Ringing of the Bells Ceremony Marks the Start of the School Year

The Viking spirit showed up in a big way on Thursday, September 4, for one of the year’s most beloved traditions at King School. The sound of bells rang out across the Segalas Family Field as students, faculty, and staff came together for the annual Ringing of the Bells Ceremony, a tradition that symbolizes the official start of the academic year.

This year’s theme, “Vikings Show Up,” was at the heart of the program. Head of School Carol Maoz, division heads, and divisional student representatives shared reflections on what it means to truly show up for oneself, for classmates, and for the King School community.

Following a processional of the senior class, the crowd rose for a spectacular rendition of the National Anthem from Student Council President Steven Blanco ’26, Hathaway Liparidis ’26, and Zuri Giddings ’26. Maoz then opened the ceremony, one of her favorite events of the year, by highlighting the importance of tradition at King School. 

“Traditions are one of the ways we make and keep connections to those who came before us and those who follow us,” she said. “We are all together in one place, symbolizing our unity as we gather here together as one community. Let's ring in the new school year with love and gratitude in our hearts.”

Head of Lower School Sandy Lizaire-Duff defined the theme in her own words: “It means trying our best, even when it's hard. It means showing up for yourself, being brave, curious, and willing to take risks. It means showing up for others, even on the hardest days, being a good friend, a supportive teammate, a kind classmate, and a caring member of our community.”

Sienna Fedele '33 spoke on behalf of the Lower School following remarks from her division head. “The Ringing of the Bells Ceremony has always been one of my favorite traditions here at King School, because it brings all of us together and shows who we are as a community. It is a perfect example of our theme: Vikings Show Up.” 

Head of Middle School Josh Deitch spoke about the connection between courage and showing up and had a request for the students: “As you go across this year, as you go about your days, as we make this community what it is, I'm going to ask you all to be courageous. Showing up for each other is courageous.”

“What does it mean for a Viking to show up?” middle school student Luke Powell ’30 asked and answered. “It means we are always there for our classmates, while also actively engaging in our learning and academics. We walk into each class with curiosity and passion and always try our hardest.”

Head of Upper School Marnie Sadlowsky shared with the audience that showing up should be a daily occurrence. 
"Each day, we dig deep and find a reason to show up for each other,” she said. “I know this year will be full of opportunities to do just that.”

In the final reflection, Steven captured the heart of the theme with a reminder that goes beyond simply being physically present. 

“Showing up means pushing yourself to finish that assignment you're putting off till the end of the night. Showing up means taking time to work on your weaknesses instead of doing what you're always comfortable with. Showing up means picking yourself up after falling short, not giving up after a mistake or lack of motivation.”

Steven urged his classmates to set aside distractions to be fully present. 

“Progress is not made half-heartedly in our goals. So we shouldn't treat life half-heartedly in our community; we need to show up for each other and ourselves by truly being a part of something.”

To close the ceremony, Steven and Maoz rang the first bell of the year before bells were passed through the crowd. Community members filled the field with bright ringing, a joyful reminder of the strength, unity, and spirit carrying King into the year ahead.

Following the ceremony, Steven and Student Council Vice President Alex Moskowitz ’27 made a special visit to the PreKindergarten classrooms to share the tradition with the littlest Vikings. Steven and Alex spoke to the classes about their time at King and the importance of community and tradition before inviting students to take turns ringing in the new year.