A Meaningful Pause: Highlights from Peck’s Winter Kairos Assembly

Three times per year the Peck community pauses for Kairos—a treasured tradition rooted in reflection, gratitude, and connection. During the school day, students and faculty gather for an assembly that celebrates our core values, while in the evening, families power down for a homework-free night designed to encourage meaningful time together.

This winter’s Kairos assembly highlighted courage, dedication, and the relationships that define life at Peck. From a student performance to heartfelt recognitions, the assembly demonstrated the values we cherish and the people in our community who make those values a reality.

Peck’s PIC (Peck InDeCoRe Club) eighth-grade student officers kicked off the morning’s assembly with a thoughtful, funny skit inspired by the world of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. Dressed as wizards from a far away school coined Lindenwarts, the students highlighted how it takes courage to face your fears and take responsibility for one’s actions. 

The assembly also celebrated faculty milestones and contributions. Upper School Art Teacher Scott Beil was honored with Peck’s Glass Apple Award, recognizing his ten years of dedicated service to The Peck School. Upper School Woodworking Teacher Mark Mortensen followed with an IRO (In Recognition Of)—another Peck tradition—offering a heartfelt reflection on Beil’s steady care for his students, calm presence in the classroom, and enduring creativity.

“Walk past the art room early in the morning, and you’ll see what makes Mr. Beil special,” said Mortenesen. “The door is open. Students wander in to explore, to create, to simply be. Mr. Beil has built more than a classroom—he's built a sanctuary where middle schoolers can discover who they are, one brushstroke at a time. His students are gently guided and empowered to be their best selves, in and outside of the classroom. His quiet strength and genuine care speak louder than any lecture ever could.”

One of the most powerful moments of the assembly came from an eighth-grade speech, delivered by Gray S. ‘26. Eighth-grade speeches represent the culmination of years of growth and preparation in public speaking, and eighth graders can choose to deliver their speeches at all-school assemblies (in front of the nearly 400 students, teachers, and staff) or smaller, more intimate assemblies throughout the year.

Gray delivered a deeply moving and personal speech about her mother, saying “Life doesn’t come with a guide, but it comes with a mother.” Her tribute resonated throughout the auditorium and left many in the audience holding back tears.

One last moving moment came at the end of the assembly, with the presentation of Peck's annual Faculty and Staff Award for Community Connections to Gail McNamee, Peck’s Front Desk Receptionist and Information Management Coordinator.

The award, established in memory of former Peck parent David Schnur, recognizes a faculty or staff member who fosters deep, meaningful relationships with students—connections that inspire belonging, growth, and transformation.

Through her warmth, care, and daily presence at the heart of the school, McNamee exemplifies the spirit this cherished honor celebrates.

“She learns and remembers the names of students, staff, and parents, and makes every person feel seen and welcomed the moment they walk through the door,” said a colleague. “She consistently goes above and beyond to help with any task, always leading with a ‘yes’ mindset that fosters trust, belonging, and a culture where students and the entire community can grow and thrive.”

As the winter Kairos assembly concluded, students and teachers left with a renewed appreciation for the present and for those who have helped make their journeys so meaningful.

Congratulations to our honorees on this well-deserved recognition—we are grateful for the incredible impact they have made and look forward to many more years of learning, growth, and inspiration together.