New “Falcon Nests Program” Takes Flight at St. Matthew’s

St. Matthew’s launched a new school tradition called Falcon Nests, designed to strengthen cross-grade relationships, celebrate school spirit, and build lasting community. Inspired by the School’s longtime buddy program, Nests are multi-grade “family” groups that bring together students from Kindergarten through 8th Grade alongside faculty and staff. Each Family Nest includes one or two students from every grade, plus several adult mentors.

Adding a signature St. Matthew’s twist, each of our 10 Family Nests is named for a species of falcon chosen to reflect the qualities found in our School’s Character Covenant: respect, responsibility, empathy, honesty, and fairness. For example, just as falcons demonstrate responsibility through their resilience and focused care for their young, our students and staff are called to uphold their roles with integrity and effort. Falcons communicate honestly and work cooperatively when hunting, mirroring the honesty and empathy that bind our Nests together. The fairness and respect shown within a falcon group parallel the way Nest members support one another, ensuring everyone has a place and voice within the school family.

Throughout the school year, Family Nests will have opportunities to develop unique identities and traditions. They’ll create custom cheers and traditions, pursue acts of service, set team goals, and celebrate their shared Nest pride. Nests will sit together at Chapel, share lunches, and participate in special activities planned throughout the year. These moments are designed to help younger students feel seen and supported, while offering older students meaningful leadership opportunities as role models. Faculty and staff connect with students beyond the classroom, reinforcing the close-knit, supportive spirit that defines St. Matthew’s.

The Nest Program’s mission goes even deeper than community-building events, ensuring every student feels known, valued, and celebrated. St. Matthew’s is excited to watch these Family Nests grow throughout the year, knowing that the bonds formed here create lasting connections. Alumni frequently return to campus to reconnect with former classmates and visit beloved teachers, drawn back by the strong roots they established during their time at St. Matthew’s. These homecomings remind our current students that they’re part of something special—a community that extends far beyond graduation. As our school community says: “Falcons always come back to their Nest.”