Upper School Assistant Division Head Kelly Horan opened the school meeting with academic updates, beginning with a message drawn from the film “KPop: Demon Hunters.” She focused on the theme of embracing one’s “duality” or one’s different sides to their identity, and encouraged students to live more authentic lives through their various unique passions, just like Rumi, the film’s protagonist.
Horan then reminded students that they can request to reschedule an exam if they have three or more in the same day. Such students should email all three teachers directly with a concrete plan and copy their parents on the email. Horan also announced that registration for self-studying AP exams is open until Oct. 3, and students who register should follow the guidance of Director of Standardized Testing and Scheduling Troy Thiele.
Conservatory representatives Simon Kirjner (12), Taylor Summers (12), Anika Basu (11), Megha Unny (11) and Emma Zhou (10) revealed that this year’s spring musical will be “Something Rotten!” with auditions on the week of Sept. 15 and callbacks on Sept. 20. Additionally, the Kirsten Edkins Quartet will perform in the Patil Theater on Sept. 5th at 7 p.m.
They also announced two performing arts department spring trips: the instrumental music department will be visiting Los Angeles from March 28-31 to see the LA Philharmonic and perform at Royce Hall. The theater and choir departments are traveling to New York City to participate in the Heritage Festival, take part in Broadway workshops and attend shows.

Theater department members Taylor, Daniel Miao (12) and Holly Templeton (12) promoted the Oregon Shakespeare Festival trip to Ashland, Oregon from Sept. 26-28. Attendees will participate in workshops and see four plays: “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “Into the Woods” and “As You Like It.”
Harker Robotics Executive President Brenna Ren (12), Technical President Mihir Kotbagi (12) and Operations President Aanika Kapoor (11) introduced the Robotics program, highlighting their past success and opportunities to join subteams to learn real-world skills like problem solving, team management and outreach. They announced tryouts for the drive team this Saturday and a mentoring opportunity with lower school students.
HSLT members Kairui Sun (12) and Leana Zhou (12) revealed that the theme for the Spirit Kickoff this Friday is “Renaissance Faire.” The event will feature a medieval-themed bouncy castle, root beer floats, soft pretzels, french fries, ax throwing, a scavenger hunt and a photo booth.
ASB Secretary Sophia Zhu (11) provided updated guidelines for submitting school meeting announcement requests, which can be found on announcements.harker.org. ASB President Luke Wu (12) then announced a new trial policy for hot food service after school meetings, where one grade will have priority for the first 10-15 minutes before opening to all students.
Upper School Dean of Students Kevin Williamson concluded the meeting by reviewing evacuation protocol and outlining the semester’s safety drills: an evacuation drill immediately following the meeting, an earthquake drill on Sept. 18 and a lockdown drill on Oct. 29. Afterward, students headed to the field for the evacuation drill.