Kurn Hattin: Day 4, Thursday

Even though today was our last full day at Kurn Hattin, it was never dull. Every moment of the day was eventful and fun. 

First we made bracelets with some of the kids in Ms.Tallman's 2nd/3rd grade class

Lala snuggled with one of the kids in Ms. Knight's class

We also read many books to some children 

I also signed autographs on tape for some of the kids

Devin also played toys with some of the kids

And we also played in some intense volleyball games before dinner 

with a great Husky fan section.

Today was a very sad for us being that it was the last full day we had with the kids at Kurn Hattin. This project experience has been both fun, creative, and eye-opening, which made it such a unique experience that we don't want to leave. This project week trip allowed us as students to reflect on our blessings and have empathy for those not as fortunate as us while also realizing they are still kids like we used to be. -Posted by Kaleb Davis '18

Kurn Hattin: Day 3 Wednesday

We started our day with eating breakfast in the cafeteria of Kurn Hattin. Eating the meals with kids is always a great opportunity to bond and talk with them.

Right after breakfast we drove to the local ski resort Okemo since the children were planning to do a flashmob there. We were just told about it the day before and decided spontaneously to come along to watch and maybe even participate. On the bus ride there we read over the song lyrics that the kids were supposed to sing at the mountain to be able to participate. On the mountain it was so much fun to sing and dance with the kids. The teacher kept telling the kids: "This is a great opportunity to give back to Okemo!" It showed me that even though we are just there for a few days we were able to help them by for instance supporting them at the flashmob.

When we came back to the school we ate lunch with the kids and joined them at their afternoon activities. Everybody had the option to go to the afternoon activity they wanted. Some went to art class - I decided to go to a reading class where we talked about raccoons. Every time the teacher was reading a story about the raccoons, the little kids came close and cuddled with me. As soon as I had to leave the class the kids gave me a goodbye hug and I realized I did not want to leave. The other students did not want to leave either so we decided to stay a little longer and then go to the town of Keene, NH. It took us about 30 minutes to go Keene where we spent about an hour to explore the town. After we all went bowling which was a great time to bond and have fun. 

After we went bowling, Ms. Lea and Ms. Shapey had a big surprise for us. We knew that we would go out to eat dinner, but we did not know where we would go. We were positively surprised when we saw that we were about to eat Hibachi, which was extremely exciting since some of us never had it (including myself). 

We ended the day with our daily reflection and concluded that it was one of the best days since we were able to play with the kids, have fun with each other and eat some great food.

- Vanessa Thau

Kurn Hattin: Day 2 Tuesday

Today at Kurn Hattin we got to spend the day helping  out in classes, as well as sugaring.  We got the privilege to see a rehearsal for their flash mob at Okemo Mountain, in which we will participate tomorrow.  We later got to run their baseball and basketball practices and visit children in their cottages.  Overall we had an awesome, eye-opening experience and can't wait for the days ahead!
-Posted by Makayla & Peter

 

Kurn Hattin Day 1: Monday

This morning, our group of 13 students met after breakfast to participate in team bonding and write down any questions we have about Kurn Hattin. With little knowledge about the school, we were excited to finally see it. 

After our 2 hour drive into Westminster, Vermont, we were finally able to unpack into our apartment. Once we were unpacked, we went to the dining hall to eat dinner with the kids. When we entered the cafe, we found it was similar to New Hampton School. Every child attending the school was seated at large tables and each of us split up, sat down, and had a chance to meet the kids.

This was our first chance to talk to the kids and get an idea of what they like about their boarding school. We asked them questions ranging from what their living spaces are like to what they enjoy doing in their free time. The kids were excited to see us and were open to telling us about the school. 

After we were finished, and the students moved to their study blocks, we walked around the campus. 

At night we were able to meet with the Executive Director of the school who was able to answer some of our questions from the morning. We learned that Kurn Hattin is a safe and supportive place for children who come from at risk homes. The students come from a range of families that are struggling with drug/alcohol abuse, physical abuse, homelessness, incarceration or financial issues. This school provides a stable environment with the hope that the institution can break the negative cycles that surround the lives of these young children.  

Tomorrow we will divide up into different classes to help out. We are excited to not only have another chance to see the kids, but to learn more about Kurn Hattin and what is has to offer. 

-Posted by Chloe Davis

Kids Helping Kids - Day 4

Coach M & Mrs. K allowed the troops to sleep in this morning. They wouldn't have wanted the calories from the cinnamon buns anyway:) The daily work detail found us once again armed with paintbrushes and 90 minutes on the clock to complete the job. Somehow managing to get more paint on the walls than themselves, the crew made quick work out of things and marched off to Ann Hadley's 4/5th grade classes for the 3rd consecutive day.

