Opening Day 2025: Branching Out

The drop-off line provided positive energy to start the day, featuring a welcoming crew which included Head of School Ryan S. Dahlem, new Dean of Students Krista Sahrbeck, Bruce Taylor (assistant to the librarian, media literacy, and transportation and game day coordinator), Assistant Dean of Students Susanna Donahue, and members of the Class of 2026. This year’s senior class, instantly recognizable by their red “Last Dance” T-shirts, took some time to gather with their colorfully decorated cars and celebrate their last first day of school before heading into classes. 

For the Middle School, it was also the first day of Leadership Lab—a three-day exploration of what it means to be a leader and how to “show up” in the Rivers community. A lighthearted game of “Heads and Tails” gave way to time to get to know each other in advisory groups, which continued into the lunch periods. Leadership Lab activities throughout the rest of the week included service activities and other work in advisory groups and as a full division before beginning classes on Friday. 

By mid-morning on Tuesday, the entire school community came together for the first all-school meeting of the year. Student body co-presidents Lily Chung ’26 and Nolan Killman ’26 welcomed the full assembly in Kraft Dining Hall and set a shared goal for the Rivers community going forward this school year: branching out.

“We mean branching out in every interpretation of the phrase: Trying new activities. Meeting new people. Embracing challenges. Exploring new ideas. In essence, we’re saying to put yourself out there. Rivers is a place with great paths to embark on, but you must take the first step,” said Chung. 

Dahlem echoed the warm welcome, noting that this first day of school marked the opening of the 111th school year in Rivers history. Dahlem gave a special introduction to the Rivers’ new students and new members of the professional community as well as acknowledging the Class of 2026 on their last first day.
 

The community looks to the senior class as leaders, he commented, saying, “This school year will go as the senior class goes. You are the leaders on our campus—we’ll be looking to you, the entire school community, to show us how you create a sense of belonging for all.”

Dahlem also thanked the technology and facilities teams for important updates they made over the summer, and he addressed some key elements of the year ahead, including the new mission and core values and strategic plan and ongoing programming related to this year’s Equity and Engagement theme, which is “Courageous Voices, Global Impact: Leading with Integrity for a Just World.”

“The start of a school year is always inspiring. All of our journeys are interconnected. We are better as individuals by being in the Rivers community together,” Dahlem concluded.

Following the assembly, students headed back into class and other activities. It didn’t take long to get back into the swing of things, with students taking advantage of the warm weather between classes to catch up with friends in the Adirondack chairs on the Lank Quadrangle or to play spikeball and lawn games in the open space. It was the perfect day for our Red Wings to take flight for the year!