ECFS Reconnects

This year, a familiar feeling is permeating the Ethical Culture Fieldston School campuses — one that hasn’t quite reached its fullest potential in recent years: the joy of reconnecting with one another in person. Many of the signature programs that foster community building across our School were put on hold in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and have been welcomed back this year with open arms. Through unique and enriching experiences, students in all four divisions connected and created lifelong memories — in their own backyard and beyond.

Group of ECFS students gather on Upper Field during Homecoming posing with the Fieldston Eagle mascot.

In the fall of 2022, Ethical Culture’s entire 5th Grade embarked on their first trip to Nature’s Classroom in Lakeville, Connecticut, in three years. Students participated in many activities, including learning to build campfires without matches, searching for creek salamanders, hiking, and playing games that promote team-building and cooperation.

Ethical Culture 5th Graders gather for group photo outdoors at Nature's Classroom.

“Being out of the city and away from home allows students to access and grow a different part of themselves that they don’t get to in daily life. For the adults, witnessing this side of our students is incredibly meaningful.” — Assistant Principal of Student Life Erik Landgren, Ethical Culture

Two Ethical Culture students pose outside at Nature's Classroom.

Ethical Culture 5th Graders sit in grass together at Nature's Classroom.

Ethical Culture students sit around fire at night at Nature's Classroom.

This year, the Fieldston Lower 5th Graders, in partnership with parent/guardian volunteers, were able to invite the entire ECFS community to the Fieldston Lower Carnival! There were games put together by the P.E. teachers, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, face painting, and many delicious treats!

Three Fieldston Lower Students climb bouncy house at the Fall Carnival.

“This year’s Carnival was the best one yet! It was a true labor of love for all of our 5th Grade students and parent/guardian volunteers. I am so grateful for their creativity and energy that brought the community together.” — Joe McCauley, Principal of Fieldston Lower

Fieldston Lower student poses with sock puppet on hand at Fall Carnival.

Fieldston Lower students pose outside at Fall Carnival.

Fieldston Middle students enjoyed a social event on campus, where they watched Halloween-themed movies, snacked on pizza, danced to music played by the DJ club, and enjoyed each other’s company outside the classroom. Middle school can be a challenging time for students socially, and ECFS prioritizes opportunities for students to gather, connect to one another, and — most importantly — have fun.

Fieldston Middle students gather at student social as one student uses computer to DJ.

“Whether students were watching movies, eating pizza, enjoying music in the Student Commons, or playing outside on the field, a good time was had by all.” — Jon Alschuler, Principal of Fieldston Middle

Fieldston Middle students pose together in Student Commons at Middle School social.

Fieldston Upper students enjoyed exciting trips that are key components of each grade’s English and history curriculums. 9th Graders took daylong field trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and 10th Graders traveled to Boston.They toured the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, Walden Pond, and both the Freedom Trail and the African Heritage Trail, where they acted as tour guides and delivered presentations.

Fieldston Upper students pose in front of sign outdoors on their field trip to Boston.

“The students had a great day at the Met among their peers, their teachers, and the artistic masterpieces featured at the institution. In Boston, in between all the learning and presentations, the class had time to hang out with old friends and make some new ones.” — Stacey Bobo, Principal of Fieldston Upper

Group of Fieldston Upper students pose inside museum on field trip to Boston.

Fieldston Upper students pose outdoors on field trip to Boston.