Mrs. Hadley, is a soft-spoken energetic veteran of Kurn Hattin of over 30 years. She has been our 'host' instructor during these past 2 project week visits. Today "The Mouse and The Motorcycle" was on tap for her classes. The KH students paired off with their NHS counterparts to read Chapter 11 and added written reflections to their folders.

Our students helped them with reading comprehension, vocabulary, and helping the children read aloud with the proper expression pertinent to the text. At the end of the period, we said our goodbyes to the children amidst the promise to write as pen-pals as we did last year.  Lunch featured a wicked awesome spinach, feta, & bacon salad that was, really good!

One of the many things we learned about Kurn Hattin is that it is truly a family institution. Many of the employees are related, from teachers, cottage parents, the maintenance crew, the secretarial staff, and the even the kitchen crew. At least 5 current instructors have 30+ years serving the institution that is over 100 years old.

The highlight of our week may have been todays 12:50 pm Gym Class headed up by Donna Fahner, the widow of the beloved Tom Fahner, Kurn Hattin's Principal who passed away this past December.
Donna was so pleased to have the New Hampton students return and again so positively impact the KH community. The Floor Hockey game went off without a hitch and a good time was had by all.

While Seamus Tully and Bianca Maheia were battling over the puck, Jake Murray and Matt "Google Me" Beckoff attended a music class headed by Kurn Hattin's own Lisa Bianconi, who in 2014 was a Grammy Award Finalist. The academic day concluded with a trip to a 6th grade science class where the students collaborated on construction of rain forest trees with paper bags and green tissue paper.

"Down Time" was a misnomer as nearly everyone was active after classes with SAT Prep, intramural volleyball, or personal fitness. Our planned evening of dinner & bowling got off to a great start after the drive to Brattleboro landed us at Ramunto's Italian eatery. Alas, since Thursday is a league night, and a fire caused by one of the mid-lane ball returns left us on the outside looking in.

The gang retired to our Cottage for the nightly battles of ping-pong, cards, pool, and enjoying their last night on campus.

Kids Helping Kids - Day 3

Our morning agenda began with breakfast at each of the cottage tables in the dining hall.  Following Kurn Hattin's daily school meeting, we remained in the auditorium to prep for our presentation on the transition from middle school to high school, which was to be delivered to the seventh and eighth grade classes. The program touched upon some of the issues that students might encounter in secondary school including:

• The Influence of Others - Both +/-  
• Time Management
• Substance Use & Abuse
• Organizational Skills
• Study Tips
• Dress Code
• Social Media.  

Everything flowed very well with many thoughtful comments and questions emanating from both the Kurn Hattin instructors and students themselves. The attentiveness and participation of our audience eased any fears we had about speaking in public and was greatly appreciated.

Following the presentation the fourth and fifth grade classes completed the "all about me" posters, and with a little help from the visiting Huskies, made presentations of their own. Using 'old school' cut and paste technology, the children did an amazing job of expressing themselves through various magazine clippings, glue sticks, and poster board.

The afternoon was dedicated to many activities, which varied between, photography, sledding, painting, and organizing the equipment room in the gymnasium. Afterwards, the group took advantage of some down time by napping, making a trip to Dunks, and working out.

To cap off the day, the Tully's treated our group to an amazing dinner at Leslie's Tavern, which was followed by games in our little cottage. We look forward to another amazing day in this warm and welcoming community.

Kids Helping Kids Day 2

As the sun came up through the mountains, our alarm clocks abruptly woke us up at 6:30 a.m. The group gathered items needed for the day and headed up to enjoy a nice breakfast. There, each of us broke off to sit at different tables to interact with the Kurn Hattin students. We continued to develop a better understanding of the different kids and their stories.

We were invited to attend school meeting and were formally introduced to the community. The daily work detail consisted of painting and cleaning. Some of us helped to organize the music room, vacuum, paint, and even assisting with technology.

Next, the fourth and fifth grade class welcomed us into their classroom. During this time, we created an 'all about me' poster with the kids, which will be presented in class tomorrow.

Everyone enjoyed interacting and having time to look through magazines, which was relaxing. Then, our group broke for lunch and enjoyed some taco salad. Afterwards we were welcomed into the third and fourth grade classroom to create a short film as well as keynote presentations about the students. 

