The bi-annual event began with a light breakfast, coffee, and conversation with Division Heads and fellow special friends before a welcome from new Head of School Macon Finley. In her address, Macon expressed how happy she was to see the unconditional support given by student’s families and friends and how thrilled she was that they would see firsthand why Ellis is really the best place for girls to go to school in Pittsburgh.

Grandparents and special friends then made their way to Lower and Middle School classrooms to take part in activities with students, meet and mingle with fellow grandfriends, and learn about the School. As girls excitedly showed their loved ones their latest art projects, book reports, and assignments, they shared stories about their teachers, classmates, and favorite subjects. From Ellis-themed board games in grade 1, to show-and-tell of grade 4’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-inspired robotics, to team trivia in grade 8, the morning had everyone in attendance smiling from ear to ear.

Interim Head of the Lower School Susan Freudenberg shares, “seeing grandparents and friends sitting with the younger girls—in the small chairs, at the same level as them—is one of those magical moments you feel lucky to witness as an educator. Whether they’re playing a trivia game or going on a scavenger hunt together, it was so special to watch the girls share their love of learning, school, and Ellis with their families.”

After time in the classroom, grandparents and grandfriends made their way to the Auditorium for a special production from Lower and Middle School students. Pre-kindergarten to grade 4 girls took the stage first and proudly sang “A Wind Across My Heart” by Kathryn S. Altman and the upbeat “Finale” from Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Kids, this year’s Lower School musical. Middle School students were up next with performances that included: “Appalachian Folk Dance” by Robert W. Smith from the Middle School Band and 5/6 Dance Ensemble; “Colors of the Wind” by Stephen Schwartz from the 5/6 Choir; “One Song/Freedom Song” by Kirby Shaw and Louis Harris from the 7/8 Choir; and “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker, Jr. and Arr. Michael Story from Middle School Strings and 7/8 Dance Ensemble.

Grandparents and special friends could be seen capturing these precious moments on their cameras and phones from their seats, while students waved enthusiastically to their special friends in the audience and posed for photos from the stage. Ellis alumna and grandparent Liz SUCCOP Altman ’70 shared, “every girl exuded confidence and enthusiasm in the classroom and on stage. As grandparents, my husband and I were completely enthralled with the classroom presentations and the performance!”

A truly warm and welcoming day on campus, The Ellis School was very happy to host grandparents and special friends for a morning of fun with their Ellis girls. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the day!

View more photos from Grandparents & Special Friends Day.