Following school tradition, Housatonic Valley Waldorf School’s newest and youngest students were welcomed Wednesday, September 4, for the first day of school at the Dodgingtown school with a Rose Ceremony.

Seventh grade teacher Leslie Lew greeted students and guests to the welcoming event.

“This is really one of the most exciting ways to start the school year,” said Ms Lew.

Following a tradition of Waldorf Schools worldwide, a Rose Ceremony was held to welcome the school’s first graders for the start of their academic career. The oldest grade level at the school is charged with fostering personal relationships and mentoring the younger students. During the Rose Ceremony seventh grade students greeted one or two first graders with a rose.

“This is our 19th first grade. This is our 19th Rose Ceremony,” said Ms Lew.

When all 15 new first graders had a rose, first grade teacher Deborah Lederman, who will teach this class through eighth grade, told the students a fairy tale, also following Waldorf School tradition.