Orientation Week: Finding the Joys of Lawrenceville

When Emilie Kosoff added "Inciting Joy" to her summer reading list, she found inspiration in its pages – and ways to rethink Lawrenceville’s annual Orientation Week. “What incites joy?” and “What does joy incite?” are questions author Ross Gay asks his readers to consider in his book. Kosoff, Lawrenceville’s acting co-head of school, was intrigued, and brought those queries to a retreat for Student Council members and Prefects.

“What was most striking about that weekend in June was the joy that radiated from the group as they stretched themselves not only to reimagine orientation, but also the ways in which they could shape the community they want to see us as,” Kosoff recalled in her recent Convocation address. “They did this work together and the joy they found in moving outside of their comfort zones inspires me as we launch into the new academic year!”

The emotion of joy served as a foundation to this year’s weeklong orientation, a comprehensive introduction for new – and reminder to returning – students to the School's culture, community values, and the essential skills needed for a successful Lawrenceville journey. Faculty, staff, and students from around the School developed and led an extraordinary, innovative, and fun slate of orientation activities.

There was joy as the new Tsai Field House came to life for registration, meals, and athletic practices. Joy in the Houses, where students reunited with or met their new best friends. Athletes and artists made joyful noise on practice fields, stages, and rehearsal spaces for their fall seasons. Joy was at Harkness tables as students stretched their intellects around community expectations, wellness, the ethical use of both social media and artificial intelligence, and considered ways to agree or disagree respectfully about issues large and small. And joy was loud and proud at the Second Form Bowl Cup, House Olympics, Ropes Course Night Climbs, Big Red Farm Dinner, line dancing, block party, bingo, spirit dinner, Convocation, religious life services, games at the Big Red Park – and more!

According to Holli Olson, assistant dean of students, the goals of Orientation Week were twofold. First, to build community and second to give everyone the same clear understanding of community expectations.

“We want everyone to know that this is their home, and that they are seen as individuals. We recognize that those things take time, and that they come with highs and lows, but there are supports in place to help them face those ups and downs,” Olson explained. “We have a lot of great resources, and it is OK to use those.”

Marquis Scott, acting co-head of school, reminded students in his Convocation address that they are “surrounded by a caring and loving faculty and staff [who] are all excited, inspired, and eager to support you.” Faculty, staff, and students alike are united by this year’s theme, “Making the Future Possible,” giving community members the responsibility to “ensure that we are not just reacting to change but actively shaping it, as making the future possible through our actions each day will inspire joy and a sense of home for every member of our community.”

Whether a student is day or boarding, Assistant Head of School for Student Life Blake Eldridge ’96 said Lawrenceville is their home away from home. “We want each student to know that other people really care about them and are interested in them, and that they have what it takes to succeed here. And if they ever find a challenge or have a question, they know that any adult on campus, or their Prefects, or any Student Council member is going to be ready to listen to their question and provide the support,” he said.

Eldridge pointed out that even as returning students progress through Lawrenceville, they will have new Houses, new roles, and new responsibilities. “We have a structured set of orientation experiences that help us meet those individual needs while still building a collective campus identity with some new, shared experiences that can be a touchstone for the rest of the academic year together,” he said.

Orientation Week is, according to Student Council Arts Representative Na’imah Ford ’25, a “judgment-free moment.” She and Student Council Wellness Representative Najia King ’25 agrees that it gives returning students a space to reconnect with old classmates and the space to merge with new students.

“And that is much better than having to make eye contact awkwardly around the Harkness table with a stranger. And trust me, Harkness conversations flow a lot better after everyone has gotten the chance to get to know one another,” King said. 

“Lawrenceville,” King continued, “isn’t just a place where we buckle down when it comes to studying for tests and completing homework. This is a place where you can, and should, laugh with people, trip over yourself while you’re learning how to line dance, and be picked up by your Housemate’s helping hand. It’s where we learn to have fun, not only compete. We learn how to cheer on teammates and our opponents because good sportsmanship and character lead to an overall happier person.”

Orientation also “combats the feeling of being alone by helping people build up connections and have genuine interactions,” King said. “I know, and every returning student knows, that coming to a new school can be anxiety-inducing; however, I am confident that our orientation will replace those feelings with overwhelming feelings of joy.”

Enjoy photos from Convocation, Move-In Days, and welcoming students back to campus on Lawrenceville's Flickr page. 

For additional information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.