On Thursday, October 9, the campus of TASIS Middle and High School welcomed the families of its students for a day of immersion and celebration. The event provided a unique opportunity for parents to step into their children's academic world, attending classes alongside them to experience firsthand the educational environment and daily rhythm of school life. This engagement offered valuable insight into the curriculum and teaching methodologies, fostering a stronger connection between home and school. Following the classroom visits, the community gathered in the Palestra for an assembly of significant importance. The event was designed not merely as a performance, but as a profound tribute to the school's founder, M. Crist Fleming, a pioneering figure in international education. The assembly served as the centerpiece of the day, weaving together the past and present of the institution to honor its enduring 传统. The program was carefully curated to reflect the values Mrs. Fleming instilled, blending personal reminiscences with artistic performances from across the student body. This structured approach allowed families to transition from the intimate setting of the classroom to a communal celebration of the school's heritage, creating a cohesive and meaningful experience that underscored the partnership between the school and its families.
The Founder’s Day Assembly was a meticulously orchestrated event that celebrated the life and vision of M. Crist Fleming. Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff opened the proceedings, setting a reflective tone for the gathering. A poignant video, edited by Vitor Mendes, followed, sharing memories of Mrs. Fleming and reminding the community of her groundbreaking work. The artistic heart of the assembly showcased the school's deep commitment to the arts, beginning with a beautiful rendition of the traditional Scottish folk song "Wild Mountain Thyme," performed collaboratively by the All-School Orchestra and the Elementary, Middle, and High School Choirs. A particularly powerful segment featured TASIS Board Member Carla Arimont Lincoln, an alumna from the class of 1994, who spoke alongside her daughter, Allegra Garcia-Atance Arimont ’27. Their joint presentation, titled "The Essence of TASIS: Timeless Values and Mrs. Fleming's Legacy," highlighted the intergenerational impact of the school's founding principles. This was followed by a thoughtful presentation on "Truth, Goodness, and Beauty" by a group of students ranging from grades 6 to 12, demonstrating how these core ideals are understood and embraced across different age groups. The High School Honors Choir then performed a moving version of Coldplay's "Yellow," with revised lyrics, serving as a thematic prelude to the assembly's closing tradition. Following Headmaster Nikoloff's concluding remarks, the community moved outside for the annual ritual of tossing yellow rose petals—Mrs. Fleming's favorite flower—into the MCF Fountain. This 符号 act, set to music, provided a visual and emotional culmination to the day, beautifully linking the school's history with its present-day community in a moment of shared reverence and continuity.