Next, we visited with the youngest group on campus. During this time, we used different ideas to draw and learn. Some kids drew on notability and others played a math game.

This was the end to our adventures through all the different classrooms. The group then had a little down time to themselves. Some took naps and others studied for the SATs. For dinner, we went to the cafe and enjoyed a meal with the kids. Afterwards, we separated into groups and visited the different cottages (houses) on campus. Through this experience, we were able to see how clean and organized the kids were. Also, in one of the cottages, the girls braided our hair as we enjoyed each others company.

Finally, we all grouped back into our own little cottage where we debriefed about the day. Later tonight we will enjoy some ping pong, pool, and some card games. As for tomorrow, the group is excited to present information to the seventh and eighth graders. We will also participate in different winter activities, such as sledding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. So far, the group is enjoying everyone's company and the time to learn about Kurn Hattin's unique community.

Kids Helping Kids - Day 1

To start Project Week, the Kids Helping Kids group traveled through NH and VT to arrive at Kurn Hattin. We arrived at our cottages and settled into our little home for the week. 

Next, we went up to the gym to interact with the 8th graders for an ice breaker. We played different games, such as tag and beat changer. By doing this, our group was able to get to know some of the students before seeing the whole school. 

A few hours later we went to dinner with the 8th graders and had a panel discussion about the transition to high school. During this time, we met with an alum and dorm parent from Kurn Hattin. Faith Crowe talked with us about the school and gave us a different perspective. 

Our day finally ended with a nice walk back to our cottages. Tomorrow our group is excited to help the maintenance staff and meet the rest of the kids.

Last Day at Kurn Hattin

The Kids Helping Kids group closed out their week at Kurn Hattin with a great visit to a well run girls cottage and an outstanding dinner out at Diamonds Pizza.

"Shoulda had a Calzone!"
- Elias C.

The group was extremely excited with the experience and equally enthralled with the manner in which this eclectic ensemble came together. We learned as much about each other as we did ourselves and our host school. The night could not come to an end without the Battle of the Never-Beens Part Deux, Air Hockey Death Match, and Cueless pool. Entertainment was provided by The Tapping Husketts, who made the case for increased financial aid for the Dance Team. Cards ensued through the midnight hour and the group waxed old school by just enjoying being in each others company. There lies solid evidence that 3:45 am served as last call. We said our goodbyes over breakfast and during school meeting over promises from Mr. Redman that "this is not a good-bye, but rather an introduction."

Students Bond With Kurn Hattin 4th Graders

The Kids Helping Kids 2-man Dunks Team got the day rolling with a 6 am start. The team then crushed both breakfast and the 2nd coat of paint in Ball House in record time. The focus of the day centered on the 1 on 1's with the 4th graders, some of whom made their own presentations before their peers - an impressive feat in itself! A quirk in the academic schedule allowed us to meet with the students for a 2nd time slot during the day. The bonds created in just a short time between the high school and grade school students were clearly evident.

Walking through the cafe this evening, our kids were Rock Stars! We accepted the invitation to visit with one of the girls cottages run by a decorated Kurn Hattin House Parent. We came away marveling at the level of respect she commanded while simultaneously showing each resident unrequited love. The overall impression was that "she's chosen the right profession". A small 'bribe' of elastic bracelets and strawberry & raspberry preserves produced by the girls served as a great 'please come back soon' statement.

Students Employ Individual Talents to Enrich Kurn Hattin Programs

The KHK group continued their impersonation of College Pro Painters. Internet frustrations were brushed aside as the 1 on 1 interviews with our 4th graders continued on day 2. Adjusting on the fly has become the sub plot of the week, and today was no different. Our students did a great job of sifting bits and pieces of information from their subjects through live video, clip art, drawing, and on occasion, direct from the mouths of the babes themselves.

Others were culled from the group in an effort to tap into their individual talents. Hannie again reveled in the opportunity to work the stables. Kurn Hattin sponsors a therapeutic equine program designed to help students make correlations between the quality of the animals life and their own. Care, respect, empathy, responsibility and accomplishment are cornerstones of the program. Ria was asked to join in the Spanish Club during the afternoon co-curricular period. Playing a waitress in a role-play activity where the students ordered menu items and paid for their meals using only Español. Matt Beckoff was invited to sit in on music classes for the next 2 days and will have the opportunity to play along side the KH music director and recent Grammy Awards runner up Lisa Bianconi.

Kids Helping Kids Top Plays for Tuesday!

