Parents' Association
A Fair To Remember! NCCS & Horizons Gather for 75th Frogtown Fair
Over 800 members of the NCCS and Horizons community gathered to enjoy a picnic lunch and a variety of activities designed for the young-at-heart at the 75th annual Frogtown Fair, held on the school’s front lawn, May 14.
Following tradition, the Agonizers kicked things off with a musical parade up the driveway. Third-grade flag bearer Matthew DiBiasio led the marching musicians to the Grace House steps where Head of School Aaron Cooper awaited. With the assistance of ninth-grade student government leaders Brendan Buda and Eleanor DuPont, the trio hoisted the original Frogtown Fair flag on its vintage make-shift pole and welcomed all to a day of family fun for all ages. “Let the fun begin, this fair is now open!” they declared in unison.
Ninth-graders ran the midway games while younger students enjoyed pony rides, the petting zoo, cotton candy, crafts, face painting, gunny sack races and rides in Old Faithful, the antique fire engine. In the Grace House circle, children ages 3-6 played “Frog Games'' which included cornhole-type activities with bean bag frogs and hand-carved (and hand-pulled) carousel horse rides.
Musically inclined faculty members Christopher Lawler, Scott Lilley, Lindy Toczko and Andrew Tyson kept spirits high with a neverending playlist of bluegrass melodies. Nearby, picnic tables with gingham tablecloths and wildflower centerpieces provided a place for adults to catch up with one another, enjoy a hamburger or a hot dog with lemonade or simply relax in the sunshine.
As part of the school's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, all members of the community are invited to identify ways in which our values of courage and community can lead us into a more just future, in celebration and respect for all community members. Leaning on our values “risk-taking” and “mistake-making,” we applaud our planners - including students - for the application of Maya Angelou’s quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. And when you know better, do better.” In response to recently learned insights about the origins of the “dunk tank” as a form of harsh mistreatment of African Americans for spectacle, it was eliminated from the fair this year.
As part of the school's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, all members of the community are invited to identify ways in which our values of courage and community can lead us into a more just future, in celebration and respect for all community members. Leaning on our values “risk-taking” and “mistake-making,” we applaud our planners - including students - for the application of Maya Angelou’s quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. And when you know better, do better.” In response to recently learned insights about the origins of the “dunk tank” as a form of harsh mistreatment of African Americans for spectacle, it was eliminated from the fair this year.
“I’m just so happy to be back on campus and to see everyone!” said past-parent Elizabeth Kontulis, one of several multi-generational families in attendance. Joining her were sons James '18, fifth-grade apprentice teacher Clay ‘12 and two grandchildren, whom they were babysitting for Eliza Kontulis Getz ‘04.
The school’s Parents’ Association, working in partnership with the Operations and Facilities teams, provided logistical oversight for the multiple variables that go into a day of this kind, all of which were seamlessly delivered. Special thanks to exceptional event Chairs Devon Burger, Lauren Ryder, Jennifer Kurtz and Shannon Kieske. Additionally, we are always grateful for our PA Executive Committee members Gwen Golden, Jen Kline, Carina Calia, Ashley Williams, Hilary Flanagan and Sonia O’Connor for their continued service and dedication to creating such a warm and welcoming school community. Special thanks also to our friends in the Horizons organization who contributed in countless ways to make the day truly special for all.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
