A Joyful Tradition: AVS Harvest Festival 2025

Last Friday, October 31, Alta Vista School came alive with color, laughter, and community spirit during our beloved Annual Harvest Festival—a cherished AVS tradition that brings the entire school together to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and joy.

The day began in festive fashion with a Costume Photo Op at morning drop-off, setting a cheerful tone as students and teachers arrived in their imaginative attire. By 8:30 a.m., Middle School students led a spirited Community Meeting, where they introduced the exciting lineup of Harvest Festival stations they had helped design. Their leadership and creativity took center stage—embodying the AVS values of initiative, collaboration, and mentorship.

Late in the morning, Middle School students traveled to the Lower School campus to set up the festival grounds, transforming the playground and parking lot into a vibrant celebration space. Their teamwork was evident as they prepared activity stations, organized supplies, and ensured everything was ready for their younger peers’ arrival.

At 12:30 p.m., the Lower School Costume Parade began. Students from Junior Kindergarten through fifth grade proudly marched around the block in an array of costumes—from classic storybook characters to inventive homemade creations—while parents cheered from the sidewalks. Many families joined the parade, creating a joyful swirl of color and community.

Immediately following the parade came one of the day’s highlights: the Faculty Relay Race, pitting Lower and Middle School teachers against each other in a friendly competition that drew laughter and cheers from every corner of the schoolyard.

Then it was time for the main event—the Harvest Festival Activities, led entirely by Middle School students and Lower School specialists.

• JK–1st grade students rotated through hands-on games and crafts on the Snugplay and Lego side of the playground, with many parents joining them for the fun.

• 2nd–5th grade students roamed freely among carnival-style booths, bounce houses, and creative challenges, guided and encouraged by their Middle School mentors.

It was a remarkable sight—older students modeling leadership and kindness as they helped younger Aviators navigate games, celebrate successes, and laugh together. The Middle Schoolers’ sense of pride and responsibility shone through every station they ran, from pumpkin tosses to face painting to STEM-inspired challenges.

As the afternoon drew to a close, Middle School students once again demonstrated their teamwork—cleaning up stations, packing supplies, and waving goodbye before boarding the bus back to their campus. Parent volunteers and staff rounded out the day with a final sweep, ensuring everything was ready for Monday’s return to classes.

A huge thank-you to our Parent & Family Group for organizing logistics, set-up, and sweet treats, and to the faculty and specialists who supported the event from start to finish. Most of all, gratitude to our Middle School students, whose creativity, leadership, and joy made this year’s Harvest Festival especially memorable.

As one student put it perfectly on their way out:

“The best part is seeing the big kids help the little kids—it makes AVS feel like one big family.”

The AVS Harvest Festival continues to remind us that community, kindness, and celebration are at the heart of who we are.