From the Head of School

Dear Peck Community,

When I joined the Peck family in 2014, the Class of 2022 was in first grade—and it’s hard to believe that eight years have gone by since then. During their journey, I’ve relished my front row seat as this group of Peck graduates grew from the curious first graders they once were to the independent young adults they are today.

It reminds me of the importance of our intentionally designed kindergarten through eighth-grade curriculum. It is through our structure that we are able to help students navigate the age-appropriate opportunities and challenges we have created for them at every grade level. It’s why, when they step foot on campus in September of their eighth-grade year, they are ready to be leaders of Student Council, Kindergarten Helpers, publishers of a yearbook, and role models for all students as they embark on their final year at Peck. In this issue of Peck News, we take a deep dive into that eighth-grade experience. From their traditional eighth-grade speeches and experiential education trips, to enjoying choice in their art electives classes, and their culminating Capstone Lab projects, we explore how our students’ final year sets the stage for them to go anywhere, and be anyone they can imagine. We celebrate the Class of 2022’s years at Peck and highlight their commencement.

We also catch up with alum Malcolm Sutherland-Foggio ’12, founder of Make Some Noise: Cure Kids Cancer, and meet our new Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Karen Dispenziere and our new Director of Athletics Jess McGinn.

Whether you join Peck in kindergarten or any year thereafter, the eighthgrade program is a unique culmination of a student’s experience—one that we continuously examine to ensure it provides the opportunities our students need to learn and grow. (Stay tuned this fall for news about our recently approved strategic plan, which includes a specific directive to further enhance and evolve the seventh and eighth-grade experience!)

Peck provides a safe playground for students to try on different interests, practice various leadership styles, and build a foundation of character before they launch into the world of secondary school. After all of the experiences they had during their time at Peck, we know that they are ready to embrace any experience that awaits.

Congratulations Class of 2022! Go Pride!

Warmly,

Andrew C. Delinsky

Head of School