School Traditions
The Stanley Clark community gathers together throughout the year to celebrate and support the school and to honor fun traditions. These events, along with many others, make The Stanley Clark School a unique and united community. Various events take place from year to year, but below are a few examples of some the community activities that have become beloved school traditions.
Community-Building Events
Olympic Day
The Stanley Clark School enjoys a unified school spirit as the Stanley Clark Tigers while also encouraging a longstanding internal team rivalry dating back to the 1960's. Students are assigned a team at the end of their 4th grade year, either Miami or Iroquois. Students whose older family members were Miami or Iroquois are assigned the same team, so lasting are the loyalties for one's respective team. The rivalry occurs yearlong as teams earn points through various athletic competitions and activities, and culminates with an annual Olympic Day. More than your typical field day, Olympic Day is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. Alumni far and wide tune in to cheer for their teams and to track the official point tally.
While middle school students are the official participants in Olympic Day, lower school students enjoy their own version of the field day events a week earlier at their own annual Olympic Day. Lower school students compete against classmates in nine different events, ranging from the sack race and shoe toss to a full class tug of war.
Back to School Picnic
The annual Back to School Picnic is a great opportunity for new and returning families to get better acquainted before the start of the new academic year. The picnic takes place the first Friday evening of the school year around the Tallman Grill. Families bring blankets and lawn chairs to set up across the lawn and students enjoy playing together at this kick-off event. All food is generously provided by the Parents' Association.
The Arts Event
Our annual Arts Event invites families to campus for an art exhibition, highlighting student work and showcasing their talents. Every single student throughout the school has work(s) of art on display and families can participate in interactive art stations, including make-and-take art projects for all ages.. During this event, 3rd grade students also present a special gallery opening of their year-long collaborate art project, built around a theme of their choosing.
Special Visitor Days
Alumni Day
Recent graduates are invited back to campus for a cookout each fall to reconnect with classmates and teachers. Alumni Day not only honors recent graduates but also invites alumni and former students of all ages to visit campus.
Grandparents' Day
Prior to Thanksgiving Break, grandparents are invited to experience a day in the life of their grandchildren. Grandparents' Day is a tradition that attracts many to campus and sets the tone for the holiday break.
Parents' Day
While parents are welcome to visit campus anytime, Parents’ Day invites moms, dads and guardians to be special guests for the day. They get a in-depth look into the day-to-day happenings in the classroom.
Fundraiser Celebrations
Clark Run
Lace up your running shoes to take part in the Clark Run, an annual fall fundraising event. Participants can choose from a 5K run, 3.5K walk or Tiger Trot for the little ones. Awards are given in various age categories. This event is open to the public and includes coffee, pastries, music, a photo booth, balloon artist and more.
Kaleidoscope
Our annual Kaleidoscope Dinner and Auction is the largest fundraising event of the year. This formal event invites the Clark community to enjoy an evening together, dining and bidding on items in both a live and silent auction in support of The Stanley Clark School.
PAC the BAAC
Eighth graders and faculty go head-to-head on the basketball court during PAC the BAAC, to raise money for a good cause each year. Students and families “Pack” the “BAAC” (Barany Athletics and Activities Center) for this lively and competitive event!