In This Section
Events
Upcoming/Ongoing Events
Past Events
December 1-2, 2023
Graded STEM-A-THON
Middle school students from Graded, St. Francis College, and St. Nicholas came together for an immersive journey into the realm of technology. A choose-your-path adventure, STEM-A-THON provided participants with many opportunities to engage in STEM activities, from competitive robotics to the world of Esports. The event was complete with hands-on workshops that explored STEM's boundless possibilities, including augmented reality, coding, computer assembly, digital music, and drone racing!
November 30 - December 3, 2023
SAAC Swimming
Graded was thrilled to welcome athletes from The American School of Quito, Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt, The International School Nido de Aguilas, The International School of Curitiba, Uruguayan American School, and Lincoln School for this year's SAAC Swimming. Our Boys Swimming and Boys and Girls Combined Swimming teams both won bronze medals. In addition, individual Graded athletes won an array of medals.
November 30 - December 3, 2023
SAAC Volleyball and Cross Country
SAAC Volleyball and Cross Country were in full swing at the International School of Curitiba! The Boys Cross Country team brought back silver medals while the Girls clinched bronze. Congratulations also go to the Boys Volleyball team, who won the bronze medal, and Girls Volleyball, who placed fourth.
November 29, 2023
Graded Alumni Wine & Cheese
Alumni ranging from the class of 1954 to the class of 2023 reunited at Graded's campus for an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, laughter, and connection.
November 28, 2023
Gradedpaloozinha
The Haddad Center for the Performing Arts was filled with cheerful melodies during the Gradedpaloozinha music festival! Middle school musicians in the beginner band, choir, and orchestra delivered enchanting performances – some containing fun surprises. In the spirit of collaboration, students and parents were also treated to a special piece performed by our four dedicated music teachers.
November 16-19, 2023
ISTA Festival
A group of aspiring middle school actors traveled all the way to Colombia to participate in the International School Theatre Association (ISTA) Bogotá Upper MS/Lower HS Festival. Graded eagles joined students from the Anglo Colombiano School Bogotá and the International School of Havana to explore the theme “tuning into our community and what our community needs” through theater. This experience taught students to be global learners, fostering confidence, international-mindedness, and creative collaboration.
November 16, 2023
PTA Speaker Series: Safe Technology in Childhood and Adolescence
How much screen time should a five-year-old be allowed? What’s the right age to give a teenager a cell phone? These were some of the pressing questions answered at the PTA Speaker Series: Safe Technology in Childhood and Adolescence. Dr. Florencia Fuks, a pediatrician, emphasized the importance of supervised screen time, suggesting that children aged 2-5 should have up to one hour per day, balanced with activities like imaginative play and outdoor time. Attorney Alessandra Borelli discussed the legal implications of digital access for children and parents, emphasizing open conversations about online activities. Both speakers highlighted the challenges of setting boundaries and stressed their significance for children's safety and real-life experiences.
November 15-19, 2023
SAAC Soccer
Our varsity soccer athletes traveled all the way to Chile to compete in the SAAC soccer tournament hosted by the International School Nido de Aguilas. The boys secured third place by defeating UAS in penalties, while the girls clinched second place without conceding a single goal throughout the competition. In addition, six Graded athletes received sportsmanship awards for their outstanding performance. Congratulations, Eagles!
November 12-18, 2023
AASB Little 10 JV Soccer, Basketball, and Cheer
Graded JV athletes had a blast at the AASB Little 10 tournament at NR! The Girls Basketball team demonstrated resilience and determination, finishing the tournament in 8th place. Both the Boys Basketball and the Girls Soccer teams finished the competition in 6th place. The cheer squad secured a remarkable second place, and the Boys Soccer team emerged victorious, bringing home the gold after a thrilling penalty shootout against EARJ in the final. Graded athletes also brought home many sportsmanship awards!
November 11, 2023
PTA Thanksgiving
Members of the Graded community gathered on campus on a sunny Saturday for the Graded Thanksgiving. From the invigorating Turkey Trot to kick off the celebration to the delicious traditional feast, festive activities, and music, there was something for everyone to be grateful for at this annual tradition. A special thanks to the PTA for making it all possible!
November 9-10, 2023
High School Production: Antony and Cleopatra
The Black Box Theater was transformed into ancient Egypt and Rome to tell the story of Antony and Cleopatra. A captivated audience watched in awe as talented high school actors eloquently performed the Shakespearean tragedy.
October 31, 2023
Jane Goodall Visit
The Halloween Parade was not the only exciting event happening at Graded on October 31! We were honored to receive the world-renowned anthropologist, primatologist, and conservationist Jane Goodall. Jane shared her remarkable journey with middle and high school students, discussing her path to becoming the "world's foremost expert on chimpanzees" and climate activist, including the challenge she faced as a woman who began in the field in 1960 without a college degree. Jane finished her talk with a message of hope, emphasizing that we can still work together to protect our planet and that every one of us can do something in our lives to contribute to a healthier climate.
October 31, 2023
Halloween Parade
Graded students, faculty, and staff went all out with their costumes this year, transforming into adventurous pirates, graceful princesses, colorful M&M’s, courageous superheroes, and much more! Laughter and excitement filled the air as community members embraced the Halloween spirit with the much-anticipated parade.
