Parker has so many valuable traditions that make the school so unique and community oriented. One in particular is Big Siblings.
Big Sibs is a chance for seniors to bond with students who aren’t in the Upper School. It’s a time where the whole community is a little more connected as it’s a series of days when students from age 4 all the way to 14 are excited to hangout with their Big Sibs.
This event is meaningful for the students but the teachers as well. One of the benefits of a K-12 school is that if you have been there for a long time, you still get to see your teachers from when you were ten when you are a senior. Big Sibs allows teachers to interact with some of their former students as they have grown up.
Big Sibs is an event that really sets Parker apart from a lot of other schools. Since it’s
such a small school and a K-12 school, the program enables every grade to have at least two seniors. At most high schools this tradition wouldn’t even be possible, but at Parker this is an event that practically defines its mission.
The emphasis on community at Parker is extraordinary, and Big Sibs is an example of this. When I walk through the hallway, I often see Lower School kids and Middle School students getting really excited to see their Big Sib, and when it is Big Sib time, I see people playing games and just having fun together. Meaningful bonds get formed that most likely wouldn’t have been formed before as there is a lot of separation of the Lower School and Upper School.
For some students, becoming a Big Sib is something that they look forward to all the way
from JK. Young kids in particular really look up to their Big Sibs and view them as role models. As well, it’s a tradition that a lot of kids look forward to. When I got to experience Big Sibs, after every meeting I would discuss with my friends which grade we would want to be a Big Sib for and which teacher or advisory we would want. We were all so excited for when it would finally be our turn to take on the role of being a Big Sib.
Another aspect of this tradition is the giving of a key to each Big Sib as a little memento to remember Parker. It symbolizes that all alumni are welcome back to Parker with open arms. This event only happens on Class Day and is so meaningful for the seniors. A few students from each class in each grade give the key to their Big Sibs and to many students, especially the younger ones, this is a big deal. So many kids want to be the giver of the key for their Big Sib, but only a few people can actually do it. It feels like a grand honor to give the key to a Big Sib.
Big Sibs symbolizes the beginning but also the end. It’s a time for seniors to reflect on their previous years at Parker, and then at Class Day a time to say goodbye, which is much more difficult.
