At Concord Hill, joy and connection are at the heart of everything we do, and nowhere is that more evident than in our Friday Community Meetings. Every week, our students, teachers, parents, and extended community gather in the Community Room to celebrate, share, and simply enjoy being together. These meetings are a cornerstone of our school culture—a time to reflect on the week, recognize one another, and fill our shared space with joy.

For our third graders, Friday Community Meetings offer a chance to step into leadership roles. They take the lead in introducing different parts of the meeting, sharing reflections, and handing out birthday medals. Watching them rise to the occasion—proudly holding the microphone and confidently sharing their voices—shows just how much these moments help them grow. As part of their leadership, the third graders guide the whole community in reciting the CHS Pledge. Written by the entire school during the 2022-2023 school year, the pledge is a heartfelt reminder of the values we hold dear at Concord Hill: “I will listen to others. I will be kind. I will be a good friend. I will be respectful. We will have fun! CHS, CHS, C-H-S!!!” This chant is a joyful declaration of the care, respect, and connection that unite us. It’s a moment where students, teachers, and families come together, reaffirming the values that make our community so special.

One of the highlights of every Friday is the “informances.” These are opportunities for each grade level to share what they’ve been working on with the larger community. Whether it’s a presentation of a class project or a song learned in music or Spanish class, these moments are a celebration of student learning. It’s a chance for the whole community to cheer on their achievements and see firsthand the incredible things happening in the classrooms.

Each child celebrating a birthday that week is called to the front to receive a birthday medal and their moment in the spotlight. But the best part? The birthday count. Whether it’s counting their age in pennies by threes, in another language, or with a fun twist, it’s a celebration that gets everyone smiling. As a small school, we have the unique ability to give each student this personalized moment, with even our youngest getting a chance to speak in front of the group, cheered on by their Concord Hill family.

No Friday meeting would be complete without music. Each year, we have a theme song that brings us all together. Last year, it was “You Can Count on Me,” a beautiful anthem about care and connection. This year, it’s “Live Your Story,” a song that inspires us to embrace who we are and share our journeys. When the whole room comes alive with singing (and often dancing!), it’s a moment of pure happiness—a reminder of the joy we create when we come together.

Friday Community meetings aren’t just a school tradition—they’re a celebration of what makes Concord Hill so special. It’s about more than just gathering in a room; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. From the youngest voices sharing their first birthday count to our third graders stepping into leadership, these meetings remind us of the strength and joy in coming together as a community.