October 2- November 4, 2023
AASB Big 8 Varsity Soccer, Basketball, and Cheer
Graded Varsity athletes demonstrated exemplary teamwork during the AASB Big 8 tournament at NR. Boys and Girls Basketball teams both clinched silver medals, both Boys and Girls Soccer teams brought home the gold, and our cheerleaders placed 6th. At the end of a week of hard work, Graded athletes were recognized for their outstanding performance with individual sportsmanship awards.
October 28, 2023
Gradedpalooza
The Graded community was treated to the enchanting melodies of the Gradedpalooza music festival. Talented students in the Jazz Band, Junior and Senior Bands, Junior and Senior Orchestras, and the Junior, Senior, and Varsity Choirs all took the stage and delivered unforgettable musical experiences around campus featuring beloved classics and fun contemporary pieces.
October 16-20, 2023
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week was a whirlwind adventure thanks to our incredible Parent Teacher Association! They transformed into travel agents, whisking our teachers away on unforgettable journeys from the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo and iconic New York City.
September 28, 2023
Superintendent Speaker Series: Map Tests
Director of Student Growth David Trajtenberg met with parents in the newly renovated Haddad Center for the Performing Arts to share information on understanding MAP test reports. Families enjoyed a welcome breakfast before delving into an overview of the MAP testing process and learning key insights on interpreting their child(ren)’s results.
September 18, 2023
The Haddad Center for the Performing Arts Inauguration
On September 18, we inaugurated the Haddad Center for the Performing Arts. This newly-renovated building offers increased seating capacity, a mezzanine floor, redesigned stage sight lines, state-of-the-art acoustic engineering, multipurpose stage lighting, cutting-edge audiovisual technology, and central air-conditioning. Thank you to lead donors Claudio and Rosalie Haddad and all members of the Graded community who helped make this dream a reality.
September 14, 2023
Faculty & Staff Art Show Opening
Inspired by seeing their own work displayed at the IB Visual Arts Junior Exhibition last year, seniors Maria N. and Rose T. wondered who else at Graded was an artist. To answer this question, the girls called for all faculty and staff to submit their best pieces. “After Hours,” an art show designed to showcase artwork created by Graded’s faculty and staff, is the wonderful result of these passionate student’s efforts to highlight the unseen artists of our community. A captivated audience explored the mesmerizing artwork curated by Maria and Rose during the show’s opening reception on September 14.
September 6, 2023
Brazilian Independence Day Celebrations
On September 6, the Graded campus was filled with green, yellow, and blue in honor of Brazilian Independence Day. Organized by the Graded PTA, this year’s festivities celebrated Brazil’s multiculturalism. Throughout the day, students delved into Brazilian history and enjoyed typical Brazilian snacks as well as treats from nations that contributed to Brazil’s rich heritage, including pastel de nata from Portugal and mochi from Japan.
August 7, 2023
Dona Emília Cafeteria Inauguration
The Graded campus was filled with the smiling faces of new and returning students eager to begin a new school year. But what they were most excited about this time was lunch, as they would enjoy it, for the very first time, in the Dona Emília Cafeteria. The newly renovated cafeteria honors Emília Suzuki, our former cafeteria manager, who dedicated 45 years to Graded. Parents enjoyed treats and refreshments as they explored the beautiful space in the morning, and by noon, students’ faces lit up as they sat down to enjoy their first meal of the semester.
June 15, 2023
Grade 5 Recognition Ceremony
Grade 5 celebrated the end of their lower school journey in a lively Recognition Ceremony. During the event, two Global Citizen Award winners from each class delivered heartfelt speeches reflecting on their fifth-grade experiences, and individual students received recognition for outstanding achievements. Viewers enjoyed dance and musical performances and proudly watched videos of each class receiving their lower school diplomas. The ceremony ended with a special recognition, as students honored former Lower School Principal Vance Boisjoli for his 10-year dedication to Graded.
June 14, 2023
Grade 8 Moving On Ceremony
Grade 8 held a beautiful Moving On Ceremony in June to celebrate the end of their middle school career. Selected students delivered inspiring calls to action to a proud audience and presented outstanding art and literature work completed during the school year. The ceremony also honored exemplary eagles who received core value and character awards before officially welcoming the class of 2027 to high school.
June 13, 2023
Graded Reels Audiovisual Festival
In June, the upper school Digital Video, Film 1, Film 2, and Multimedia Art students showcased their final projects on the fourth edition of the Graded Reels Audiovisual Festival. The audience was captivated by the high quality of our talented students' short films and animated videos. "Blank Canvas" won the Best Short Film award, and "As It Was" took home Best Animated Music Video.
June 12, 2023
Lower School Talent Show/Graded’s Got Talent
In Graded's Got Talent, entertainers from grades 2 to 5 dazzled the audience with energetic dance and acrobatic routines; played popular songs on the piano, trumpet, violin, guitar, and drums; and showcased their singing abilities. The show also featured dramatic poetry and short story readings, a lightning-fast Rubik's Cuber, and a macarena dance with audience participation.
