Nearly 600 Laurel students ended their first week of school with a convocation ceremony Friday morning.

They sang their alma mater in unison and heard an inspiring speech from Head of School Ann V. Klotz. She encouraged the students, kindergarten through 12th grade, to be mindful of the manner in which they can impact each other and their community.

"We're not just all Queen of the May, doing what the heck we want," Klotz said. "We are all a part of something bigger — a community."

She also gave her annual "Ms. K.'s rules for school," which included genorousity, asking questions and reaching out beyond the normal circle of friends. She politely reminded the girls of the school's "no gum" policy and commanded the older girls to "never text and drive — ever."

The ceremony ended with the first-ever senior-kindergarten flower exchange, in which the oldest students wish the youngest a good first year by handing them a flower.

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