October 19-23, 2026

It was another busy, beautiful fall week at Tandem, with academics and events galore. It was Spirit Week, which brought new and entertaining dress themes to each day and showcased the community’s creativity. First quarter grades and comments were published. We honored International Pronouns Day.There were five college visits and an evening webinar for parents about paying for college. Juniors took the PSAT on Thursday morning. There were many sports games and practices, with some phenomenal outcomes (read more below) and a Pinkout in the gym for Breast Cancer Awareness. This afternoon/evening will culminate in our Tandem Day/Community Picnic - with food trucks, sports games, music, dessert and more. The Upper School will hold their Miami Nights themed Homecoming dance tomorrow night. 

In Middle School, 5th graders are learning about phases of matter and Ojibwe life. 6th graders started on their egg drop experiment. 7th grade students are learning about immigration in the 1600s. 8th graders are deep into Animal Farm. Advisory lessons have been on Quaker values, addressing bias, and an 8th grade Monument project.

In the Upper School, 9th graders are studying viruses and the River Valley civilizations. 10th graders began their Frankenstein and Sophomore Seminar journeys. Juniors are finishing up The Crucible and learning about dissent. Seniors in Senior Lit & Composition began reading and studying Romeo and Juliet. Avis Fields took nine Upper Schoolers on the road today to visit Norfolk State University, an HBCU. 

In today’s Upper School Community Time, seniors Zella L and Elisabeth S spoke about their semester away experiences last year. Zella spent a semester in the Bahamas while Elisabeth spent a semester in Colorado (read more below).