June 3, 2023
High School Graduation
The class of 2023 gathered in the Athletics Center on Saturday, June 3, for a beautiful commencement ceremony to mark the end of an emotional journey and celebrate the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Guests were inspired by eloquent student and faculty speakers and enjoyed a special rendition of the song “Mas que nada,” performed by 12 talented students. When the last student crossed the stage to collect their diploma, the group turned their tassels on cue, and enthusiastically threw their caps in a shower of glitter. All 110 graduates earned American high school diplomas, 83 received the Brazilian Diploma, and 89 received an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Sixty-six students graduated with all three diplomas offered at Graded.
June 2, 2023
High School Bell Ceremony and Senior Awards
On the last day of Senior Week, graduating seniors participated in the traditional Bell Ceremony, where they each wore creative hats along with their graduation gowns and rang the bell on campus. Following the ceremony, they paraded around campus and were cheered on by their families, other students, faculty, and staff. At the end of the day, seniors attended the Senior Awards Ceremony, where individual students were recognized for their academic and extracurricular achievements.
May 27, 2023
High School Prom
High school students had a magical "Night under the Stars" at Graded's prom on May 27. The 150 juniors and seniors who attended enjoyed a spectacular evening filled with lively music and beautiful decorations.
May 27, 2023
Festa Junina
Graded’s PTA organized a beautiful Festa Junina, a typical festival held in June. Community members, dressed in colorful outfits and straw hats, enjoyed square dancing, traditional Brazilian food and drink, and fun activities such as a mechanical bull, cupcake decorating, and various games. The event also featured bingo with amazing prizes and a special musical performance by Mateus e Cristiano.
May 25, 2023
Pre-primary - Grade 11 Visual Arts Exhibition
This year's PP-11 Annual Art Exhibition in Graded's Lemann-Tully Arts Center was a show-stopper. Pre-primary artists presented colorful and playful work. Upper school artists mesmerized the audience with beautiful ceramics, photography, 2D, and 3D pieces, and grade 11 IB students showcased their strong, technical, and highly conceptual work.
May 16, 2023
Graded Gala: IMAGINE THE NEXT 100 YEARS
On May 16, more than 400 members of the Graded community came together for dinner and dancing in the ballroom of the Villaggio JK to imagine the school’s next 100 years. The event, which featured a performance from Graded Scholar Guido Sant'Anna ‘23, winner of the prestigious 2022 Fritz Kreisler International Violin Competition, raised funds for the Graded Scholar Program.
May 15, 2023
Lower School Library Inauguration
Prepare to be whisked away on adventures that take you to the farthest reaches of the Universe, the past, and the future, as the newly renovated Lower School Library opens next week! Designed by the same architectural firm responsible for the 2019 Upper School Library renovation, the bright, whimsical Lower School Library, with a flexible format, will serve as a multi-functional space.
May 15 - 19, 2023
Lower School Brazilian Literary Week
From May 15 through 19, Graded’s lower school was filled with strings adorned with colorful booklets for their Brazilian Literary Week, where students participated in a series of activities around campus designed to celebrate literatura de cordel. Enthusiastic students also welcomed Visiting Author Mari Bigio, an expressive children’s cordel writer, singer, and storyteller from Recife. As the week drew to a close, they embraced the opportunity to stroll around campus, reading and gifting their poems to the Graded community.
May 13, 2023
Gradedpalooza
The campus was filled with the sound of music with the second semester’s edition of Gradedpalooza. Middle and high school students in choir, band, and string treated our community to an engaging concert series in the Black Box Theater, Student Center, and Athletic Center.
May 11, 2023
Hearty Bowls Dinner
Hearty Bowls attendees enjoyed a delicious array of soups in ceramic bowls handmade by Graded community members, which were then taken home as a souvenir from the heartwarming night. Proceeds supported ACTC - Casa do Coração, an organization hosting children undergoing heart treatment in São Paulo.
May 7-13, 2023
AASB Little 8
Middle School and 9th grade students participated in the AASB Little 8 for the second times this year, along with eight other international schools in Brazil. Graded’s Softball (Red), Girls Futsal, and Boys Futsal were all silver medal winners with Softball (White) and Girls Volleyball securing 5th place and Boys Volleyball coming in 6th place. All players exhibited teamwork and good sportsmanship!
April 29, 2023
Graded’s Run Against Cancer
Graded’s annual Run Against Cancer gathers the Graded community for a day full of activities, speakers, food, and fun in support of Casa Maria Helena.
Casa Maria Helena provides a temporary home to children with cancer and their carers for patients from all over Brazil who must come to São Paulo to receive life-saving treatment. The organization also provides financial support for the patient’s treatment. Funds raised by Graded’s Run Against Cancer go towards medical costs and much-needed comfort for the children and families.
April 27-28, 2023
Upper School Musical: Beauty and the Beast
In late April, a packed audience was swept away by the musical production of Graded Upper School Arts “Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” From the breathtaking costumes to the enchanting performances of our talented students, the show was a triumph.
