The 8th Grade (and final) year for Bethany students is filled with the fun and excitement of annual traditions, but also uncertainty and big decisions about the future. Our students will soon be transitioning to high school and we want to make sure that they are fully prepared for this next chapter of their education, and make some fantastic memories as they enjoy the rich experiences and rites of passage that come with being a part of the 8th Grade Class of 2026.
Below is a listing of all the activities, customs, events, and more they will get to enjoy and all the important details that go with them for parents.
Click on any of the subjects below to learn more!
Questions?
Please contact Mr. Dallas Stokes at stokes@bethanyschool.org.
See alternate contacts on select descriptions below.
A wonderful annual tradition of Bethany 8th Grade graduating classes is to provide a special gift to the school to help enhance and/or beautify the campus.
Past classes have provided special decorative rocks, benches, flags, and more.
This year’s gift is still to be determined but this process will involve the creativity and collaboration of the students and their families, and may involve some level of fundraising.
Please check back soon for more details!
7th and 8th Grade Retreat
Every year our 7th and 8th Grade students enjoy a retreat to learn more about themselves and each other, as well as what it means to be the student-leaders of Bethany School.
The date, time, location, and other details are still being finalized so please check back for updates.
8th Grade-Kindergarten Buddies
One of our most beloved traditions is our 8th Grade students being matched up with Kindergarten students as each other’s Buddies.
These pairings will enjoy a variety of fun experiences together throughout the school year ranging from holiday celebrations to science experiments.
All buddies should be matched up in September.
Community Service
Our 8th Grade students will participate in a variety of community service projects this school year.
Examples include:
October 5-11: Episcopal Schools Week
Food for the Soul Thanksgiving Meal Preparation
Tikkun Farm Service Project
More details will be shared soon!
Questions? Please contact Mr. Joe Snavely at snavely@bethanyschool.org..
Volleyball and Kickball Games
Two favorite events for students are annual athletic events.
The Staff vs. Students Volleyball Game is being moved to the all this year and will be on Tuesday, October 14th as part of our fall pep rally from 1:45-2:30 pm in the BAC.
The 7th vs 8th Grade Kickball Game will be on Monday, May 18th 1:45-2:30 pm.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend both events but must sign in as visitors at the Main Office prior to entering the BAC.
Student Banners
As a way to celebrate all of our graduating 8th Grade students is to make a special banner for them that will be prominently displayed on campus for Field Day and other events.
This will include a special photoshoot in the fall where every student will get to wear an outfit of his or her choice in a variety of poses and families will receive electronic files of the photos for their personal use and will also select the photo they want featured on their banners.
Details will be shared soon with a target date for early October.
Washington D.C. Trip
Dates: Tuesday, May 5th-Friday, May 8th
A signature experience of the 8th Grade year is the annual Washington D.C. Trip.
Students will get to visit our nation’s capital where they will visit all of the major sites like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, museums, Arlington National Cemetery, and more from tour guides, federal employees, military personnel, and museum experts.
Bethany pays for half and parents are asked to cover the other half
Financial aid will be available.
Please reach out to our School Chaplin Joe Snavely for questions about the trip, including financial assistance, at snavely@bethanyschool.org.
More details to come!
8th Grade Chapel
Thursday, May 14th, 9:30 am, BAC
The final all-school chapel of the school year, a variety of special ceremonies will take place, including all 8th Grade students receiving a special Bible from a staff member that they have identified as having a strong impact on their Bethany School experience.
Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend but must first sign in at the Main Office before entering the BAC.
End of Year Honors and Awards Night
8th Grade Honor Ceremony
Friday, May 15th, 1:15 pm, BAC
8th Grade students will present special speeches to the student body and audience and will be honored and celebrated for their outstanding achievements for both the school year and their entire Bethany School career.
Tuesday, May 19th, 7 pm, BAC
Select students will be recognized for their achievement of the Silver Tea and Stellar Scholar Awards.
Silver Tea Award requirements:
Earned First Honors all 3 trimesters for the academic year
Stellar Scholar: Made First Honors every trimester since 4th Grade
More information to come!
Graduation
Wednesday, May 20th, 7 pm, Location TBD
Please stay tuned for final details, including venue selection.
Interested in working at Bethany School?
At Bethany School, our commitment to teaching children goes beyond the classroom. As a community, we help them build strong character and find their sense of purpose. We value respect and diversity and aim to create a joyful environment where play and discovery help cultivate a love for learning. Come see what makes Bethany School a truly special place to learn and grow.