guests gathered under open skies to witness a rare and awe-inspiring celestial event—the solar eclipse. With clear views and a shared sense of wonder, our campus fully embodied our mission to inspire curiosity, and our vision to cultivate a lifelong love of learning.
In Stonington, where we experienced 90% totality, the science department and the Pine Point Parents Association partnered to host a school-wide eclipse-viewing celebration. Throughout the afternoon, Middle School students read stories to Lower School Students and led age-appropriate lessons about the science behind the eclipse. In addition, Middle School students built and demonstrated solar viewing boxes, ensuring everyone knew how to safely observe the eclipse. Just before peak totality, students, faculty, and staff gathered on the upper field with their protective eyewear to share in the moment together. Animated faces and excited voices rippled across the field in reaction to this momentous event. As the eclipse continued into dismissal time, families were invited to join their children on campus, deepening our sense of community.
A shared commitment to wonder and discovery
Head of School Diana Owen’s words to faculty as she reflected on the day captured the gratitude and joy felt by all who were present—students, parents, grandparents, and former faculty alike—as we paused together to witness this extraordinary event. It has become a lasting memory for all who attended, and a moment that truly illuminated our shared commitment to wonder and discovery.
“From the science content to the wonderful pinhole boxes and paper plate enhanced glasses, to the leadership of our Middle School students, to the joy of children witnessing something really special, to the care and concern shown by the faculty and staff, to the PPPA engagement at the snacks and swag zone, it was all awesome! Thank you! I know our students and families will reminisce about this for years to come. You were all SHINING today!”
—Diana Owen, Head of School