April 20-22, 2023
SAAC Basketball and Tennis Invitational
After nearly 1000 days, Graded was thrilled to once again host a SAAC tournament! The week of friendly competition, school spirit, and connections between student athletes across South America. The SAAC Basketball and Tennis Invitational welcomed students from the American School of Quito (Quito, Ecuador), Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Lima, Peru), International School of Curitiba (Curitiba, Brazil), International School Nido de Aguilas (Santiago, Chile), Lincoln - The American International School (Buenos Aires, Argentina), and Uruguayan American School (Montevideo, Uruguay). Graded boys’ basketball came out on top of the competition with the gold, and girls’ basketball put up a great fight and landed in fourth place. In tennis, Girls A got gold, Boys A and B placed in second with silver, Boys C earned bronze, and Girls B ended in fourth. Several Graded athletes were also commended for their sportsmanship.
March 25, 2023
Robotics Competition
In late March, the Water Robotics Competition saw 24 students race their robots in the Graded pool to put their STEM skills to the test. Before the competition, students completed a theory interview judged by Lower School Associate Principal Rob Switzer and two members of the US consulate. The winning team earned a spot to represent Graded in the International SeaPerch Challenge at the University of Maryland.
March 22-26, 2023
SAAC Fine Arts in Lima, Peru
High school arts students traveled in March to participate in SAAC Fine Arts in Lima, Peru. This year's theme explored the ideas of ancestry and heritage in terms of cultural and social inheritances. They engaged in collaborative workshops to create new art in visual and performing arts on the theme of ancestry and heritage and showcased pieces and performances from their schools.
March 21, 2023
Strings Festival
Getting tickets to São Paulo’s March Coldplay concerts may have been tough, but the Strings Orchestra ensured our community didn’t miss out on the chance to experience Coldplay’s tunes live with a concert filled of beautiful renditions of the popular band’s songs played to an enthusiastic crowd.
March 18, 2023
Celebration of the World
The school's biggest event of the year, the Celebration of the World (COTW), made a triumphant return after a 3-year hiatus! The event was jam-packed with an amazing parade showcasing the diverse cultures at Graded, mouth-watering cuisine from 25 countries, live music, kids' activities, exciting silent auctions and raffles, and endless fun for all ages. A huge thanks to the PTA and the hardworking volunteers who made the largest community event of the school year possible!
March 16-April 13, 2023
IB Senior Visual Arts Exhibit
In March and April, Graded Arts hosted the IB Visual Arts Exhibit. The work by senior IB Art students is the culmination of two years of intense study, resulting in a display of remarkable skill, depth, and creativity.
March 13-17, 2023
Author Visit - Yamile Saied Méndez
Ms. Méndez engaged with students from grades 3-11 through intimate small-group presentations and lunches with the lower and middle school students. Her discussions centered on her personal journey towards becoming an award-winning author, including speaking about the collaboration and the revision process required to publish work. She also delved into the vital elements of storytelling and how they can be applied to a variety of art forms, from simple illustrations to full-length novels. It was an incredible opportunity for students to learn and to be inspired by an accomplished writer.
March 6-10, 2023
Classroom Without Walls
Graded’s annual Classroom Without Walls (CWW) trips for Grades 6-11 offer students a chance to step out of their comfort zones. These outdoor education trips took them to stunning destinations in Brazil, providing them with a valuable opportunity to learn beyond the confines of the classroom. Through outdoor activities and experiential education, the students gained an understanding of their strength and resilience while building strong bonds with their peers and teacher chaperones.
March 3-5, 2023
Graded Model United Nations Conference
In March, Graded hosted a successful GMUN (Graded Model United Nations) conference for both middle and high school delegates. Over 150 brilliant young minds from local and international schools descended on our campus to debate, discuss and deliberate on some of the most pressing issues of our time. We were thrilled to welcome students from the International School of Panama, the International School of Curitiba, Avenues São Paulo, St. Nicholas Alphaville, and St. Nicholas Pinheiros. GMUN was also honored to receive Matthew Phillips, the United States Consul in São Paulo, as the guest speaker of the opening ceremony.
March 1, 2023
Superintendent Speaker Series: AI in Education - Opportunities and Implications
This panel discussion on artificial intelligence in education discussed ways AI tools, like ChatGPT, can add value to the learning experience. Superintendent Richard Boerner moderated the panel that included faculty, administrators, and students along with Fabio Coelho, Google Brazil President, and Maren Lau, Meta Regional VP Latin America. Newer "generative AI" tools will shortly become ubiquitous in our daily lives, but Graded students will be prepared for an evolving world.
February 17, 2023
Carnaval Celebrations
The campus was alive with the vibrant energy of Brazil as students celebrated Carnaval at Graded. Lower school students were treated to an interactive musical performance, and middle school students competed in their house teams to showcase creative costumes and chants.
February 7, 2023
Dr. Keith Miller International Innovation Leadership Award
This year, Superintendent Richard Boerner was the recipient of the Association for the Advancement of International Education's (AAIE) prestigious Dr. Keith Miller International Innovation Leadership Award. The award recognizes creative, impactful academic leadership and was awarded to Mr. Boerner for the work that Graded has undertaken to institutionalize deeper learning and emphasize metacognition.
