Our Traditions

At Rectory, Fridays aren’t just the end of the week—they’re a reason to celebrate! Fun Fridays are monthly events that bring together boarding and day students for an evening of connection, laughter, and school spirit.

Each month brings something new and unforgettable: glow-in-the-dark dodgeball tournaments, karaoke nights, cookouts on the Pavilion, movie marathons in Tang, trivia battles, skating nights, or bonfires complete with s’mores and music. These events are designed to help students unwind, try something new, and strengthen the friendships that make Rectory feel like home.

All day students are paired with a dormitory, allowing them to stay on campus between the end of sports and the start of the night’s festivities—joining their boarding peers for dinner, downtime, and fun. Whether it’s a themed event, a surprise activity, or a campus-wide competition, Fun Fridays are all about community, joy, and ending each month on a high note.

On Monday, January 18, 2010, Rectory School began a meaningful new tradition—celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day not as a day off, but as a day of service.

Each January since, our students and faculty have dedicated the day to reflection, community, and action inspired by Dr. King’s message of compassion and service to others. The day begins with student speakers who share heartfelt stories and reflections during Morning Assembly. From there, our Middle and Elementary School students engage in hands-on service projects both on campus and in the local community—working together to make a difference.

It’s a powerful day of giving back, reminding us that leadership begins with empathy and that every act of service—big or small—has the power to inspire change.

In the fall of 2015, long-time faculty member Mr. Long introduced a new tradition that quickly became a beloved Rectory hallmark—the Boarding Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Each year, this special evening brings together the entire boarding community along with local guests, including first responders, alumni, former faculty, local leaders, and friends of the school. The dining hall is transformed into a festive space, complete with elegant table settings and holiday décor, all prepared by our student wait staff and dining team. Guests arrive in formal holiday attire and are warmly greeted and escorted to their tables by our student hosts.

The evening is filled with connection, conversation, and gratitude. Local guests cherish the opportunity to share a meal with our students and learn about our diverse community, while students delight in celebrating the holiday with their Rectory family. Though one of our newer traditions, this cherished gathering has quickly become one that embodies the true spirit of Rectory—togetherness, gratitude, and belonging.

What began as a bold idea from Mr. Fred Williams during his first year as Head of School has become one of Rectory’s most beloved and laughter-filled traditions. Mr. Williams proposed that students build boats entirely out of recycled materials and race them across Rectory Pond in a springtime Regatta. At first, the idea was met with more raised eyebrows than enthusiasm—but more than fifteen years later, it remains a signature event of creativity, teamwork, and pure fun.

Each spring, dorm teams dream up boat designs, gather supplies (including endless rolls of colorful duct tape!), and work together to bring their floating masterpieces to life. On race day, the campus gathers around the pond to cheer on the sailors, celebrate their ingenuity, and enjoy a day filled with friendly competition and laughter.

In Spring 2025, the event was officially renamed the Williams Regatta in honor of Mr. Williams’ retirement, recognizing the legacy of innovation, joy, and community he inspired at Rectory. With categories for creativity, design, and—of course—speed, this tradition continues to be a highlight of the year and a true reflection of the Rectory spirit: bold ideas, teamwork, and plenty of fun.