Music pumped through the speakers as Upper School students excitedly moved from booth to booth, filling the quad. 

Monday, Aug. 28 marked the beginning of a new Kinkaid back-to-school tradition: Belonging Week. Throughout the week, students enjoyed seeing their peers, playing games such as bingo and mini golf, and eating sweet treats. 

On Tuesday, representatives and chairs of student leadership opportunities and student activities set up booths in the quad to promote their organizations. 

Mrs. Erica Baker, coordinator of student affairs, began planning the event over the summer to promote student involvement in clubs, affinity groups and student organizations on campus. 

“I want students to know from the very beginning of the school year the things they can participate in,” Mrs. Baker explained.

Mrs. Baker planned the event around Club Fair, an event that showcases all the clubs Kinkaid has to offer. 

On Wednesday, over 40 club leaders set up tables with fun games and activities to get people excited, each competing for new members’ attention with food, drink, and music.

“I am really looking forward to seeing who all is going to join Ceramics Club this year, and I can’t wait to see what all of the other clubs have to offer,” said the Ceramics Club vice president Mary Papandreou. 

In addition to Club Fair, the week featured a showcase every day from Monday to Thursday. 

To close out Belonging Week, affinity group sponsors advertised their groups with booths covered with fun stickers, candies and games. 

“I love affinity groups because I get a chance to share my experiences with people who are just like me,” junior Shaan Dhutia said. 

Belonging Week had been promoted around the hallways of the new Upper School building since the first day of the school.

“The kickoff for Belonging week was super fun,” junior Charlie Lobb said.