February 7, 2023
Superintendent Speaker Series: Discerning Fact from Fiction in the Era of Misinformation
As part of the Superintendent Speaker Series, Graded Librarians Ms. Boerner, Ms. Mnguni, and Ms. Serafini presented Discerning Fact from Fiction in the Era of Misinformation. They shared with parents the various types of misinformation, how misinformation is designed to spread, and strategies for detecting it. Attendees left feeling empowered to navigate the murky waters of misinformation in the digital age and equipped with valuable insights to support their children in their fact-checking.
February 2-4, 2023
Graded Jazz Festival
For 2 1/2 days, Graded was abuzz with the sounds of jazz music as we hosted a spectacular event that offered specialized intensive jazz instruction and unforgettable performance experiences for upper school music students. Students also had the opportunity to work with some of Brazil’s most sought-after jazz musicians, including Bruno Soares (trumpet), Paulo Malheiros (trombone), Vitor Alcântara (saxophone), Edu Ribeiro (drums), Edinho Sant’anna (piano), Djalma Lima (guitar), and Sidiel Vieira (bass).
December 14, 2022
Graded Reels Festival
The audiovisual work of middle and high school Digital Video, Film 1, and Multimedia Art students was showcased at the first-semester edition of the twice-yearly Graded Reels Festival. The audience snacked on delicious popcorn as the best music videos, films, and animations were awarded coveted prizes.
December 12 and 14, 2022
Final Music Performances
In December, musicians in K3-G5 performed at the heartwarming annual Holiday Concerts to an audience of adoring parents. They sang and played the recorder, accompanied by a trio of professional musicians.
December 8 and 12, 2022
Skellig
In December, middle school Graded theater students worked together to bring to life Skellig, an eerie, mystical story about a boy who discovers a strange, humanlike creature in his house. The performance, based on the award-winning children’s novel, was a success.
December 2-3, 2022
Final Four
Big 8 and the International School Sports League (ISSL) are two sports tournaments that bring together some of the most competitive international schools in Brazil. This year, Graded had the immense honor of hosting the inaugural Final Four basketball and soccer championship, which pitted the top-placed teams from Big 8 and ISSL against each other. Teams from PASB, EABH, St. Paul’s, British Barra, EAB, EARJ, EAC, OLM, Chapel, and Nations converged on our campus from all around the country. The Graded girls’ soccer team came in first and the boys came in second; the girls’ basketball team won gold and the boys’ team won bronze.
December 6, 2022
Dinner with Strangers
Meals have a magical way of bringing people together. In December, Graded parents stepped out of their comfort zones and into the homes of other Graded families to connect over the dinner table and forge new friendships.
December 1-10, 2022
Upper School Visual Arts Exhibition
After a semester of hard work, middle and high school students were ready to present their artwork to an audience! Photographs, ceramics, sculptures, and other pieces of thought-provoking art were on display to be appreciated by friends, family, and other art aficionados.
November 30, 2022
Design for Change
Sometimes Graded feels like a bubble, completely insulated from the outside world. Our service learning program provides students with the opportunity to venture beyond the walls of our school and engage with surrounding communities. This semester, a group of students (leaders in service-learning initiatives) was selected to participate in Graded’s prestigious Design for Change program. Throughout the semester, these students heard stories from social entrepreneurs and learned principles of design thinking, which they then applied to their own projects. In November, students pitched their ideas for addressing social issues they care deeply about in a more meaningful way.
November 30, 2022
SAAC JV/Varsity Swimming @ FDR (Lima, Peru)
Graded students participated in the competitive SAAC swimming competition held in Lima, Peru, at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt school.
November 23, 2022
SPHSL Soccer Finals
After playing many games throughout the semester against other international schools, Graded’s girls’ and boys’ soccer teams both made it to the SPHSL finals!
November 22, 2022
SPHSL Basketball Finals
Throughout the semester, Graded’s girls’ and boys’ basketball teams have been competing against other international schools in the São Paulo High School League (SPHSL). Both Graded teams made it to the November 22 finals, and both teams won their games! Graded girls’ and boys’ basketball teams are the 2022 SPHSL champions!
November 19, 2022
Thanksgiving
On Saturday, November 19, the PTA hosted the long-awaited return of Graded Thanksgiving! Over 1600 Graded community members enjoyed fun activities, live music, raffles for prizes, holiday shopping, and the famous traditional Thanksgiving meal. Thank you to all of the volunteers and staff who made this event possible.
November 16-20, 2022
SAAC
On November 16, Graded’s boys’ and girls’ soccer teams flew to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to compete in the SAAC (South American Activities Conference) tournament at Lincoln School. After several intense days of competition, the girls placed third and the boys placed first.
November 13-19, 2022
Little 8
Graded’s boys’ and girls’ JV basketball and soccer teams, and the JV cheer team, traveled to NR to compete in the Little 8 championship. Girls’ basketball came in seventh place and boys’ basketball came in sixth. Boys’ soccer came in fifth and girls’ soccer earned second place. The cheer team came in seventh for the cheer presentation and in second for sideline cheer. Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable event!
November 7-11, 2022
Kindness Week
From Monday to Friday, Graded celebrated Kindness Week. To inspire more kindness in the world, lower and upper school students engaged in several kindness challenges and activities, such as writing letters of gratitude and appreciation for others, playing with new friends, and giving someone a gift.
