Each week, Lower School Assembly provides an important venue for Ellis girls to prepare and give a presentation to their peers, all while receiving support from their classmates and teachers. Programs range from sharing information about projects and field trips, to singing songs and telling jokes, all planned by the students and done together.

On the surface, they might be learning from each other about a history project, climate change, or vocabulary skills, but the teachers in the room know that they are also learning how to be bold.

“Each time students step forward, it’s more than just a performance—it’s a powerful act of self-expression,” said Lower School Division Head Jamie Schiff. “For those presenting, it’s a step in embracing their courage and understanding their own power. For those in the audience, seeing their peers speak up reinforces that they, too, have a voice worth hearing.”

Assemblies help Ellis’ youngest learners hone their presentation skills, as students are tasked with writing and revising their own announcements with support from teachers. They learn how to speak confidently and clearly with a microphone. And they are emboldened by older students; middle and upper school students model leadership by presenting to the Lower School. This fosters mentorship and connection, while helping the younger girls develop confidence and communication skills.

Dr. Schiff said assemblies are also a good reminder to the community of why we are here: to help our students grow into young women who are fearless, self-assured, and committed to lifting each other up.

At the beginning of the year, assemblies focus on the school's mission and pillars.

“Most students, even the youngest ones, can name the pillars of the School and articulate the mission,” said Dr. Schiff. “The assembly process is designed to strengthen these connections.”

The mission is reiterated at the start of every assembly throughout the year, but after some initial modeling by Dr. Schiff and the teachers early in the year, assemblies transition to student-led presentations with support from classroom teachers. Topics vary, depending on the time of year, and on the lessons and projects the classes have in the works.

A recent assembly highlighted philanthropy in the Lower School, with pre-kindergarten students taking the microphone to express gratitude for the Ellis community. Kindergarten gave a farm-to-table talk and led the Lower School in singing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm’ grade 1 talked about sensory bottles they made to help kids cope with big feelings; and grade 2 talked about a project in support of Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. Each of the third graders made a poster about kindness and shared the artwork, and grade 4 told their peers about how they filled little free pantries located around the neighborhood.

Each class was met with encouragement and applause; each assembly ends by singing the alma mater, another subtle example of the strength the community has together.

“These are skills they will need sooner than later,” Dr. Schiff said. “By the time students reach Upper School, they are fully responsible for running assemblies, and they can do it because of their earlier years practicing in a supportive environment.”