FIELD DAY FUN, RAIN OR SHINE! We kicked off yesterday by cheering on our eighth graders as they did the annual Fun Run through the halls, then gathered in the Steve Thompson Gym to serenade them with the Orchard hymn and fight song. They stood arm in arm together. From there, Field Day rolled on with a full lineup of indoor fun. Students rotated through sack races, trivia, dodgeball, tug of war, rock-paper-scissors showdowns, and a crowd favorite: “keepy uppy” (a balloon game). Huge thanks to our teachers and parent volunteers who helped us pivot and keep the energy high all day. And a special shoutout to the eighth graders who ended the day with a relay race in the pouring rain at the track, followed by some time just playing in it. Parents, be sure to check the Observer for the full photo gallery! (fb)

Maddie McGloin ’17 recently stopped by Orchard while working on a new elementary school project with CSO Architects. She’s currently studying at Boston Architectural College and used our campus as a research site to explore how nature, space, and design impact learning. Maddie has also worked with schools in Boston as a Visiting Architect, led outreach through AIAS, and was just named President-elect for the 2025–26 academic year. Her creativity doesn’t stop there—two of her pieces were published in The Harvard Advocate’s Land Issue! We’re so proud to see Maddie carrying Orchard’s spirit of curiosity, nature, and innovation into everything she does. (fb)