Student Life Saturdays, A Welcome Alternative
Throughout the academic year, the Student Life Office reserves a Saturday morning for each grade to participate in a class-wide alternative to the typical morning schedule. “Student Life Saturdays originated out of a student proposal four or five years ago for the schedule to be shaken up . . . students were looking for ideas for events and activities that their classes could participate in together,” remarks Brooklyn Raney, Dean of Students.
“The Freshmen complete their Choices course in the Fall Trimester, and are rewarded with a ski trip to our local mountain, Whaleback,” continues Raney. “Beginners have the experience of trying out skiing or snowboarding for the first time, and the veterans get a chance to show off their skills. It provides a great day for all to enjoy a New Hampshire winter activity that’s right up the road, and of course hot chocolate in the lodge!”
The Sophomore class receives practical training and certification in First-Aid, CPR, and AED, taught by Health Center staff, experienced upperclassmen, local EMT’s, and members of the Kimball Union Fire Brigade. Alex ’18, graduate of this sophomore course and active member of the Fire Brigade, had the opportunity to instruct one of the First-Aid sections this year. He remarks, “I hope everyone holds onto this material because you never know when something is going to happen and you might be someone’s best chance. I have no doubt that at least one member of the sophomore class will find themselves in an emergency situation someday. Now they are prepared to a certain extent.”
The Junior class and their parents participated in a College Planning Weekend. “Friday we do a mock admissions exercise,” explains Derek Gueldenzoph, Director of College Advising. He continues, “We give them three or four files and assign them this task: admit one, waitlist one, deny one. It’s meant to simulate what will happen with their own applications.” Saturday morning’s programming was required for all Juniors, and strongly encouraged for sophomores and parents of any underclassman. In the first half of Saturday, Gueldenzoph explains how the college advising process works at KUA. The second half is The College Panel, a town hall-style discussion between the entire audience and three college admission counselors from a variety of colleges.
The Senior class participates in a tradition called Ethics Day. “The Office of Advancement invites 10 KUA graduates and friends of the school from a variety of career fields back to campus,” explains Raney. Matt ’17 continues, “Each professional presents an ethical dilemma, doesn’t tell the group how they handled it, but allows the students to work through the problem in the most ethical way.” Raney remarks, “The tables get heated as the seniors battle their way through the complications in work and life. We hear again and again how much the seniors enjoy this day, and a taste of the real world.” Matt concludes, “Because all of them were connected to KUA, it helps me think about how many paths there are to take when I graduate.”
Raney concludes, “Overall, these days meet our mission by promoting class bonding while tackling a skill or concept that they won’t find in a traditional classroom. Students are engaged, enjoy a break from classes, and are re-energized for the next week on the hilltop.”
“The Freshmen complete their Choices course in the Fall Trimester, and are rewarded with a ski trip to our local mountain, Whaleback,” continues Raney. “Beginners have the experience of trying out skiing or snowboarding for the first time, and the veterans get a chance to show off their skills. It provides a great day for all to enjoy a New Hampshire winter activity that’s right up the road, and of course hot chocolate in the lodge!”
The Sophomore class receives practical training and certification in First-Aid, CPR, and AED, taught by Health Center staff, experienced upperclassmen, local EMT’s, and members of the Kimball Union Fire Brigade. Alex ’18, graduate of this sophomore course and active member of the Fire Brigade, had the opportunity to instruct one of the First-Aid sections this year. He remarks, “I hope everyone holds onto this material because you never know when something is going to happen and you might be someone’s best chance. I have no doubt that at least one member of the sophomore class will find themselves in an emergency situation someday. Now they are prepared to a certain extent.”
The Junior class and their parents participated in a College Planning Weekend. “Friday we do a mock admissions exercise,” explains Derek Gueldenzoph, Director of College Advising. He continues, “We give them three or four files and assign them this task: admit one, waitlist one, deny one. It’s meant to simulate what will happen with their own applications.” Saturday morning’s programming was required for all Juniors, and strongly encouraged for sophomores and parents of any underclassman. In the first half of Saturday, Gueldenzoph explains how the college advising process works at KUA. The second half is The College Panel, a town hall-style discussion between the entire audience and three college admission counselors from a variety of colleges.
The Senior class participates in a tradition called Ethics Day. “The Office of Advancement invites 10 KUA graduates and friends of the school from a variety of career fields back to campus,” explains Raney. Matt ’17 continues, “Each professional presents an ethical dilemma, doesn’t tell the group how they handled it, but allows the students to work through the problem in the most ethical way.” Raney remarks, “The tables get heated as the seniors battle their way through the complications in work and life. We hear again and again how much the seniors enjoy this day, and a taste of the real world.” Matt concludes, “Because all of them were connected to KUA, it helps me think about how many paths there are to take when I graduate.”
Raney concludes, “Overall, these days meet our mission by promoting class bonding while tackling a skill or concept that they won’t find in a traditional classroom. Students are engaged, enjoy a break from classes, and are re-energized for the next week on the hilltop.”
