Fanny Edel Falk Laboratory School

Last weekend, we welcomed back the Class of 2022 at our annual four-year reunion! With many of these students heading off to college in the fall, we were so grateful for the chance to catch up and reminisce together. 🫶

Congratulations and THANK YOU to this year's retirees, Deanna Ferchak (School Nurse), Carolyn Mericle (Primary), Benoni Outerbridge (Falk Library), and Lori Wertz (Falk Woods). 👏

In their time here, these incredible faculty and staff members strengthened our health and emergency management procedures, embodied progressive education principles to inspire students and colleagues alike, fostered a school-wide love of reading and photography, and built an environmental education program from the ground up. Each of you has made a permanent positive impact on this school, and we are so honored to have been a part of your journey.

While it's sad to say goodbye to such special people and educators, we are excited for all that's next for you. Happy retirement! 🫶

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Last night, these graduates—whom Director Sarada aptly called "a class filled with leaders"—came together to celebrate their incredible nine years at Falk. 🎓

🥰 Together with families and friends, they heard from Dean Zamani-Gallaher and alumni awardee Cem Akin, walked across the stage to receive their diplomas and lanterns, watched a bittersweet montage of their time at Falk, and celebrated all that is to come beyond this little gray building.

Class of 2026, we are so proud of you, and we hope you come back to visit soon! 💙

We had so much fun at Falk Field Day! From competitive rock, paper, scissors to a "floor is lava" volcano race, the morning was filled with action, creativity, and shared memories. 🏃🏼‍♂️

Plus, for the first time ever, students spent Field Day with their Community Groups, a perfect way to celebrate all the new friendships we made this year. 🫶

Thank you to the Field Day Committee and our wonderful parent volunteers for making this day a reality!

Last week, hosted the WonderLab Arcade to test-drive handcrafted games and challenges. From Pokémon-themed pinball to magnetic air hockey, the results were equally impressive and fun! 🏒🤖

We're so impressed by our artists! 🙌 This year, they experimented with a variety of techniques and media to create everything from personal mandalas and fiber art to imaginative botanical figures and ceramic jars. At the end of May, their work was displayed throughout the school during the first annual Middle School Exhibition. 🖌

Last week, took an incredible field trip to Hillman Library at the University of Pittsburgh! 📖

🎬 During their visit, they met up with Ms. Strada's husband and two class parents, all of whom work at the library or in podcasting. Then, they split into three groups to explore the Media Labs and Text & conText Lab. Activities included DIY paper marbling, testing out the green screen in the One Button Studio, and answering podcast questions like “What’s your favorite thing about being a kindergartener?”

The morning ended with a beautiful picnic at Schenley Plaza and a short bus ride back up the hill to Falk. At the end of the trip, one student shared, “This was the BEST day of YEAR!” 🤩

🥀 And just like that, the curtain has closed on Beauty and the Beast JR! Over the past two weeks, Falk Middle School put on eight fantastic shows, filled with hilarious and heartfelt moments alike.

As always, part of what made the performance special was the collective time and effort put into it. From choreography and set construction to stage management and lighting, every single seventh- and eighth-grade student had a uniquely important role in bringing the show to life.

👏🏽 Congratulations to our wonderful cast and crew!

Happy Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Last week, enjoyed a fun, interactive lesson on Polynesian culture and traditions, led by a Falk parent and aunt. Students learned all about Polynesia, how dance can tell a story, and how to hula dance! 🌺