November 5, 2022
Graded Scholars event
The Graded Scholars event celebrated new and past students in the Graded Scholar and Outreach programs. During the event, current students had the opportunity to ask scholar alumni questions about their experiences at Graded and their life after high school. After the Q&A session, all past and current students and their families were invited to a delicious Graded lunch.
November 2-5, 2022
NidoMUN
24 students traveled to NidoMUN at International School Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile, a Model United Nations (MUN) conference with students from five other countries to discuss and debate critical issues facing our world. The Graded MUN team did astoundingly well and took the majority of the Best Delegate and Best Speaker placements, as well as several honorable mentions.
November 2-5, 2022
Soccer Big 8
From November 2-November 5, Graded’s boys’ and girls’ soccer teams traveled to NR to compete in the Big 8 tournament. They did exceptionally well, and both the girls’ and boys’ team won first place.
October 30-November 2, 2022
Basketball and Cheer Big 8
From October 30-November 2, Graded’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, and Graded’s cheerleading squad, competed in the Big 8 tournament at Nosso Recanto (NR). The Eagles came home with an impressive array of medals. The cheer team earned the bronze; boys' basketball secured the silver; and girls' basketball brought home the gold!
October 31, 2022
Halloween
The entire Graded community participates in the annual Halloween celebration. Lower school parent volunteers decorated classrooms and students of all ages and faculty and staff dressed up in creative costumes for a Halloween parade and costume contests.
October 29, 2022
Gradedpalooza
Graded’s Music Festival "Gradedpalooza" was held on Saturday, October 29. The concert series took place in different locations throughout the campus and featured performances from all middle and high school students in choir, band, and string.
October 27-28, 2022
High school production of Antigone
Graded Arts and the High School Theater Departmented proudly hosted the first theater production of the year—Antigone, an Athenian tragedy written by Sophocles.
October 26, 2022
Young Alumni Brazilian Universities Panel
Young Graded alumni attending USP, ESPM, Insper, FAAP, Inteli, FGV, and Mackenzie met with Graded high school students to share their university experiences. It was wonderful to have our former students return to campus!
October 24-28, 2022
Wacky Week
Middle and high school students participated in a Wacky Week of thematic spirit days including Twin Day, Anything but a Backpack Day, World Cup Day, Decades Day, and more.
October 24-25, 2022
Visiting Author Series: Muriel Johnson
Author and professional storyteller Muriel Johnson captivated and engaged lower school students with interactive tales from around the world, tailored to each age group. The Visiting Author Series is supported by the Graded Annual Fund.
October 19-23, 2022
SAAC Volleyball and Cross-Country in Chile
After a two-year hiatus, Graded Volleyball and Cross-Country teams traveled once again to compete in SAAC tournaments. This year our Eagles flew to International School Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile and brought home four team medals and two individual medals.
October 17-21, 2022
PTA Teacher Appreciation Week
Dia dos Professores (Teacher's Day) is commemorated on October 15 in Brazil. In honor of this special day, Graded's PTA hosts this teacher-centered week-long event to celebrate and thank our hardworking teachers.
September 9, 2022
Brazilian Independence Day Celebration
The Graded community dressed in yellow, green, blue, and white to celebrate 7 de Setembro (Brazilian Independence Day). This year, we honored the 100th anniversary of the 1922 Modern Art Week with an art exhibition featuring paintings and drawings by prominent Brazilian artists.
September 6, 2022
College Fair
During this year's first college fair, we will welcome 20 universities from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Qatar during high school FLEX (11:20 am - 12:00 pm) and lunch (12:00 - 12:40 pm). The OCC will previously meet with students in each grade level to prepare them for the event. The visiting colleges and universities are Concordia University (Canada), Denison University (USA), University of Denver (USA), Elon University (USA), George Mason University (USA), Hult International Business School (USA, UK, UAE, China), Lynn University (USA), Indiana University Bloomington (USA), Macalester College (USA), Marist College (USA, Italy), Northwestern University in Qatar (Qatar), Otis College of Art & Design (USA), Pennsylvania State University (USA), Pepperdine University (USA), Sarah Lawrence College (USA), Savannah College of Art & Design (USA, France), Smith College (USA), Syracuse University (USA), and University of Tampa (USA).
September 5-6, 2022
Intercultural Competency: Reframing Diversity to Drive Inclusion and Belonging with Dr. Derrick Gay
Dr. Derrick Gay consults with domestic and international organizations on issues of intercultural competency, global citizenship, diversity, and inclusion. Over the past 23 years, he has worked with more than 600 organizations from a variety of industries to enhance DEI capacity; increase inclusiveness and engagement; recruit, employ, and retain top talent; and design strategies to maximize business objectives. Dr. Gay will speak at Graded about Intercultural Competency: Reframing Diversity to Drive Inclusion and Belonging. The audience will:
- Learn about the Intercultural Competency Model.
- Cultivate common language around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Engage in exercises to learn more about your own world view, while identifying other viewpoints and perspectives.
- Learn strategies to help reconcile divergent viewpoints while aligning with common school values and mission.
