October 12-16, 2026

It was a strange autumn week weather wise, and a four-day week full of activity. Some Upper Schoolers took the digital PSAT last weekend, some from home, some from here. With the end of Quarter 1, faculty have been working hard to complete grades and comments for every student in every class. We held a well-attended Admissions Information Session and are always amazed by our Student Ambassadors. We participated in the nationwide Great American Shakeout earthquake drill today. There were visits from four colleges and a college counseling office hour. Faculty and staff enjoyed a delicious array of Halloween treats shared by the Shallenberger/Shirley family - many thanks! Student athletes competed in eight matchups. Tomorrow, you can watch our Varsity Cross Country athletes, and senior Hayes in the invitation-only Showcase division, compete in the prestigious VA Showcase Meet - you can livestream them here - read more about it below. Go Badgers!

Upper School drama students are busy rehearsing Arcadia, which opens November 13. A group of Upper Schoolers took the ACT standardized test on campus. The Student Senate has been busy planning dances, Spirit Week, and more. The Latin Club held a bake sale. Some seniors are getting very close to college application due dates. Today’s Upper School Community Time was the first Open Meeting of the year - Open Meetings provide an opportunity for students to speak freely and are a long-standing tradition at Tandem.

Middle School students have been loving this fall weather on the quad and on the front lawn. 5th graders visited the Fralin Museum to participate in Writer’s Eye (details below). 6th graders in Latin class are working on origin stories and a gods and goddesses chart. 7th graders are learning about early American colonists. 8th graders continue to enjoy Animal Farm. Today’s Middle School Community Time brought the first Monthly Clubs excitement - read more about that and other Middle School activities in detail below.