Poly Prep kicked off it’s 170th year with enthusiasm and a spirted day of welcome activities on both campuses. Below is a letter from Head of School John Rankin to the Poly community.

Welcome to all of our new and returning families. Today, we opened our doors at Poly to start year 170. We are the third oldest school in New York and one of the oldest in the country. It is our storied tradition upon which we rest as we look toward a new and always original school year. I mentioned to the Middle and Upper School students this morning that every year is in many ways a fresh start, an opportunity to re-engage, begin again and become better.

Our leaders—administrators, faculty, and staff—launched the day and led students through informative and spirited programming in preparation to start the year. On the Dyker Heights campus, Middle and Upper School students participated in grade and division-specific orientation programs, met in their advisory cohorts for the first time, and engaged in team-building activities.

And though it was an abbreviated day, the Lower School students’ joy and enthusiasm was palatable. Music teacher Jennifer Nelson P’12, ’14, ’19 serenaded our young arrivals. Faculty and staff ushered students into the building. Indoors, teachers greeted everyone outside classrooms and led introductory activities and lessons throughout the day. The day ended warmly, in spirit and weather, as students departed for home by bus, foot, scooter, or bike in preparation for the week ahead. 

In my opening remarks on the Dyker campus, I shared an old idea from philosophy of tabula rasa, a clean slate mind, in which past limitations and preconceptions are forgotten and each new year becomes a fresh start, where making a strong effort, with consistency, and wisdom, and curiosity opens up the future.

Student Government President Reese Roaman ’25 followed me and spoke of her 11th first day of school and milestones. She recalled the enthusiastic preparation on the night before, the first-day butterflies, and admiration of the older classes. Her advice inspired us to meet the year with determination, leaving behind comfort zones and trying new things. As is our tradition, Reese then welcomed our youngest students to the Dyker Heights campus as Grade 12 sang the Poly Song to them.  

In the afternoon, Middle School students enjoyed sweet treats in the Quad and Malkin Terrace, finding new friends and reuniting with old ones. Upper School spent the afternoon building community, discussing academic integrity, student support services and programs, and ending the day with an energizing “Battle of the Grades” activity. 

As we embark on this new academic year, which is my last in a long run, I am renewed by the potential that lies ahead. The enthusiasm our students had today in reconnecting with peers and exploring new opportunities is inspiring. I join everyone in hoping to make this an extraordinary year of growth, discovery, and achievement.

Sincerely

John Rankin, Head of School