All parents and faculty members are welcome to join us in the Black Box Theater (in the Lemann-Tully Arts Center, Floor 2) on Monday, September 5, from 8:30 am to 10:30 am and/or Tuesday, September 6, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. (RSVP link will be sent via email.)
August 24, 2022
PTA Parent Breakfast
The Graded PTA is excited to welcome new families to the Graded community and help to make them feel at home. The PTA will hold a Parent Breakfast in the Student Center from 8:30 to 10:00 am to celebrate the start of the year and formally welcome the new Graded Eagles. The event will also provide a wonderful opportunity to hear from the PTA and learn about ways in which parents can volunteer throughout the year.
August 20-21, 2022
Peer Group Connection (PGC) Leader Retreat
PGC is year-long leadership development program that prepares seniors to create a nurturing environment for incoming freshmen and ease the transition from middle to high school. PGC leaders gathered on campus for a weekend-long retreat to learn and practice some of the skills and strategies they will use throughout the year and have fun with team-building activities.
August 11, 2022
Harvard Krokodiloes Workshop and Concert
Harvard University's oldest a capella group, the Harvard Krokodiloes, visited Graded's campus as part of their world tour. This group of undergraduate students has recorded 31 albums and sings songs from the Great American Songbook as well as more traditional music. The Krokodiloes led a workshop for junior and senior choir students, teaching them the fundamentals of a capella singing. They then performed a fun and energetic show in front of a large crowd of students, parents, faculty, and staff.
August 5, 2022
New Student Orientation
We welcomed 198 new students to the Graded community during New Student Orientation. Students in lower, middle, and high school, along with their parents, had the opportunity to learn about the school's divisions, tour the campus, and meet their new teachers.
June 14, 2022
Grade 5 Moving On Ceremony
Grade 5 students were recognized for demonstrating a number of values throughout their time in lower school, including kindness, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity. Parents, teachers, and friends were in the audience to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2029.
June 13, 2022
Grade 8 Moving On Ceremony
Our grade 8 students have reached a significant milestone: they have completed middle school and are about to embark on a new journey in high school. Class of 2026, congratulations on your outstanding achievements!
June 13, 2022
Lower School Talent Show
The Lower School Talent Show kicked off the last week of school on a very high note! Students danced, played songs on the piano, sang, performed magic tricks, and even competed against the clock to solve a Rubik's cube. Bravo!
June 10, 2022
Graded Reels Audiovisual Festival
High School Film 1 and 2 students and Multimedia Art students showcased their documentaries, short films, and animations to family, friends, and other members of the Graded community. Congratulations to all participants! Special kudos go to the directors, producers, and actors of Mush and Remind for winning the Best Documentary and Short Fiction Awards and to Thayna, recipient of the Multimedia Award for Best Animation.
June 3, 2022
Vivas Palavras
Graded unveiled the 16th edition of Vivas Palavras, a collection of student work written in Portuguese and Spanish. Students in grades 4 through 12 wrote about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. They expressed themselves in playful, critical, and emotional ways through poems, short stories, and illustrations.
June 2, 2022
Graded Outreach Program Graduation
Students from Graded's Outreach Program celebrated their achievements in an intimate graduation ceremony. The seven Outreach students spent the last two years attending English classes at Graded and taking part in extracurricular activities to adapt to the school's environment. Some of the participants were then selected to join Graded's incoming grade 7 class as full-time scholarship students.
May 28, 2022
Graduation
A beautiful commencement ceremony was held on Saturday, May 28, at 1:00 pm in the Athletics Center. Student and faculty speakers inspired the crowd, and a quintet of senior vocalists and instrumentalists provided a musical interlude. All of our graduates earned an American Diploma. Eighty-four graduated with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and 64 with IB, American, and Brazilian Diplomas. One by one, the Graded seniors crossed the stage and became proud Graded alumni.
May 23-27, 2022
Senior Week
During their last week as high school students, the Class of 2022 participated in Senior Week, a week of activities and festivities culminating in a graduation ceremony. From Monday, May 23 to Friday, May 27, seniors attended counseling sessions; Graduation rehearsals; an alumni panel; a pool party; a quiz night; the traditional Bell Ceremony and Parade, during which students wore crazy hats of their choice; and the Awards Ceremony, at which individual students were recognized for their outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements.
May 23, 2022
Athletics Banquet
The athletics banquet, held in the Student Center, was a great way to end a successful season of Graded Athletics. Athletes, parents, and coaches gathered to celebrate all the hard work poured into practices and games throughout the year. It was also the night to honor individual athletics achievements with awards, including the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Coaches’ Awards, the Scholar-Athlete of the Year, male and female Athletes of the Year, and the David Tully Award. The event included JV and varsity athletes from swimming, tennis, track & field, cheerleading, soccer, basketball, and volleyball.
May 14, 2022
Eagles Day
On Saturday, May 14, Graded celebrated Eagles Day. The event brought the entire Graded community together again for the first time since the pandemic forced Graded to shut its doors in 2020. Eagles Day included activities like rock climbing and pick-up basketball, and attendees participated in raffles, played on inflatables, and ate a lot of ice cream. Graded students and parents alike were especially thrilled to meet Baldy, the newly-named eagle mascot.
