Small Moments, Strong Connections: A Piñata in Peck’s Kindergarten

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.