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As both a celebration and culminating project of their journey through Peck’s Lower School Spanish curriculum, fourth-graders read aloud in Spanish about a subject they know all too well: themselves!

World Languages Department Chair and Lower School Spanish Teacher Señora Adriana Sykora assigned her classes a “graphic novel” project, inspired by Yo Soy Carlos by Camilla Given, a book that students read as a part of their Spanish curriculum. 

Students wrote and illustrated facts about themselves using the Spanish vocabulary they have learned throughout their years in Lower School—often writing content that described more than just physical features, such as their personalities, loved ones, and favorite activities.

Sykora said, “It is so nice to see our students present their work in front of the people they love. This is a great opportunity for them to showcase all that they have learned over their years as Lower School Spanish students, and give them a chance to put their abilities to the test.”

The fourth grade will soon depart the Lower School Spanish curriculum, as they graduate to the Upper School (fifth grade) next year.  The Upper School World Language program offers not only Spanish but also French and Latin—and as fifth graders, students will experience all three languages before deciding on which they will focus for the remainder of their time at Peck.
 

The stage came alive at last week’s Upper School Talent Show, where students showcased an incredible range of talent, creativity, and confidence. From vocal performances to impressive piano pieces, the show highlighted the artistic spirit that thrives within our school community.

Several eighth graders took on the role of emcee, introducing each act and keeping the energy high with kind (and often hilarious) commentary. The audience’s enthusiasm was unmistakable, with cheers and applause filling the room after every act.

Events like the Upper School Talent Show give students the opportunity to step outside the classroom, build confidence, and share their passions with peers, teachers, and families. It’s a celebration not only of talent, but of the courage it takes to perform and the joy of supporting one another.

Bravo to all of our performers for an unforgettable show of music, dance, and school spirit—we can’t wait to see what next year’s show will bring!
 

A recent addition to Peck’s Lower School came not from a classroom, but from a family’s travels. After a trip to Guatemala, a kindergarten parent returned with a Peck-themed piñata to share with students—bringing a piece of cultural celebration directly into the school day.

Kindergarteners learned about the cultural significance of breaking open a piñata for celebrations and how they bring people together. 

Moments like these reflect the role families play in shaping life at Peck. Beginning in kindergarten, parents and students share cultural and holiday traditions through classroom visits and programs like World Cultures Assembly, creating opportunities for students to learn from one another’s experiences.

In second grade—where students explore the essential question, How does learning about myself and others help us connect?—the Family Share program invites families into the classroom to share traditions, languages, and personal stories from around the world, part of a broader culture of parent partnership across the school.

Across divisions, parents contribute in other meaningful ways as well, from supporting classroom projects and cultural celebrations to volunteering their time and expertise. Together, these experiences help create a community where students feel connected, valued, and at home—grounded in a sense of belonging that extends well beyond the classroom.
 

In Dr. Denise Glenn’s eighth grade science classroom, Newton’s Second Law isn’t just something students memorize, it’s something they put in motion—by building and testing handmade catapults.

As part of a hands-on physics challenge, students designed and constructed their own catapults using simple materials like popsicle sticks and rubber bands. From there, the classroom quickly transformed into a lab of experimentation, where students tested projectiles of varying masses, adjusted launch angles, and measured how force impacts acceleration.

“Force times mass equals acceleration!” Evan H. ’26 called out when prompted—a clear sign that the concept is sticking.

By manipulating variables like angle, force, and mass, students are seeing Newton’s Second Law in action. Whether aiming to knock down stacked cup towers or land a projectile inside a target, each trial requires careful observation, data collection, and adjustment. Students record their findings as part of a lab activity, reinforcing the connection between theory and real-world results.

The challenge doesn’t stop at accuracy—it also builds problem-solving skills. Dr. Glenn encourages a “figure it out” mindset, where students iterate on their designs, collaborate with peers, and learn from failed attempts. The experience is intentionally open-ended, giving students ownership over both the process and the outcome. And yes—it’s as fun as it sounds.

“It’s really fun trying different angles and seeing what works best,” said Nolan B. ’26. “And honestly, knocking things over never gets old.”

With future challenges like bridge building on the horizon—and even larger outdoor launches planned—Dr. Glenn’s classroom continues to be a place where curiosity, creativity, and physics collide.
 

Peck’s latest Reach Across event proved once again that some of the best connections are built through simple, shared moments. Bringing together Upper and Lower School students, Reach Across activities (held three times per year) focus on teamwork, creativity, and—of course—a little friendly competition.

This time, as students resumed their cross-grade buddy groups (pairing younger and older students), they were challenged to build towers using nothing but playing cards. What started as a delicate balancing act quickly turned into a morning filled with laughter, problem-solving, and collaboration.

The results? A mix of impressive structures, a few collapses (followed by lots of laughs), and plenty of new friendships formed along the way.

