Sargent Camp
The sixth grade travels to New Hampshire for three days and two nights to attend a program at
Sargent Camp. With a focus on activities that instill teamwork, communication and camaraderie, students participate in problem solving challenges, a ropes course and more.
Briarwood Marine Science Center
The seventh grade travels to Briarwood Marine Science Center on Cape Cod, where students kayak, dissect sharks, study crabs, set up their own aquariums and study environmental issues like oil pollution and water quality.
Information for seventh grade parents
Farm School
The eighth grade travels to the Farm School in Athol, Massachusetts for three days and two nights, where students are responsible for daily chores that are a part of life on a working farm.
Information for eighth grade parents
Civil Rights Trip
The eighth grade travels to Georgia and Alabama to conclude their study of the Civil Rights Movement. They visit historical sites, but it is the people they meet that have the biggest impact; students spend time with veterans of the 1950s and 1960s efforts, and meet community activists working for change in the present day. More on the Civil Rights Trip
Art Shows
Students from Kindergarten through eighth grade have their artwork on display in the activity room for three days. This is an extraordinary exhibit that showcases the wonderful talents of the students.
Rooster Games
Fifth graders from nearby schools join Gordon students for a morning of imaginative challenges based on the books being considered for the Rhode Island Children’s Book Award. Originated at Gordon, the Rooster Games now happen annually at schools throughout the state.
Battle of the Books
Fourth graders are placed on teams with students from Lincoln School, Wheeler School, and St. Michael’s School to answer questions and test their knowledge about what they have read.
Grandfriends’ Day
Students invite grandparents, a family friend, or other members of their extended families to visit the school for a morning. Grandfriends attend a reception with student performances and a welcome from the Head of School, and then go off for a morning of classes.
Closing Assembly
Prior to dismissal on the last day of school, the entire school gathers for a final good-bye to the graduating eighth grade class, an introduction for next year’s eighth grade students and Student Council and a celebration of the school year.
Commencement
Commencement is steeped in rituals that embody the culmination of the eighth grade experience at Gordon. First, each student tolls the bell in the bell tower near the main entrance to the school as he or she processes to the graduation tent. Each student carries a flower. As they approach the stage, the students place their flowers in a vase to create a class bouquet. The bouquet symbolizes the coming together of the individual graduates to form a cohesive yet distinct and diverse group.
The relationship between teachers and students is highlighted each year at Commencement. Just prior to accepting their diploma, each eighth grader stands as his or her advisor reads a quote that has been selected for him or her by a faculty member. The quotes, which are printed on the diploma, are meant to capture the essence of the student. It is a poignant moment and a wonderful culmination of the student’s experience at Gordon. In addition, each graduate receives a personalized gift from the Head of School. The gifts vary from year to year but often include photos of the student through their years at Gordon, excerpts from the student’s report card narratives over the years, and some indication of the way the student has left his or her mark on Gordon.