Since 1964, Viewpoint’s students have celebrated Great Pumpkin Day, a beloved tradition that continues to bring joy and creativity to the campus each Halloween season. On the morning of Friday, October 31, our youngest students arrived in costume as ghosts, superheroes, princesses, pirates, and more, ready for a day full of frightful fun and school spirit.

After a morning of trick-or-treating around campus, students, parents, faculty, and staff filled the Paul Family Athletic Center (PFAC) for the annual Great Pumpkin Day Assembly. The program opened with remarks from Mrs. Corneau, Mrs. Kessler, and Mr. Shojinaga before each grade took the stage to share their Halloween spirit through song. 

Third Grade students kicked things off with “Pumpkin Jack,” followed by the First Grade performance of “Heffalumps and Woozles.” Fourth Grade students performed “Halloween Witches” on Orff instruments, while Second and Fifth Grade students sang “Ghostbusters” and “Monster Mash.” Kindergarten closed the class performances with “Halloween Parade,” and the assembly concluded with TK students joining together on stage for “Witches’ Brew.”

The program also featured remarks from Head of School Mark McKee, as well as Mrs. Adelman and Mr. Wymer, who thanked everyone who helped make the morning so special. The smiles, laughter, and cheers from the audience captured the magic of this long-standing Viewpoint tradition.

Viewpoint School recognizes The Deng Family and The Gerszt Family for their leadership support in the Viewpoint Fund and their symbolic sponsorship of this event as donors in our Head of School Circle.

On Friday, October 24, Viewpoint hosted its annual Homecoming football game at Calabasas High School, where the Patriots faced Desert Christian Academy, a private school from Bermuda Dunes. The evening reflected the heart of our athletic vision, where teamwork connects and competition fuels us, uniting students, families, alumni, and faculty for an unforgettable night.

The gates opened at 6:00 p.m., welcoming guests to a lively, festival-like atmosphere filled with food, fun, and school spirit. Guests enjoyed everything from Habit Burger and Grill favorites to freshly made churros, while Primary School students sold glow sticks that lit up the stands. The Viewpoint School Service Association (VSSA) organized engaging activities, including a face painting station, and alumni gathered nearby to reconnect at their dedicated booth.

The pregame festivities began at 6:30 p.m. with a joyful performance by the Primary and Lower School Chorus, followed by the varsity football team’s entrance onto the field. Coaches took a moment to recognize the senior athletes, and the Upper School Concert Choir delivered a moving rendition of the national anthem.

At 7:00 p.m., the game began, bringing cheers from the crowd that carried through to halftime. The halftime show kept the energy high with standout performances from the cheerleaders, Upper School Dance Company, and Upper School Pep Band, capped off by the presentation of the Homecoming Court. While the Patriots fell 30-6, their determination and teamwork were on full display, making the night one to remember. 

On Wednesday, October 22, Viewpoint students and faculty celebrated Unity Day, a defining tradition during National Bullying Prevention Month observed in elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide. Since 2015, the event has strengthened our community’s commitment to kindness, empathy, and inclusion.

Throughout the day, students and faculty wore orange to show their shared dedication to building a safe and welcoming school environment. Upper School volunteers paired up with Primary and Lower School students to write 'I will...' statements on paper footprints, each one reflecting a personal promise to help create a community rooted in respect and belonging.

“This year, as we explore what it means to pursue Excellence in all we do, Unity Day reminds us that true excellence is reflected in the way we treat one another with respect, empathy, and kindness,” said Jasmine Novick, Second Grade Teacher and Primary School Coordinator for Belonging and Community Life.

Founded by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, Unity Day encourages people to wear orange and take a stand against bullying. Those interested in learning more about the program can find additional resources here.

On Wednesday, October 15, Viewpoint held its annual Celebration of World Cultures, featuring the legendary Parent Partners Potluck. Hosted by the Office of Belonging and Community Life in collaboration with our Parent Partners, the event brought families together to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that shape the Viewpoint community through food, art, music, and connection.

“Events like this allow people to step outside their daily routine and really see what the school is made of,” shared Nicole Langston, Co-Chair of Parent Partners. “It’s a chance for families to see the world through their kids’ eyes and experience the great diversity of our community.”

Families arrived with an incredible assortment of home-cooked dishes, from savory to sweet and everything in between, offering something for everyone to enjoy. The potluck remains one of the most beloved and anticipated community traditions at Viewpoint, bringing families together to share their heritage, stories, and flavors from around the world.

“Because of Viewpoint’s array of cultures, my children are getting an education that probably wouldn’t be afforded to them elsewhere, not just academically but socially,” added Angel Tanksley, Co-Chair of Parent Partners. “It makes them better human beings to understand other cultures and have empathy for everyone of every walk of life.”

In addition to the potluck, the celebration featured displays and activities highlighting world languages, Upper School art and dance, and community spaces clubs, all showcasing the creativity and cultural pride of our students and faculty. Voices Now, our Upper School singing ensemble, delighted guests with a performance of Tim Dom Dom, adding a lively and joyful energy to the evening.

We are grateful to all who made the Celebration of World Cultures and Parent Partners Potluck such a success.