Project Week Begins!

Usually it's very difficult for me to get up at 3:15 in the morning, but today I was wide awake before my alarm even went off. The anticipation, planning, and waiting were finally over as I hopped out of bed, made some hot chocolate, and headed out the door to send off New Hampton School's first two Project Week groups in 30 years! In a few short hours, these 8 students and 3 faculty members will be on flights to LA and Shanghai.

In a little over 24 hours, 80+ additional students and over 10 faculty will be departing for their projects to destinations like the coast of Maine, New York City, the White Mountains and seacoast areas of New Hampshire, and the Grand Canyon. Others will venture to Boston, Dartmouth, Gettysburg, and Cape Cod later in the week. If I had to choose a project, though, there is a very real chance that I would stay right here on campus. I have to admit that I am highly anticipating the launch of the Husky High Altitude Balloon and seeing a do-it-yourself 3D printer in action, but maybe that's just the science geek in me. Others are excited about opportunities to cook, practice yoga, serve others, make a short film, learn how to get their voice heard or to be a lifeguard, create art and music, or design a usable product from recycled materials.

By 8:00 am tomorrow, all our Huskies will soon be actively engaged in a project of their choice and pursuing an essential question that is of personal interest to them. I can't wait to hear directly from the students (via Twitter, this blog, and the Project Symposium) about their discoveries and growth during this week. I hope and expect that several of our students will have life changing experiences this week. As the Director of Experiential Learning, this is the stuff that gets me excited. This is why I am a teacher. This is why I am proud to belong to the New Hampton School community.

To the dedicated and hard-working NHS faculty - thank you. This week does not exist without you.

To the students - have fun, be safe, and don't be afraid to let your curiosity and inquisitiveness take control. Also, take a moment sometime this week to thank your Project Leaders.

To all - Explore. Educate. Experience.

Sincerely,

Mr. Joslin