One of Northwood’s most anticipated traditions, the first formal dinner of the school year recently took place on Sep. 3. The dinner marked the beginning of a new chapter for students and faculty members, who also signed the Honor Code to affirm their commitment to the school community.

“Community has always been at the heart of what makes Northwood so special,” Head of School Mr. Gino Riffle said. “Gathering the entire school for a formal dinner at the beginning of the year sends a meaningful message about the importance of togetherness and the pride we share in being part of this community.”

One of the students’ favorite parts of the first formal dinner is the opportunity to dress up and take photos with friends in the living room and around campus. The event also gives new students and faculty members an opportunity to meet people and experience Northwood’s community.

Each formal dinner has a theme. The November dinner, for example, typically has a Thanksgiving theme, with the kitchen preparing a meal to match. For the first formal dinner of this school year, the kitchen served smoked brisket, pork, macaroni and cheese, green beans and salad. Banana bread pudding was served for dessert.

Students Sign the Northwood Honor Code

The Honor Code was developed by the Class of 2015 Head’s Council to emphasize every student’s responsibility to uphold and invest in the school’s core values.

Northwood’s core values are respect, responsibility, courage, compassion and integrity. During the formal dinner, tables were called one at a time. Students and faculty members then entered the common area and signed the Honor Code plaque before getting dinner.

“Last year, we began the tradition of having every student and faculty member sign our Honor Code at this dinner,” Riffle said. “The Honor Code reflects our core values and the standards we commit to living by each day. By signing it, we affirm that integrity, compassion, courage, responsibility, and respect will guide our actions in every aspect of our lives and strengthen our community.”

By signing the Honor Code, students and faculty members affirmed their commitment to follow the school’s values. Returning students are also expected to model Northwood’s culture for new students.

As dinner ended, students changed clothes and made their way to the turf, where they played games such as Spikeball, Teqball, and soccer.

“I have always believed that the beginning of the school year sets the tone for everything that follows,” Mr. Riffle said. “By coming together and placing the Honor Code at the center of this gathering, we establish from the outset just how important community, character, and honor are at Northwood School.”

The evening gave students and faculty members an opportunity to strengthen relationships, create memories and begin the 2026-27 school year together.