Festivals are an key part of the Desert Star School experience

The Rose Ceremony

This ceremony in which each first grader is welcomed into the elementary school by receiving a rose from an eighth grader takes place on the first day of school. The ceremony is attended by grades 1-8 and is open to parents and the school community. Parents of first graders are strongly encouraged to attend.

The Festival of Light and Courage

This festival turns us toward Knight Michael, a helper of mankind. It is celebrated with an all school assembly where a play of St. George and the Dragon is performed by middle school students. The story symbolizes the inner strength needed to overcome the dragon. Grades 1-8 will attend and parents and community members are welcome.

The Lantern Walk

At dusk, the children will gather with their parents and classmates. They are then led in procession by their teachers, carrying lighted lanterns they have made in school. As they walk, the teachers lead everyone in songs about lighting the darkenss. The lanterns carried through the darkness symbolize the inner light we must hold throughout the long, dark winter. Socializing is discouraged in order to experience this quiet, reverent event more fully. The entire community is welcome.

The Thanksgiving Assembly

During this all school gathering, grades K-8 will share and celebrate the work they have been doing in their classrooms. This will include recitation, singing, recorder, violin playing, dancing, etc. The assembly is open to all school families and friends. 

The Spiral Walk

When one walks the labyrinth and spiral, it is in recreating this very ancient expression of thanks and remembrance of the divine in all things. – Hopi Saying

Every December, as a celebration of the beginning of the Winter season, Desert Star School offers the Spiral Walk to represent the movement inward during the darkest time of the year. Before the children arrive, the faculty and staff prepare the spiral with evergreen boughs in the Community Building. The spiral is adorned with varied treasures representing the mineral, plant and animal kingdoms. Apples are cored and into each one is placed a candle. At the center of the spiral is a single candle and, at times, an angel.

During the evening, quiet music is played, creating an inward mood in the darkened room as each participant walks the in-turning spiral, carrying their own candle. Upon reaching the center, each one lights their candle, turns and places it along the spiral as they retrace their steps out. When all have completed this journey, the form of the spiral is illuminated by candles and a moment is taken to silently observe what has been created. 

The May Faire

This all school celebration held at Windmill Park is open to the public. Parents and teachers work together to plan this unique and fun-filled event to celebrate the coming of spring.