Traditions Define the Radford Experience
CONVOCATION
Held in honor of the first day of school, Convocation is an opportunity for parents and students to meet the Radford Administration, Board of Directors, Faculty, and new students.
FLAG ASSEMBLY
Every month, a different class makes a presentation at the Flag Assembly. The event starts with (you guessed it) the presentation of Colors.
FAMILY NIGHT
An evening held at the beginning of the school year where parents can meet other parents and get to know their children’s teachers in a fun environment.
GRANDPARENT'S DAY
We know grandparents play a special role in our students’ lives, which is why we invite grandparents to come to enjoy a delicious meal with their grandchildren. This occasion allows grandparents to spend time with their grandchildren at school and see how they are doing, in addition to experiencing a legendary Radford lunch. Pictured below is a student enjoying lunch with his grandparents.
Fall Festival
In October, Fall Festival is a fun day of carnival games and costumes for students and families. All extended family members are invited! Classes and organizations sponsor at least one booth, and all proceeds go towards each class/organization. Click here for a gallery of photos.
Spirit Week
Held every year the week before Radford Day (Radford’s version of Homecoming), students and teachers celebrate all that is Radford with Pajama Day, Mix and Match Day, Character Day, Twin Day, Spirit Day – or any number of other ideas that Student Council plans for this fun week. Each class is judged, and winners receive points to win the much sought-after Spirit Award. Below: Teachers go all out for Mix and Match Day.
Radford Day
Held every year in November, Radford Day celebrates the school’s history. Alumni and friends are invited back to participate in a day-long series of performances and events.
Thanksgiving / Holiday Luncheon
Radford loves to have families join us for lunch, which is why we hold our annual Luncheons where families may enjoy lunch with their children. Buy your tickets early because these fill up fast! Lower School classes attend the Thanksgiving Luncheon, and Upper classes attend the Holiday Luncheon. If you have students in both—you get to enjoy both!
Operetta
A Christmas pageant is performed every year by the elementary school students for their families and fellow students.
Yule Log
Yule Log is the ceremony in which the senior class passes the brand and ashes of last year's yule log to the junior class. It is a ceremony that symbolizes the transition that the juniors undergo to become seniors. It is held in December, just before Christmas.
Senior Dinner (Senior Pin Ceremony)
A celebratory dinner for the senior class and their families, where seniors are presented with their gold lapel pins. It is also when the May Fete Court is announced.
Ladies Tea
Ladies of Radford, young and old, celebrate this time-tested tradition in Old Residence, Radford’s original school grounds. All enjoy a variety of unique treats and tea.
May Fete
Every May, the entire school gathers together to celebrate the senior class one last time before graduation. Each senior is escorted on stage by their parents, and the May Fete Queen is officially presented to the school. The senior class girls perform the traditional May Pole dance, and grades Pre-K through 11th each dance as a gift to the senior class.
Principal’s Breakfast and Honors Convocation
A congratulatory breakfast for the senior class and their families on behalf of the Radford School administration and faculty. The Principal’s Breakfast is also when students are given awards for their academic achievements throughout the year.
Baccalaureate
An inspirational speech is presented by a guest speaker for the Senior Class. It is also a blessing for the seniors as they prepare to move into a new phase of their lives.
Kindergarten Celebration and Elementary Honors
Kindergarten celebration ceremony for the kindergarten class and their families as they transition to elementary school. Students are presented with a certificate of completion.
There is also a presentation that honors the academic achievements of elementary school students.
8th Grade Completion Ceremony
8th Grade students and their families participate in a ceremony that acknowledges their academic achievements and celebrates their transition to high school. Students are presented with certificates of completion.
Senior Commencement
Seniors officially receive their high school diplomas during a ceremony with speeches from the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, faculty, and a special guest speaker.
Curriculum Plus
During the summer break each year, Radford Middle School and High School students take a trip along with parents, teacher chaperones, and a group leader to cities such as Costa Rica, London, Paris, Quebec, Montreal, New York, and more! Elementary students travel locally while still experiencing an exciting learning adventure.
