What Makes Up a School Community?
Most schools have a traditional structure—teachers, students, and families are part of a shared space, but the engagement might stop there. Events might be few and far between, often focusing on fundraising rather than building connections. Interaction across grades is minimal, and students stick mainly to their own classrooms and friend groups. This setup can lead to a community that feels segmented and transactional rather than cohesive and supportive.
In many schools, the word "community" can feel more like a buzzword than a reality.
Fundraisers, galas, and other school events often serve a dual purpose: while they provide opportunities to meet families and connect with other members of the school, they also come with an underlying expectation—financial support.
Families may leave these events having enjoyed themselves but also feeling like participants in a transaction, where their attendance or involvement ultimately contributes to the school’s fundraising goals. This transactional nature can limit the sense of genuine connection and make these gatherings feel more like obligations than celebrations of the school’s shared culture.
One of the stark differences at Nysmith is the absence of fundraising. We don’t ask for donations or host events with financial goals in mind. Every event we organize—whether it’s Pajama Bingo, Saturday Socials, or Grade Get-Togethers—is designed with one purpose: to build and foster community.
There’s no hidden agenda or expectation, only opportunities to connect, laugh, and enjoy time together. This unique approach ensures that families, students, and staff can fully engage in the joy and camaraderie of these events without the distraction of transactional undertones. At Nysmith, community truly means connection.
Why Nysmith’s Community Is Different
A Carefully Crafted Environment Over 40 Years
At Nysmith, we’ve taken a different approach from the very beginning. For over 40 years, our community has been purposefully crafted to go beyond just academics; it’s built on shared experiences, joy, and constant engagement. Nysmith’s school community is a space where students, teachers, and families interact often, forming genuine connections.
This environment is intentional—our events aren’t just random occurrences; they’re thoughtfully planned to foster connection, joy, and a sense of belonging. These traditions, whether they’re simple theme days or larger gatherings, form the foundation of a vibrant school experience that prioritizes both learning and fun.
At Nysmith, I never felt like I was merely attending school; I felt like I was part of a family, a home away from home. The sense of community is unparalleled, and I will carry it with me as I move forward. Thank you for being a part of my journey and helping me create a place where I could grow, learn, and thrive.
-Z. Perez Class of 2024
Theme Days and Events: More Than Just Fun
Theme days like Halloween may seem like a distraction at first glance, but they play a crucial role in making Nysmith’s community special. Our philosophy is that a “World-Class Joy-Filled Education” can only be achieved when students feel joy in their environment.
At Nysmith, theme days are not just about dressing up or having fun—they’re about creating an atmosphere of excitement and positivity. Days like May The Fourth, where students and staff celebrate Star Wars, or Disney Day, where the school is filled with beloved characters like Elsa, Woody, and Mickey Mouse, are just a few examples.
These events turn ordinary school days into memorable experiences. They spark creativity, encourage participation, and foster connections across students, teachers, and families.
What makes these days truly special is that they aren’t just about one moment of joy. They serve as a tool to transform the perception of school itself. When students are excited to come to school on theme days, that excitement spills over into every other day.
School becomes a place they associate with positive experiences, laughter, and connection. Even on non-theme days, students carry that enthusiasm with them, knowing that learning and fun coexist seamlessly at Nysmith.
Rather than being a distraction, these events energize students and create a sense of anticipation and joy that drives engagement in the classroom. When students feel happy and eager to be at school, they’re more focused and open to learning.
The biggest secret to building a positive school community isn’t just academics or structure—it’s fun. At Nysmith, fun isn’t an occasional treat; it’s part of the culture. It creates an environment where students, teachers, and families alike are excited to be involved, making the community vibrant and alive.
Impact of a Joy-Filled Atmosphere on Learning
This atmosphere impacts academic success more than one might think. Even on the most exciting days, like Halloween, students are still in their small groups for language arts or math, fully engaged and learning. They understand that “fun” moments will come, and that knowledge helps them stay focused when it’s time to work.
Students who experience consistent joy and engagement in their school life build a positive relationship with learning. At Nysmith, the playful atmosphere isn’t just about making students happy—it also cultivates curiosity and a love for learning. By weaving fun into everyday life, we support our mission and help students develop a strong, sustainable work ethic.
The community here helped me become the person I am today, fostered in me a passion for learning that will stay with me through the rest of my life. Regardless of where I go in life after Nysmith, I will never find a community as amazing as the ones here.
-S. Cottrell Class of 2020
Community Events That Foster Connection Across Grades
Events like Pajama Bingo go beyond just providing a fun evening—they’re a cornerstone of Nysmith’s inclusive and supportive community. Here, students from different grades don’t just share a space; they share experiences. An 8th grader sitting beside a 1st grader isn’t uncommon—it’s part of the culture. This breaks down age barriers and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie that’s unique to Nysmith.
For students, these interactions are vital. Older students become role models, while younger students feel supported and valued by their “big buddies.” This inter-grade bonding makes Nysmith feel like a family and helps every student feel that they belong, regardless of age.
A Sense of Belonging That Lasts
One of the most powerful moments that reflects Nysmith’s community is graduation. As our 8th graders prepare to leave, they take part in a special tradition: walking through the halls to cheers and high-fives from students of all ages.
This procession isn’t just a farewell; it’s a celebration of the bonds they’ve formed and the impact they’ve had on the school. Younger students look up to them with admiration, inspired to one day take the same walk, while graduates leave knowing they’ll always be part of something bigger.
Graduation at Nysmith is unique in other ways too. Over 90% of students choose to speak in front of an audience of more than 300 people, sharing their memories, gratitude, and excitement for the future. These speeches are filled with stories of the friendships they’ve built, the teachers who have inspired them, and the experiences that made Nysmith feel like a second home.
While there’s an undeniable sense of sadness about leaving, it’s always accompanied by an overwhelming pride in being part of such a special community.
The Nysmith community has been the warmest and most tight-knit I have ever belonged to, but as we all take different paths from here, I hope we will all take a part of what has kept is knit together so well and that we will knit together new communities in the future, while cherishing our memories at Nysmith.
-A. Somireddy Class of 2024
But perhaps the greatest testament to the connections formed at Nysmith is what happens after graduation.
How often do people return to their old middle school or even high school? For most, it’s a rare occurrence.
At Nysmith, it’s a regular tradition. On Alumni Day, over 90 former students come back each year to reconnect with old friends, visit teachers who left lasting impressions, and revisit a place they loved being. These returning students reflect the strength of the Nysmith community—it’s not just a place they went to school; it’s a place that shaped them and continues to be part of their lives.
The joy of seeing these alumni return is shared by the entire community. Teachers are thrilled to hear about their successes and future plans, while current students see firsthand the lasting impact of a Nysmith education.
These moments of reconnection demonstrate that the sense of belonging cultivated here doesn’t end when students leave—it stays with them, forming a lifelong bond to their second home.
