Long winter months can be a challenge for some individuals with decreased daylight, cold temperatures, and more time indoors. But winter also offers some perks that we don’t experience any other time of year. Winter in New Hampshire is special as our location near the mountains and lakes is ideal for seasonal fun. Here are a few highlights of winter at New Hampton School.
Winter block scheduling:
Winter at New Hampton School means a shift to our winter block scheduling. From December through March, New Hampton shifts to a special academic schedule. On many week days, classes wrap up shortly after lunch, allowing students to have flexible scheduling and to participate in activities that they love.
Students engaging in snow sports (Free Ski, Alpine Ski, Snowboarding, Recreational Skiing and Snowboarding) have more time at the mountain every day after classes. Hockey athletes have time to skate in Jacobson Arena, and our Art After School students experience extended times to focus on longer projects. In short, the winter schedule is a nice way to help us dig into activities we love.
Our awesome location:
New Hampton School is located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, just south of the White Mountains. A beautiful spot in the summer, it has it’s own special qualities and offerings during the winter. Whether a competitive athlete or not, all students have ample opportunity to hit the slopes, after school or as a weekend activity. For some students, they’ve been skiing since they were young, others attempt their first time ever on skis while at New Hampton School. Winter offers many other recreational activities from ice-fishing to skating, snowshoeing to sledding and viewing the annual Ice Castles in nearby Lincoln, NH.
The Perfect Sledding Hill:
Before leaving New Hampton, almost every student, and adult, experiences our perfect sledding hill. Located behind the Field House between two tiers of athletic fields, a few hours enjoying the snow, some speed, and the views from the top of our favorite hill on campus, always life our spirits.
Winter Carnival:
Community life at New Hampton is full of traditions, and the annual winter carnival is one of them. Winter carnival is a closed weekend for New Hampton students so that everyone can enjoy the festivities together. Indoors, students enjoy a casino night, bounce houses and carnival activities in the field house, hot chocolate, treats, and endless options to engage with friends. Outside, there’s the annual sledding competition, games on the ice in Jacobson, and everyone’s favorite: broomball on the turf.
Each year, we’re grateful for our facilities staff that clear the turf field of snow and create the perfect arena for broomball with friends and faculty, regardless of the temperature. Usually the last activity of the weekend, the Sunday afternoon sunset from the turf field is often the perfect close to a great weekend day.
Project Week Anticipation:
Last but not least, while it doesn’t actually take place until March, the planning and anticipation of Project Week fills our winter months. Students often take the lead on designing a project week to explore a topic they are passionate about. As such, students work closely with their faculty leaders to plan out each destination, design activities around their essential question, 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 an important service project, the whole community eagerly awaits Project Week as the finale to the winter term.
Upon returning from Project Week and spring break, we are certainly eager for spring to arrive in full. But winter offers its own special 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.
