Kicking off the 2026-27 School Year

The 129th MHS academic year began in style at Convocation, as the Miss Hall’s community warmly welcomed new students and celebrated the first of its annual traditions — signing the Book of the School.

Students, faculty, and staff gathered in Centennial Hall for a Convocation ceremony that began with a procession of 9th graders, sophomores, and juniors. They, in turn, welcomed seniors, who each carried roses, an MHS tradition honoring their leadership.

School President Indigo Travis ’27 opened the program by the traditional ringing of the School Bell that belonged to MHS founder Mira Hall and sharing inspirational remarks about the idea of “becoming,” moving toward the next iteration of ourselves in the year ahead. “We are always becoming, changing minutely every day, getting closer and closer to — to what, exactly?” asked Indigo. “Is there a final version of ourselves if we are always changing?”

Instead, Indigo encouraged students to think of their MHS years as part of their journey, of being “almost there,” rather than a destination. She urged new students to soon call MHS “home,” and returning students to embrace every new version of themselves with love, care, and understanding. “I want to remind you that your potential is limitless,” Indigo said. “You are not the final version of yourself. None of us are.”

Beginning her final year as Head of School, Julia Heaton encouraged students to embrace growth. “Together, we will determine how this year unfolds,” Ms. Heaton said. “Every one of us has the opportunity, the invitation and responsibility to contribute boldly and creatively to the common good here at MHS, and to, as Indigo said, make something beautiful.”

The year ahead, Ms. Heaton noted, will bring opportunities and challenges, but students should trust that they are meant to be at MHS, where they are valued and respected, where they are measured by their contributions now, not by what came before, and where the unique parts of their identity are their source of greatest power.

“Today is a beautiful day,” she added. “It’s the start of a new year and the opportunity to begin again. Whether this is your very first year, your graduation year, or your 20th year, I know it will be a great year. We are made for this.”

After new faculty and staff were recognized, and longtime service to the School honored, new students were invited to sign the Book of the School, which lists the names of every student to attend Miss Hall’s.

“The Book of the School tradition started more than two decades ago as a way to welcome new students into this community, and to honor the long history of our School and our alums,” Ms. Heaton added. “When you sign your name in the Book of School, you show your commitment to the Miss Hall’s core values. When you are seniors, you will return to the Book of the School the night before graduation and place a stamp by your name, marking the transition from student to alum.”

As new students signed the book, their “Bigs,” (older students who take new students under their wings) shared fun facts about them. The program closed with the singing of the Alma Mater, followed by a procession of students through a corridor of applauding faculty and staff.

From there, it was on to the Front Hill for an all-school photograph to mark the start of another amazing school year!