The All-School Council planned a festive week leading up to the Homecoming Dance to generate excitement while also facilitating community-building among Marlborough students. One of the changes to this year’s homecoming was the addition of a Homecoming volleyball game on Sept. 18, something that the council was previously unable to do because of scheduling conflicts. The All-School Council believes a Homecoming Game is a key aspect of many Homecoming weeks across the country, so they felt it would be important for Marlborough to have one as well to give students a chance to watch and support their peers.
Additionally, the amount of free dress days throughout the school year has lessened compared to past years because of changes to Community Days. Dean of Students Kendall Beeman recognized how this change impacted students and thought Homecoming Week was an opportunity to provide students with more free dress days.
“Since we’ve been more strict around uniforms and phones, we thought it would be fun to have a week of themed free dress to bring more spirit and fun,” Beeman said. “It’s like mini Spirit Week but less competitive and more about building community and school spirit at the start of the year.”
To that end, Beeman worked with the All-School Council to organize themed dress days that corresponded to each individual council.
Monday’s theme was organized by the Community Partnerships Council and the Environmental Council, and students were encouraged to wear thrifted outfits. On Tuesday, the Athletics Council organized games such as kickball, dodgeball and pickleball around campus while each grade wore their respective color.
On Wednesday, the Arts Council encouraged everyone to not only show their purple pride in their clothing, but also to wear crazy socks or hair before the volleyball game after school. During Class Meetings that day, students made signs in buddy groups to support their classmates.
Thursday was Middle School Appreciation Day, so Upper Schoolers wore what they wore in 7th, 8th and 9th grade while the Lower School had free dress. Middle schoolers were also given other fun surprises throughout the day because they were not invited to the Homecoming Dance. Friday was Wellbeing Day, and students wore their pajamas and practiced self-care leading up to the dance.
Homecoming Week made the community more excited for Homecoming and is a tradition that could continue in the future.
“I think if the next All-School Council wants to continue it, it could go very well,” Beeman said.
