Over the couple of few weeks, Green Vale welcomed families across all three divisions for our annual Back-to-School Nights — evenings that offered parents a meaningful glimpse into their children’s daily lives, classrooms, and the supportive community that surrounds them.
Each night began with remarks from Head of School Dr. Jesse Dougherty and divisional leadership before parents headed off to meet with their children’s teachers and specials teachers, experiencing firsthand the rhythm of a day at Green Vale.
Dr. Dougherty spoke about what makes Green Vale distinctive: the power of being known. He shared that when students are truly known—by teachers who understand their strengths, challenges, and potential—they feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. He emphasized the vital role our dedicated faculty play in cultivating this environment, and how our strong sense of community helps every child grow not just academically, but as confident, compassionate people.
Early Childhood
Head of Early Childhood Kelly Flink spoke about the wonder and anticipation that come with the first steps into school. For many of our youngest learners, this is their very first classroom experience; for others, it’s a new setting filled with new friends and teachers. Ms. Flink reminded parents that EC is grounded in educating the whole child—sparking curiosity, joy, and engagement while building confidence. She shared Green Vale’s commitment to child-centered classrooms designed for exploration, inquiry, and connection, and introduced the 6Cs framework — collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation, and confidence—which guides joyful, meaningful learning across EC.
Lower School
Head of Lower School Delphine Michaud welcomed parents to her first Back-to-School Night at Green Vale, highlighting this year’s divisional theme of community. She shared her excitement about weaving this value into every aspect of Lower School life: through assemblies that celebrate students, cross-grade community groups, and character awards that lift up acts of kindness and leadership. Ms. Michaud spoke about deepening foundational academic skills while preserving the joy and playfulness that fuel learning, and she gave parents a look into the team’s work with Making Thinking Visible routines to help students develop deeper thinking skills. She also previewed an upcoming parent coffee focused on math instruction, emphasizing the division’s commitment to meeting every child where they are and ensuring each student feels known, supported, and appropriately challenged.
Upper School
Head of Upper School Catherine Iannotta reflected on the transformative nature of the middle school years, describing them as a time when students begin to discover their voices, their passions, and the kind of people they want to be. Ms. Iannotta spoke about the importance of community—recognizing that students are not only important as individuals, but even more powerful when they see themselves as part of something bigger. This year, the Upper School is focusing on building executive functioning skills, incorporating mindfulness practices, and applying research from Neuroteach to make learning stick. Ms. Iannotta also highlighted initiatives like positive behavior tokens, the return of recess, and a new “Good Manners” program—all designed to foster responsibility, respect, and a strong sense of belonging.
Across all three nights, one message was clear: at Green Vale, learning is about more than academics. It’s about being known, supported, and challenged as part of a joyful, connected community.