May 9-13, 2022
Visiting Author: Victoria Jamieson
In May, Graded welcomed Newbury Honor award-winning graphic novelist Victoria Jamieson. Victoria talked to students in grades 3-8 about her career as a writer and illustrator, revealed where her book ideas and characters come from, and led a guided drawing activity. Students also had the opportunity to ask her questions and get their books autographed.
May 1-7, 2022
Little 8
On May 1, the Graded Junior Varsity (JV) cheerleading squad and the JV boys’ and girls’ basketball teams traveled to NR to compete in the Little 8 tournament, which lasted until May 4. The boys finished in fifth place and the girls came in seventh. From May 4-7, the JV boys’ and girls’ soccer and volleyball teams participated in the tournament at NR. The girls’ red volleyball team came in sixth place and the girls’ white volleyball team came in eighth; the boys’ Red volleyball team finished in sixth place and the boys’ White volleyball team came in eighth. The boys’ soccer team won third place, and the girls’ soccer team were champions. All athletic teams performed very well, and the athletes had a wonderful time.
February-May, 2022
SPHSL
Graded’s soccer and basketball teams participated in the Sao Paulo High School League (SPHSL), playing against other international schools in the city. After an incredible season, the girls’ and boys’ varsity and junior varsity soccer teams were named SPHSL champions. The basketball teams also did extremely well, with the varsity boys’ team coming in second place and the girls’ coming in third. Neither junior varsity basketball team made the playoffs.
April 28, 2022
Grade 3 Celebration of Poetry
At the start of the grade 3 poetry unit, teachers surveyed students, asking them, "What type of feedback would most impact your work?" Students answered, "Parent feedback." As a result, third-graders welcomed parents to yesterday's "Celebration of Poetry" event to showcase their anthologies. During the session, parents were given a metacognition tool to give their children feedback. After reading students' poems, they used the TAG feedback approach to (T)ell them something great, (A)sk a question, and (G)ive a suggestion about their work.
April 27-29, 2022
CWW Trips
In April, upper school students went on the much-anticipated Classroom Without Walls (CWW) trips to several destinations in southeast Brazil, including Parque dos Sonhos, in Socorro; Voador, in the Municipality of Atibaia; PETAR State Park; Itatiaia National Park; Cananéia and Ilha do Cardoso; and Saco do Mamanguá, in Paraty. These trips are a long-standing tradition at Graded and have once again proven to be meaningful, fun, and educational.
April 20-24, 2022
Basketball SAAC 2022
Graded’s boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams traveled to Curitiba to participate in the South American Activities Conference (SAAC) hosted by the International School of Curitiba. Once again, both teams were incredibly successful, and, mere days after returning from Big 8 with two medals, they earned two more: The basketball boys came in first place, and the basketball girls came in third.
April 17-23, 2022
Big 8
From April 17-20, Graded’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, accompanied by the Graded cheerleading squad, competed in the highly anticipated Big 8 tournament at NR. Both teams did exceptionally well, with the boys winning first place and the girls coming in second in their respective competitions. Subsequently, from April 20-23, NR hosted the soccer and volleyball Big 8 tournaments. Once again, Graded athletes put on a great show. The volleyball boys came in fifth, and the volleyball girls placed fourth; both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams made it to the finals and won the championship games.
March 31, 2022
Strings Festival:
“Graded Orchestra Plays Rock”
This year’s Strings Festival was a huge success! High school orchestra students performed rock classics, including Kiss' "Rock and Roll All Nite," Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now," and Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing."
March 24-26, 2022
2022 AMISA Educators' Conference
In March, Graded hosted 400+ educators from 32 international schools across 12 nations for the AMISA Educators’ Conference, “The Science of Learning: Educating Hearts & Minds.” Participants came together to explore the intersection between cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology, and social-emotional wellbeing. Keynote speakers included author and Professor of Educational Leadership Doug Fischer, Diversity and Inclusion Strategist Derrick Gay, and Graded Superintendent Richard Boerner.
March 22, 2022
Office of College Counseling (OCC) Reception for grade 9-11 parents
The Office of College Counseling (OCC) hosted a wine-and-cheese reception for grade 9-11 parents. Counselors provided attendees with tips on navigating high school, maximizing school breaks, and preparing for standardized testing. Parents also had the opportunity to meet incoming college counselor Trevor Rusert.
March 23, 2022
2022 IB Visual Arts Senior Exhibition
The senior art students hosted an opening reception for the IB Visual Arts Exhibit to personally present their incredible artwork to the public. Both the reception and exhibit were a resounding success.
March 14-16, 2022
Visiting Author and Illustrator:
Tad Hills
Award-winning author and illustrator Tad Hills visited campus and gave interactive presentations about storytelling to students in Pre-primary through grade 2. Tad Hills is most well-known as the creator of the Duck & Goose series, which tells the story of two unlikely feathered friends.
February 24, 2022
Carnaval Parade
Middle school students spent the week learning to sing Carnaval songs, practicing dance moves, and designing costumes to represent their house teams in the Carnaval parade. The parade also included a guest samba music performance by the Graded Orchestra.
