As summer winds down and the excitement of a new school year builds, we wanted to share about our Back-to-School Day! This special gathering happens just before the school year begins and offers families, students, and teachers the chance to reconnect, prepare, and share in the joy of the season together.
At its heart, Back-to-School Day is all about community, connection, and confidence—for students, families, and teachers alike. Let’s dive into why this day is such a key part of starting the year strong and how it sets everyone up for success.
Easing the Transition for Students
Returning students have been away from Farmstead for a while, and for many, that first day back can feel a little overwhelming. Back-to-School Day gives them the perfect opportunity to re-familiarize themselves with the space alongside their families. They can revisit their favorite spots, remember the routines, and shake off some of that “first day” nervous energy.
For new students, this day is even more valuable. Big changes can feel daunting, especially when moving to an all-outdoor learning environment like ours. By coming to campus with their family before the first day, they get a chance to explore, ask questions, and create positive memories before the official start of school. This helps make the transition smoother and far less intimidating when that first morning arrives.
Building Community Among Families
One of the most beautiful parts of Back-to-School Day is watching families connect. Whether you’re a returning family or brand new to Farmstead, this event is designed to foster relationships. It’s a chance to meet the other families who will share this journey with you throughout the year—families whose children will climb trees together, explore the creek together, and learn side by side.
These informal conversations often blossom into carpool partnerships, playdates, and friendships that extend far beyond the school year. Our school thrives because of this strong sense of community, and Back-to-School Day helps lay that foundation.
Creating Familiar Faces and Connections
It’s not just students and families who benefit from this day—teachers do, too! Meeting students and their families ahead of time helps take the edge off the first day for everyone. When a child walks into class already knowing their teacher’s smile, the morning feels much less intimidating.
And for families, this day provides an opportunity to connect with teachers, share important details, and ask questions. These early conversations help us understand each child’s unique needs, interests, and personality, which means we can better support them from day one.
A Fun, Engaging Scavenger Hunt
What’s the best way for students to reacquaint themselves with the school grounds? A scavenger hunt, of course! During Back-to-School Day, students get to explore all the key areas: eating spaces, where to hang their backpacks, bathrooms, peace gardens, favorite play spaces, and more.
We also sprinkle in some nature-based finds to encourage curiosity and observation—after all, nature is our classroom! By the time the first official day rolls around, students feel confident about where to go and excited about what they’ve rediscovered.
Gear Check: Preparing for Outdoor Success
As an all-outdoor school, gear is a big deal. Students’ comfort and safety depend on having the right clothing and equipment for all kinds of weather. Back-to-School Day gives teachers a chance to check student gear, ensure everything fits properly, and confirm that emergency gear boxes are ready to go.
We also collect school supplies and emergency gear boxes during this event, which takes a huge logistical burden off the first week of school. Instead of juggling paperwork and drop-offs on day one, we can all focus on what matters most: welcoming students and diving into the joy of learning outdoors.
Why It Matters
Back-to-School Day is more than a gear check or a supply drop-off—it’s a celebration of the community we’re building together. It’s about helping students feel at home, giving families peace of mind, and allowing teachers to start the year prepared and connected.
Most importantly, it’s a chance for everyone—students, families, and educators—to share time outside at the Farmstead, reconnect with nature, and set the tone for a year filled with curiosity, exploration, and growth.