Kurn Hattin is thrilled with the many contributions our group is making towards their small mountain of deferred maintenance projects. Finally, we enjoyed some 1 on 1 interaction with students and took our first steps towards telling their 'stories'. Although short lived, the session was dynamic and instantly rewarding. Lunch brought along with it an offer we couldn't refuse, the opportunity for our group to present a number of iPad options, apps, and downloads to one of the KH science instructors. Rightfully so, he was in awe of the talents of this representative group from "Husky Nation".

Kids Helping Kids Serve Enroute To Kurn Hattin

The frost heaves of Northern New England made their presence felt en route to Bellows Falls. Our initial destination was the "Our Place" soup kitchen, where the students performed a variety of duties and gained firsthand insight into this virtuous but trying endeavor. 

After lunch, The Kids Helping Kids group received a gracious welcome from Thomas Fahner, Co-Executive Director of Kurn Hattin homes. Following brief introductions with the 25 members of the 8th grade graduating class, we engaged in a few games of volleyball, dodge ball, and a version of 'liars poker for kids" to break the ice. Both groups shared dinner together before engaging in a panel discussion on making the transition from grade school to high school. 

Tomorrow's game plan includes a number of maintenance projects and some student to student tutorials within the Kurn Hattin reading program... and with any luck, internet access!

Kids Helping Kids 2014

Here is a draft of what we hope to do while at Kurn Hattin this year.

Kids helping kids 2014 from RedDog12

Kids Helping Kids: "A Look Back and to the Future"

Kids Helping Kids - Final Presentation from Hans Mundahl

Kids Helping Kids: Final Day

After my experience at the soup kitchen, I appreciate everything my parents do for me every day, and appreciate the opportunities that I really have. I realized that I have to take full advantage of my opportunity at New Hampton, and even further than that, because not everybody gets a chance like that in their lifetime.

We had an 8am departure from Good Will-Hinckley School.
Most of us fell right asleep on our way to Preble St. soup kitchen.

Claudia, Abby, and Emily help pack
bagged lunches at Preble Street soup kitchen.

Look at all the donated food! The majority of our time
at Preble St. was spent unloading this truck.

We stocked all the donated food in the
basement of Preble Street.

At this point I wanted to leave, but I had a change of heart when all these people began asking what school did we go to and where we were from? They said thank you, talked, and held conversations with us, and they were appreciative for something so simple to me but so big to them.

What a crew! This is the group before returning to Husky Nation. 

Thanks to everyone for keeping a positive attitude and helping others. Can't every week be Project Week?

Final Day at Good Will-Hinckley School

"Today our group split up into three different teams to divide and conquer. Some worked in the on-campus museum helping to make scavenger hunts for younger kids and sorting through old pictures that were donated. The second group did some manual work in the maple syrup shack by helping clean the floors. The last group held some meetings with members of the school faculty to talk about the experience and the possibility of having some Good-Will Hinckley students visit New Hampton." 
-Sunny P.

"After having lunch with the students, our project week group broke off once again. Two of the groups went on a hike through the trails that the campus had to offer, and one group went back to the museum to make a Saint-Patrick's Day theme scavenger hunt." 
-Sunny P.

Cara looks back in history at the
G.W.-H. museum.

Eliza works in the museum to help create a
St. Patrick's day scavenger hunt for kids.

Mop until you drop.

Jackie looking over her work.

"Today we split up into different groups. I cleaned and explored a dorm and it was cool to see the differences in the dorm compared to New Hampton. We also ate lunch with the kids and it seemed like every day got better as we got more comfortable with the kids. After lunch we went on a hike and I realized how huge the campus is."
-Shayla

Don't get in Shayla's way when
she is sweeping the halls.

Shiny floors and shiny smiles.

Who is pumped for a hike on the nature trails?

Who has two thumbs and is
happy to be hiking?

I am the leader,
now which way should we go?

Bri C., Shayla H., Brayson G.,
Abby R., Jackie M.

Any sap in there?

Taking a closer look at the maple syrup operation at G.W.-H. school

Mr. Redman explains some history
and landmarks at Good Will-Hinckley School.

Campus chapel

Old stone wall

Laura Y., Mr. Redman, Susan T., Claudia A.,
exploring the boundaries of the campus.

Who goes there?

Half the group enjoys a final night together.

The other half of the group
preferred a different menu, Thai!

"I hope we are able to give kids the opportunity to visit New Hampton so they realize what opportunities they have, and I also hope our group can provide the necessary feedback to help improve the school so they grow and are successful."
-Shayla