Reach Across continues to do what it does best—creating opportunities for students to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another, one card tower at a time.
 

In Juliana Vitiello’s fifth-grade science class, students are exploring the dynamic relationship between Earth’s four major systems: the biosphere (all living things), hydrosphere (all water), geosphere (land and rocks), and atmosphere (air). Through their studies, students are discovering how these systems are deeply interconnected, constantly influencing and changing one another—especially through processes like the water cycle.

Inspired by their studies, students proposed an idea of their own: to create a project that would visually represent these connections. Ms. Vitiello embraced their enthusiasm and collaborated with the class to design a detailed rubric for a hands-on assignment.

As they worked in teams, students used recycled materials to build 3D models centered around the theme of protecting Earth’s systems. Each group selected a specific biome—rainforest, ocean, or tundra—and conducted research to understand how all four systems interact within that environment.

To accompany their models, students wrote four index cards explaining how each system was represented and how they impacted one another. The project culminated in class presentations, where students shared their creative designs and demonstrated a deeper understanding of Earth’s interconnected systems.

“By combining student voices, creativity, collaboration, and scientific thinking, this project transformed learning into an engaging and meaningful project,” said Vitiello.

As our winter season comes to a close, we celebrate the hard work, growth, and competitive spirit shown by all of our student-athletes. From buzzer-beaters to championship runs, this winter was filled with progress, perseverance, and pride.
 

🏀 Boys Basketball

The Boys Basketball team showed tremendous growth from start to finish! The progress made over the course of the season was undeniable, as the players continued to develop their skills and compete with intensity.

The team earned a spot in the first round of the MSAC Tournament, taking on Newark Academy. 

It was a great final season for eighth graders Alex. B., Douglas B., David E., Christian G., Joseph H., Evan H., Hardy L., Thijs M., Antonio O., Cole P., and Aarav S.

Photo Gallery Here

🏀 Girls Basketball

The Girls Basketball team finished undefeated in regular play and earned the #2 seed in the MSAC Tournament, starting off the tournament with two bye weeks.

They ultimately fell to Pingry in the semifinals, but not before playing one of their strongest and most competitive games of the season. Their growth, resilience, and teamwork were on full display when it mattered most.

Special shoutout to Norah C., Maggie D., and Reese L., for leading the team through an excellent season.

Photo Gallery Here
 

🏒 Ice Hockey

The Ice Hockey team battled all season long, competing with heart and determination as they entered the tournament as the 4th seed.

They made an impressive run to the MSAC appearance, taking down #1 seed Pingry, and advancing to the Finals, where they faced Far Hills — a tremendous achievement.

Leadership and steady play from eighth grade captains Nolan B., Lorenzo C., Maddie F., Zander P., Alex S., Logan S., Grove S., Kamryn W., and Eva Z., helped guide the team throughout the winter.

Photo Gallery Here
 

🏐 Volleyball

Volleyball continued its tradition of excellence, hosting the MSAC Tournament at home once again, and earned the #5 seed. The team advanced to the semifinals, where they fell to the #1 seed Newark Academy, showcasing some of the best volleyball we’ve seen at Peck in years.

This year’s group may have been the most well-rounded in decades — everyone could set, hit, and pass. Eighth graders Julietta A., Sofia K., Emma C., Layla S., Gianna S., and Gray S. showed confidence and readiness to take on bigger roles.

Photo Gallery Here
 

🤼 Wrestling

Wrestling had a standout season with one of the largest and youngest teams in recent memory. The program welcomed the most girls it's ever had participated — an exciting sign of growth for the future!

The team finished the season strong, and earned 13 out of 27 medals in the MSAC Tournament hosted by Newark Academy.

Shoutout to the eighth graders on their final wrestling season: Adam S. and Gunnar S.

Photo Gallery Here
 

🌟 Looking Ahead

This winter season was defined by development, leadership, and resilience. Spring sports will kick off Mon. March 2.

The Peck School held its annual Third-Grade Project Runway assembly on Wednesday. Lower School students, their teachers, and parents of third graders met in The Peck Commons to watch the fashion show—and it was a spectacle of color and creativity!

The challenge was simple but creative: to mark the 100th day of school, each third grader had to design and create an outfit using 100 of their favorite items. From collectible cards and sweet treats, students used their imaginations to create unique and eye-catching designs.

Project Runway is not only a fun and creative outlet for our third grade, but also teaches them important skills like problem-solving and perseverance. (And who knows, we may even see some of these young designers on the real Project Runway someday!)

As the show began, pairs of third graders danced down from the stage and past rows of their Lower School peers—showing off their handmade outfits with confidence and style. The designs were as unique as the students, including outfits featuring 100 pompoms, 100 photos of pets, and even 100 legos!

But the 100th Day of School celebrations didn’t stop there! Lower School students of all grades took on Mrs. Brady’s 100th Day of School Mathletics Challenge, kindergarteners dressed like 100-year-olds too!