Open Hearts and Classrooms for Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day

On a particularly cold and rainy Thursday in Los Angeles, Marlborough’s campus felt especially warm as the community welcomed beloved guests for Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day. This treasured tradition offers students the chance to share their day-to-day experience, inviting grandparents and special friends to see Marlborough through the eyes of their loved ones. 

During this special day that marks the beginning of the holiday season on campus—a time for gratitude and connection—guests were welcomed into their host’s daily schedule: participating in classes, activities, lunch, and an All-School Meeting (ASM). It is always a day filled with hugs, gratitude, and memorable moments. Guests participated in the full Marlborough experience, from hanging out with friend groups during lunch to sitting in a classroom experiencing lessons from dedicated teachers. 

The atmosphere throughout the day was one of enthusiasm and joy. In the Shari and Edward Glazer Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), guests took part in activities such as writing gratitude notes, posing in a fun photo booth, designing festive bookmarks, and getting a firsthand look at a robotics demonstration. In classrooms, students and their guests worked together on special lessons—solving math problems, completing a “dancing popcorn” science lab, and discussing family history in a Spanish language class. These moments of shared learning weren’t just fun, they offered students a chance to share their school with pride and see their joy reflected by their family and friends.

Guests also experienced a Marlborough ASM. Head of School Jennifer Ciccarelli opened with remarks about Marlborough’s impressive history, emphasizing the passion and excellence that defines what it means to be a Violet. Ms. Ciccarelli described the “village” that surrounds each student and makes up the fabric of the extended Marlborough family, adding, “Please enjoy your day! Explore, ask questions, take photos. Most importantly, see Marlborough through the eyes of the remarkable young people who brought you here today. Thank you for being part of our village!”

The ASM included performances from Instrumental Ensemble, Dance, Concert and Chamber Choirs, and a number from the recent All-School Musical Urinetown. The presentation offered a look into the excellence of the Performing Arts Department and the many ways students express their passions on campus. 

As the afternoon concluded and the excited chatter quieted, the feelings of warmth and connection lingered on campus as hugs and goodbyes were exchanged. The joy and eager participation of the grandparents and special friends created unforgettable memories that strengthened the “village” that surrounds every Marlborough student.