Protectors of Our Past

In the winter of 2020, 4th grade embarked on a journey to preserve our School’s history. Over several months, they unboxed documents, photos, and artifacts dating as far back as the 1890s. Their goal was simple: preserve, protect, and share this history with others. But what began as a project to organize the School’s archives evolved into an exploration of legacy, and how legacies shape who we are and who we become. 4th grade named the project “Protectors of Our Past.”

The students discovered the legacies of countless community members who gifted us with the teaching and learning culture that shape who we are. Faith B. ‘29 learned of a certain Mr. and Mrs. Crosspatch. “They were two screech owls adopted by Nathan and Lillian Hale in 1954,”

4th Grade Students

“Protectors

Isabel A. ‘29

Faith B. ‘29

Calvin C. ‘29

Madison G. ‘29

Finnley K. ‘29

Sienna K. ‘29

Saiyli L. ‘29

Harrison L. ‘29

Jamison L. ‘29

Alexandra M. ‘29

Olivia M. ‘29

Orrin P. ‘29

Katharine P. ‘29

Lauren W. ‘29

Lucy W. ‘29 she explains, “and they lived in Hopelands!”

However, it was recognizing Nathan and Lillian Hale’s belief in using nature as a classroom that allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of their legacies to our School. Finn K. ‘29 put a finer point on it when he noted, guests representing the School constituencies. Rocky Hill alumnae Sarah Hall Siskin ‘78 commented, “You guys are the school’s heroes today!”, while Patricia McLaughlin, Assistant Head of School for Advancement, added, “You are the protectors of our past! You’ve taken us on a beautiful journey.”

From Dorothy Marshall, a strong and determined educator founding Rocky Hill in a classroom in the Cowesett Elementary School Building in 1934, to the Hales and their dream of a school that celebrated the waterfront as much as the classroom, our School is a treasure passed down from our predecessors.

Perhaps it was summed-up best by Sienna K. ’29.

The students developed a website, timeline, archive library, and book that they presented to a group of

It is safe to say that this group of 4th grade students, through their commitment and hard work, have begun to leave their legacy to our school. The future is bright indeed.