# Traditions & Events *Traditions & events* ## For 70 years, St. John's has created traditions that bring our community together and give students experiences they'll treasure forever. These celebrations connect past, present, and future—linking current students with generations of graduates who share the same special memories. ### Signature Traditions **May Day Celebration** Ask someone in the community what they first think of when you mention St. John's Day School and they are likely to say May Day. For over 70 years, students of St. John's have celebrated the wrapping up of the school year with this traditional pageant. Each year brings a new theme with songs and choreography developed around that theme. The highlight is the Maypole dancing performed by our sixth-grade class, followed by backyard games, dinner, and a silent auction that brings families together. **Flowering of the Cross** One of the most special traditions of St. John's is the flowering of the crosses. On the Thursday before the Good Friday holiday, all students are asked to bring flowers and greenery from their yards and gardens to make a flowered cross. The ceremony on our front steps creates a beautiful visual celebration of Easter and renewal, with each class presenting their special cross. **Chapel Programs** One of our students' most joyful times throughout the school year is the weekly chapel meetings held every Wednesday. These gatherings include brief Bible lessons that often involve children in the teaching, and each class presents a chapel program during the year—usually seasonally themed performances that build confidence and showcase talents.   ### Annual Events **Eaglefest** This fall festival is hosted each October by the Parents' Club. It serves the dual purpose as our Parents' Club annual fundraiser and a celebration for our children and the community. The evening features activities like moon jumps, air slides, and games, creating a night of family fun while supporting the school. **Thanksgiving and Mardi Gras Luncheons** All students, family, and friends of St. John's participate in two luncheons each year: Thanksgiving and Mardi Gras. The Thanksgiving luncheon is held the Friday before Thanksgiving break with a traditional feast being served. The Mardi Gras luncheon is held on Fat Tuesday with traditional Mardi Gras foods being served and live music. Students create artwork and centerpieces for both celebrations. **Air Jam Talent Show** This outrageously fun event is held each spring by the current sixth grade class as a fundraiser for the annual class trip. Air Jam is a talent show open to all faculty, staff, parents, friends, and students in grades K3 through 6th. **Christmas and Spring Concerts** Our music program culminates in beautiful performances where students showcase their musical talents and celebrate seasonal traditions with families and the community. ### Academic Celebrations **Book Fair** During the last week of August and the first week of September each year, the Scholastic Book Fair comes to town. During the week of Book Fair festivities, Grand People are invited and celebrated. This event includes a special Family Night and helps grow our library each year. **Birthday Books** Students choose a book from the library to purchase for their birthday. When parents decide to purchase the book, it receives a special birthday label and the student is presented with the book during chapel. Once finished reading, the book is donated back to the library to help our collection grow. **Field Day** K5 – 6th students walk to nearby Gardiner Park for the annual Field Day activities. The school is divided into two teams: green and white. The teams compete against one another in games ranging from sack races to tug-of-war. Field Day is one of the children's favorite days of the year. **Awards Day** At the end of each school year, we celebrate student achievements in academics, character, and citizenship. This special ceremony recognizes growth, effort, and the unique contributions each child makes to our school community.   ### Celebrations and Special Experiences **Kindergarten Graduation** K5 graduation is held in the gymnasium during the morning, celebrating these young students as they prepare for elementary school and marking an important milestone in their educational journey. **Sixth Grade Graduation** Sixth grade graduation is held in the evening in the beautiful St. John's Episcopal Church. A keynote address challenges the students as they prepare for middle school, and diplomas and awards are presented in this meaningful ceremony. **Senior Trip** Our sixth-grade class takes a special end-of-year trip that creates lasting memories and marks their transition from elementary school. Past trips have included visits to Washington, D.C., and other educational destinations. **Last Will and Testament** A cherished tradition where graduating sixth graders symbolically pass on school traditions and memories to younger students, creating a meaningful connection between classes.