A new chapter begins

On Friday night, over six hundred members of the extended Gordon family came together in downtown Providence to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in Gordon history, and to officially welcome new Head of School Dr. Meredith deChabert to Rhode Island.

The crowd exceeded all expectations, and ranged from alumni from the 1950's to families who began at Gordon just a few weeks ago. 
 

The celebration was held at the 195 District Park in downtown Providence, where Robertico Arias y Su Latin Jazz Band played Latin jazz among interactive inflatable sculptures from Rumford art studio Pneuhaus. Sr. Arias has a rich relationship with Gordon: his daughter is Gordon’s Early Childhood Director, he has two grandchildren who have attended Gordon, he spent a year as a substitute teacher in Spanish and music, and he has performed for several Gordon celebrations over the years. 

The Pneuhaus sculptures kept young students busy, along with the crafts led by Gary Deslaurier and Annie Deslaurier of Professor Gizmo’s Workshop, and the basket of Latin percussion laid out by the band for children to try.

Food and drink were provided by the Guild, Plant City and the Sandwich Hut, all establishments with family connections to alumni and current families, supplemented by food trucks from Rocket Street Food and Burrito Bowl.
 

Speaking to the assembled crowd, Dr. deChabert highlighted Gordon’s commitment to excellence:

Ours is a community that speaks up when something needs to be said, and it's a community filled with people who genuinely and deeply care for one another. 

Gordon offers a unique kind of educational excellence, one that our world right now needs more and more with each passing day. 

It's an excellence that values children's emotions alongside their intellect.

It’s an excellence that lets their interests guide their learning.

It’s an excellence that connects lessons across disciplines, recognizing that the world is not divided into disciplines.

And it's an excellence that engages students in real world challenges, and that instills a sense of justice and civic responsibility in these future leaders. 
 

Dr. deChabert then opened the floor to students, with the invitation to talk about what they love about Gordon.

They had a strong response.

Four, five and six year olds talked about swinging on swings, about feeling accepted for who they are, and their kind teachers.

Seven, eight and nine year olds saluted the patience of Gordon’s librarians, the variety of arts offerings, and the warm welcome new students receive every fall.

And the Middle School students spoke about friendships they have with Kindergarteners, the kindness and love that is part of everyday interactions, and the sense of belonging that Gordon inspires.

 

The speaking program wrapped up quickly, ending with a Happy Birthday sung for a Kindergartener, for Eddy Dalo, Gordon’s Buildings and Grounds Director, and for any other community member born on October 3rd.
 

The the music resumed, the dancing began again, and the celebration continued until well after the sun went down.

Special thanks go to Chip Riegel and Amanda Riegel for their support of this event and for their enduring commitment to bringing the Gordon community together.

Photos by Janet Moscarello are now online, supplemented with shots by Don Mays and drone photos by Chip Riegel. More of Janet's work is at www.janetmoscarellophotography.com