At Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School, traditions are more than just events—they’re the heart of our vibrant community, bringing together students and parents from PreK through eighth grade in meaningful ways.

Traditions that Unite Students and Families

These beloved events create a strong sense of belonging and connection. For students, our traditions build lasting friendships and instill a spirit of teamwork, while for parents, they offer a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the school community and form relationships with other families.

  • Back-to-School Family Picnic: What better way to kick off the school year than by having a family BBQ on the lawn?
  • Blessing of the Animals: First- and second-graders bring their pets to campus for a special blessing.
  • Carnival: A spirited school fundraiser where families, friends, and faculty come together for a fun-filled day of activities, food, and games.
  • Christmas Plays: Festive holiday productions featuring our PreKindergarten and Kindergarten students.
  • Concerts: Students in Grades 1–8 show off their vocal and instrumental skills in two concerts each year: one at Christmas and another in the spring.
  • Compass Sorting and Installation: New students are welcomed into their Compass houses at the beginning of the year. At the end of the year, eighth-graders pass on the torch of leadership to the next year's Compass leaders.
  • EGGS (Eighth Grade Graduation Surprise): Each spring, Grade 8 surprises the school community with a day of fun and celebration.
  • Flag Raising: A thoughtful ceremony that begins and ends every school year.
  • Grade 8 Graduation: Students complete their journey at Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School with a week of activities culminating in a graduation ceremony steeped in tradition.
  • Grandparents’ Day: Every other year, we invite grandparents to campus to enjoy classroom activities and a special picnic with their grandchildren.
  • Halloween Parade: PreKindergarten and Kindergarten students follow the candy trail around campus as they get treats from faculty and staff.
  • Kindergarten Graduation: Students are celebrated for their hard work with a fun ceremony full of song.
  • Pep Rallies: Students don their Compass colors to celebrate our athletes and compete in fun relay games.
  • PreK and Kindergarten Annual Dinner: Fathers and grandfathers enjoy a special dinner in our Dining Room.
  • PreK and Kindergarten Annual Tea: Mothers and grandmothers are celebrated with tea, songs, and gifts.
  • Pumpkin Olympics: A Halloween tradition where Compass houses compete in a series of relay games for the coveted Spirit Stick.

Lower & Middle School

Lower & Middle School