All-School Notes — May 18

All-School Notes — May 18

May 18, 2025


2025-2026 Calendar of Important Events

To help you plan for the upcoming school year, please find a letter regarding the 2025-2026 Calendar of Important Dates here.


Class Challenge — May 5, 2025 - May 20, 2025

New incentive unlocked! 

We are excited to announce a Cocktail Hour on Thursday, June 5, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., for the parents of the winning class within the Middle School and Upper School who reach the highest participation (must exceed our goal of 80%). 

This party will be hosted by Liz Morrison, Head of School, and the Senior Leadership Team, who will be tending bar and passing hors d’oeuvres as a way to say thank you to our generous families.

See who is in the lead and make your gift today!

The goal of Morristown Beard School’s 15-Day Class Challenge is to increase overall participation rates in The MB Fund among each current class, grades 6-12.

When all classes reach 80% participation, the whole School will be rewarded with a Dress Down Day! The winning grade in the Middle School and Upper School will each win a pizza party!

Give Now!



Art & Design Show This Week — Reception on May 20

Join us for an inspiring Art Show featuring the incredible work from a handful of students from the Art & Design Department! This year's exhibition includes stunning glass pieces, intricate 3D work, captivating paintings, detailed drawings, and more! We're excited to present the showcase in the Science on the Sphere Room in Wilkie Hall. The artwork will be on display throughout the week, with a special opening reception on Tuesday, May 20, in the evening from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join us for an evening of artistic celebration representing a selection of students from grades 6-12. Stay tuned for future notice about our special Senior Showcase Art Show coming soon.

Don't miss this celebration of creativity and talent!


Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are some highlights of upcoming community events for students:

  • May 23: Join us for Frisbee Friday on the Class of 2020 Quad during Middle School and Upper School lunch periods. Research shows that regular exercise is linked to better mental health and reduced rates of mental illness. Come play frisbee and enjoy some outdoor fun!

  • May 28: Visit the activity table in the dining hall during Middle School and Upper School lunch periods for tips, tools, and self-care resources. Our school counselors will be sharing a variety of supportive tools and resources to reduce stigma and support students' mental health, along with stickers, stress balls, and stigma-free bracelet giveaways! 

  • May 30: Join us during Flex in the Chapel to hear from Ms. Elizabeth Girouard, Certified Holistic Health Coach and Workplace Wellness Ambassador, as she explores the powerful connection between the gut and brain—and how it influences our mental and emotional well-being.

  • Lastly, during Middle School Mini-Meeting and Upper School Advisory, the Counseling Department will share some mindfulness strategies designed to reduce stress, enhance emotional regulation, and promote overall well-being as part of our Mental Health Awareness Month programming.

The Counseling Department's goal during Mental Health Awareness Month is to raise awareness, educate, and provide support to our community as we work together to reduce the stigma associated with mental health.


Middle School Musical, Moana — Wednesday, May 21

All families are invited to join us in Founders Hall on Wednesday, May 21, at 3:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. for a performance of this year’s Middle School musical, Moana.



Learn About the MBS & Rutgers Hamilton Sleep Lab Collaboration!

Join us for an informative and engaging parent session focused on helping students better understand the importance of sleep and exploring practical strategies to support healthy sleep habits.
Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Kirby Chapel
The speaker will be on Zoom, but parents are welcome to join together in Kirby Chapel to view the presentation as a community.

Through this exciting collaboration, our goal is to:
  • Empower students with knowledge about sleep and well-being
  • Encourage mindful routines and realistic sleep goals
  • Share data and feedback from the MBS Sleep Project
  • Highlight how small changes in sleep can lead to BIG results
Virtual Guest Speaker:
Dr. Jessica Hamilton
Director, Rutgers Hamilton Sleep Lab
 
Let’s work together to support students' healthy sleep habits and well-being!
 
Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
All parents/guardians welcome!
 
If you cannot join in person, please use the Zoom links below:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mbs-net.zoom.us/j/82799950003?pwd=KaIiO5RQcICaj1D2cJGyDERnaMoTlW.1
Meeting ID: 827 9995 0003
Passcode: 541024


Student Weekly Schedules

We are using an updated 8-day rotating schedule this year.  You may view the Middle School schedule here and the Upper School schedule here.


Late Start Wednesday Schedule

We will once again have a late start to the school day on select Wednesdays for the upcoming year. Occurring once or twice a month, these Wednesday mornings will provide faculty the opportunity to meet, engage in important professional development, and further discuss the work they do with their students. You may view the dates here.


Dress-Up Day Schedule

Click here to view the dress-up day schedule for the year.


Emergency Notifications

MBS will use Finalsite Messages to email and text school closing and weather alerts. There will not be a notification via phone. There is nothing you need to do to create an account — your email and phone number will be pulled from the School lists automatically. Please add the phone number 844-987-3160 to your phone address book to avoid missing text messages.