This fall marks the 25th anniversary of the institution of the Heights Clans. Every student and teacher is sorted by family into four clans, which engage in festivity and competition six days a year, including two full Clan Days every All Saints Day and Feast of the Annunciation.
Why take this kind of time out of the school year?
Today on HeightsCast, middle school teacher and clans gamemaster/meister Kyle Blackmer explores why a school—or any community—should consider a commitment to these rituals of festival. Using the building blocks of worship, arts, food, and games, Mr. Blackmer argues for the rich liturgical and intellectual traditions of authentic feasting.
Chapters:
4:28 Pieper’s definition of festival
7:33 Each festival unique to its place
9:01 Heights Clan Days
15:03 Why feasting is important
20:43 Connecting a student body
22:19 A liturgical basis
24:28 Preparation: the fast before the feast
28:21 Practical challenges to festival
Links:
The Heights Student Life: Clans, containing more information about our four clans and clan festival days
In Tune with the World: A Theory of Festivity by Josef Pieper
“The Immortal Power of Astonishment and Laughter” by G. K. Chesterton
Around the Year with the von Trapp Family by Maria von Trapp
The Life of Christ by Fulton Sheen
Also on the Forum:
In Defense of Victory by Kyle Blackmer
Featured Opportunities:
Headmaster’s Lecture at The Heights School (October 3, 2026)
Fall Open House at The Heights School (October 24, 2026)
Fatherhood Conference at The Heights School (November 7, 2026)
Convivium Conference for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 11-13, 2026)