Classes, Connection, and Community: Rivers Begins 2026–27 School Year

The morning ran seamlessly, with Head of School Ryan S. Dahlem and members of the professional community out early to greet students, direct drop-off traffic, and usher Red Wings to their respective grade-level destinations. 

The Class of 2027—clad in matching red senior T-shirts—stepped onto campus for their “first last day.” Fresh off a senior orientation trip featuring whitewater rapids, swimming holes, and singing around the campfire, the class returned as a cohesive unit ready to lead the student body. As the day unfolded, the Middle School kicked off with Leadership Lab—a hands-on experience focused on building connections, defining leadership, and spending quality time in advisory groups—while the Upper School dove into the first day of classes and opportunities to reconnect as a community. 

By mid-morning, the entire community had gathered for the first all-school meeting of the year, an assembly that served as a prologue for what’s to come, building shared anticipation for the year ahead. Student body co-presidents Madi Pugatch ’27 and Jack Burkhead ’27 took the stage to greet returning students and extend a warm welcome to those new to Rivers. 

“I encourage you to push yourselves outside of your comfort zone,” Pugatch said. “This can look like joining clubs at our club fair, or deciding to attend that first Friday Night Lights game. We hope that you are just as excited for the upcoming year as we are.”

“I encourage you to attend as many of these events as you can to further build connections with your peers,” Burkhead added. “Supporting one another during significant events like these is an important part of building a strong and connected community.”

Closing their opening remarks together, they shared a vision for the year, saying, “Whether it’s through a game, a performance, or simply connecting with someone from a different grade, we hope to make this a year where every Red Wing feels like they truly belong.” 

Dahlem then addressed the community, giving a special shout-out to new professional community members and the Class of 2033 as they embark on their Rivers journey. Dahlem also good-naturedly highlighted his role as the person who makes the final call about when to cancel school for a snow day, adding that he had referred to the Farmers’ Almanac for a prediction on this year’s winter conditions. The student body broke into an impromptu drum roll, followed by laughter, when he summarized the almanac’s weather forecast for the upcoming months: “This winter in New England will be…complicated.”

Dahlem spoke about the importance of “connection before content,” citing scientific research showing that students learn best when they feel a sense of connection and belonging. 

He also recounted that during a summer trip to Italy, he drew inspiration from Michelangelo’s sculptures and overall philosophy—specifically the idea of chiseling through stone to reveal a completed sculpture within that was there all along. 

“Realize that in adolescence you are unfinished works,” Dahlem said. “It isn’t that first test grade that defines your final outcome, nor the game score, or the piece of music, or the college admission letter. Our hope is that many years from now, you are living meaningful lives of purpose, doing something that is of consequence to both you and those around you. That is you as your masterpiece.”

Dahlem also took a moment to outline how Rivers’ mission, core values, and strategic plan continue to guide priorities for campus life. This fall marks the launch of Rivers’ new academic schedule, designed to improve the daily cadence for the community. Dahlem shared that additional priorities this year include promoting AI literacy, fostering student wellness, and reevaluating campus cell phone policies. And, under this year’s Equity and Engagement theme, “Lean In,” students will deepen empathy—locally and globally—for a better understanding of the world. 

As students headed off to classes and afternoon activities, the energy on campus made one thing clear: Rivers is ready for a great year ahead.

View a gallery of photos from the first day of school.