This January rolled in with warmer-than-average temperatures, but winter, with its snowy landscape and chilling air, is suddenly here. And, with our February long weekend break underway, the days to enjoy this wondrous season are actually almost over. Once Huskies return from break, we have mere weeks to go before Project Week and spring break, so make sure to get the best out of winter and its seasonal fun with these activities and events! Here are just a few highlights of winter at and around New Hampton School.
In the Foothills of the White Mountains
New Hampton School is located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, just south of the White Mountains. Known as a beautiful spot for recreation in the spring, summer, and fall, it has unique qualities and offerings during the winter for many sightseeing and sports enthusiasts. Whether competitive athletes or not, all students have ample opportunity to hit the slopes after school or as a weekend activity. And for those not ready to strap a board or two to their feet, how about tubing or snowshoeing? Both offer great views and excitement in February.
Experiencing the Ice Life
Skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only way to enjoy winter! While some prefer the snow, others seek out the joys of ice. These final days remaining in our frozen wonderland offer recreational activities include ice skating, pond hockey, ice-fishing, and winter climbing, not to mention hopping on an excursion to see the perennial Ice Castles in nearby Lincoln, New Hampshire. And of course, if outdoor skating doesn’t inspire Huskies on a cold day, there are always opportunities to skate in our own Jacobson Arena! A few laps around the arena can bring all the winter fun without the weather.
Sledding for One, Two, or a Crew!
Before leaving New Hampton, almost every student (and faculty!) experiences our exceptional sledding hill. Located beside the Wellness Center between two tiers of athletic fields, you can almost always spot a sledder on a snowy day. Aboard a sled, a little wind, speed, laughter, and views from the top of our favorite hill on campus always lift our spirits!
Spirit Week, National Girls and Women in Sports Day, James and the Giant Peach, and Winter Carnival on the Way
Community life at New Hampton is full of traditions, and mid-February sees a few of these traditions come to life. All of this happens during winter Spirit Week, which the Student Council just announced the themed dress days and fun activities at school meeting today.
The week begins with a National Girls and Women in Sports Day inspired celebration. The events take place over two days and honor the positive influence of athletics participation and the continuing fight for equity in sports at all levels. On Sunday, February 12, our female athletes will lead a multi-sports clinic for local girls in grades Pre-K-8, allowing them the chance to mentor and role model sportsmanship and skills, not to mention having a great time doing it! Then on Wednesday, February 15, be sure to join us for featured games in support of our women’s varsity basketball and hockey teams.
The winter play this year is a musical! The cast and crew are producing James and the Giant Peach, with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and book by Timothy Allen McDonald based on Roald Dahl’s 1961 children’s book of the same name. The play will take place from February 16-18 in McEvoy Theater.
Lastly, with many home games that weekend, it’s also the perfect time to get out and support our fellow Huskies before enjoying all the Winter Carnival events! This year marks the 100th anniversary of Winter Carnival at New Hampton School, and though the schedule of events has changed over the years, the chance to bounce around the Field House, test our choreography skills in pairs figure skating, and enjoy some hot chocolate and treats will be sure to bring lots of smiles.
Project Week Anticipation
Last but not least, while it doesn’t take place until March, the planning and anticipation of Project Week fill our winter months. Students often take the lead on designing projects to explore a topic they are passionate about. As such, students work closely with their faculty leaders to plan each destination, design activities around their essential questions, and make sure they are ready to depart in early March. Whether they are looking forward to bonding with a new group of students, traveling abroad, or engaging with the local community on a vital service project, the whole community eagerly awaits Project Week as the finale of the winter term.
Upon returning from Project Week and spring break, we are always eager for spring to arrive in full. But winter offers memorable moments and traditions for Husky Nation, as does each beautiful season in New England. Stay tuned for highlights of Winter Carnival, winter athletics, and Project Week in the weeks ahead.
