The 2026–27 school year is officially underway at the International School of Denver, and, as always, the first day began with the traditions that anchor our community. While the IB calls us to embrace a growth mindset, it is our shared rituals and traditions that set the tone for the year ahead. These moments create the memories, the belonging, and the sense of continuity that make an ISDenver experience unlike any other.

The Ceremony That Kicks Off The Academic Year

At ISDenver, the Cérémonie d’Ouverture serves as a symbolic start to the school year. Held on the first day of school, this ceremony celebrates community, honors student leadership, and brings a sense of purpose to one of the most meaningful days of the academic year.

The Head of School Award Recipient Address

One of the most anticipated moments of the Cérémonie d’Ouverture is the opening address given by the Head of School Award recipient to the community. The Head of School Award is an honor given to an 8th-grade student who exemplifies academic excellence, global mindedness, and our community principles: respecting self, treating others with dignity, being principled and open‑minded, and positively contributing to our community.

This year, the award was presented to Jaylou Youan. Her remarks helped set the tone for the academic year.

“For this year ahead I’m hoping for us all to make plenty of amazing memories that we can look back on later in life.  Let's continue working hard this year, supporting each other and keep building this community to be excellent by always being kind and inclusive.”

The Time‑Honored Ringing of the Bell

Following her address, Jaylou led her fellow 8th graders in the cherished tradition of ringing the bell. This is a symbolic gesture marking the official start of the school year.

This moment, passed down from class to class, reminds students of their role as leaders on campus and stewards of our community values.

The Dragon Chorale Sparks Joy with their Musical Performance

This year’s ceremony also featured a performance by the Dragon Chorale. Under the direction of Dr. Juliana Stoughton, the Chorale performed the ISDenver Song, an original composition composed by Dr. Stoughton. 

Their performance added warmth, artistry, and a sense of celebration to the morning. The Chorale created an uplifting reminder of the creativity and collaboration that define ISDenver.

“I invited the founding members of our Dragon Choir to perform the ‘ISDenver Song’ at our Cérémonie d’Ouverture because they helped establish the choir last year and sparked a tradition that continues to grow. With the choir now expanding from Grades 3–5 to Grades 3–10, having these original members return created a meaningful bridge between our beginnings and our future. Their performance was a celebration of tradition, belonging, and the strength of our school community. For me, it was a powerful reminder of how music connects students across grades and keeps them rooted in something they helped create.”      - Dr. Juliana Stoughton

With the first day behind us and the year stretching forward, ISDenver is energized by the traditions that ground us and the growth that awaits. The 2026–27 school year promises new learning, new connections, and countless moments of joy across our multilingual, globally minded community.