Unlocking the Lingo: Part 3

By Noelle Becker, Director of Communications

As we continue our journey through Unlocking the Lingo of Harbor Day School, we’re looking at the words, traditions, and phrases that are a part of everyday life on campus. In this edition, we explore how these terms originated, how they’ve evolved over time, and why they hold such special meaning within our community. Read Unlocking the Lingo Part One and Two for a better understanding of common HDS events and phrases!

Pi Day - For more than 15 years, Harbor Day School has celebrated Pi Day as a joyful, schoolwide tradition that highlights the fun and excitement of mathematics. Students in both Lower and Middle School challenge themselves to memorize and recite the digits of pi. This has been an ongoing challenge that began in 2002 and has since inspired remarkable achievements, with some students reciting hundreds or even thousands of digits. Students compete for stickers, homework passes, and the pride of setting personal records. This memorization challenge gives students a unique and engaging way to stretch their minds and build “math bragging rights.” Many thanks to math teacher Mrs. Stockstill for bringing this fun math celebration of learning to all the grades. Finally, at the end of the middle school recitation contest students get to enjoy some delicious pie!

The Uniform –The HDS uniform has had various iterations over the years. At one time, girls were required to wear saddle shoes, and boys had to wear boat shoes or loafers. While footwear rules have relaxed, some pieces remain timeless, including the HDS blue plaid skirt and jumper, along with boys’ khaki or navy shorts, pants, and shirts. Former Headmaster John Marder famously embraced the spirit of the plaid, often donning plaid pants for special campus occasions like Turkey Bowl.

Parent Council - Harbor Day parents play a vital role in keeping our school community vibrant and connected. Through events such as the Fall Benefit, Parent Socials, Grandparents’ Day, service projects, hot lunch, and speaker programs, parents actively support the school’s mission of providing a well-rounded education. The Parent Council helps foster a strong sense of community, strengthens communication between families and the school, and raises funds to enrich programs for both students and parents. Their involvement is an important part of what makes Harbor Day such a special place.

Morning Meeting – Morning Meeting is a twice-weekly gathering for all Middle School students (grades 5–8), held first thing Monday and Friday mornings. During this time, the entire Middle School community comes together to hear important campus announcements, recognize holidays, discuss current and cultural events, and learn about activities happening within the Middle School. Students often have opportunities to speak in front of their peers, helping them build confidence and strengthen their public speaking skills. Morning Meeting also reinforces a sense of belonging, encouraging students to see themselves as active and thoughtful members of the Harbor Day community.

Fall Benefit – The Fall Benefit is one of Harbor Day’s longstanding traditions, evolving over the years from simple potlucks and spaghetti dinners into a lively, evening of celebration and philanthropy. What began as a casual community gathering has grown into a festive night filled with connection, generosity, and school spirit.

What other terms or phrases at HDS do you wonder about?