From the Head of School

Dear Berwick Community,

As I write this letter, the sun is shining on Fogg Field and the sounds of an impromptu recess lacrosse game can be heard across campus. Our students take full advantage of the outdoors all year, but the emergence of spring in Maine means the campus comes alive in new ways.

As we make our ways outdoors, we are excited to announce the creation of a brand new outdoor space for our Lower and Middle School students. Berwick values the power of play in a child’s development, and our new outdoor space has been specifically designed with this in mind. The space will offer a range of activities and equipment that allows students to engage in active play, use their imaginations, and develop their collaboration and social skills.

This new space will span the area between the Lower and Middle Schools. The mini turf sits at the top, giving way to a long slide and platform treehouse. There are swings, natural climbing areas, water features, and bridges and tunnels. There is an outdoor ping-pong table, four square and basketball courts, and a GaGa pit. Gathering spaces are carefully thought out to ensure students are also able to relax with friends or read a book quietly.

Along with renderings of this new project, this issue of Berwick Today includes an article from Director of Lower School Joel Hawes on how the new outdoor space will enhance our already robust place-based educational work. This space will give children a tremendous opportunity to make choices that allow them to evaluate risk, be creative, and build relationships. You will also hear from Director of Middle School Ryan Feeley that play continues to be important for our Grade 5-8 students. Unstructured time leads to creative problem-solving, imaginative play, and the building of critical social skills and relationships. We are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for our students, and we believe this new space will help us achieve that goal. We are confident that it will be a valuable addition to our community.

As we wrap up the final trimester of the school year, we are reminded of all the wonderful things that have happened on campus already this year. From academic decathlons to student performances and athletic competitions, our community has come together to support our students in their growth and development. I hope the pages ahead will allow you to celebrate with us all of the exciting moments so far this year, and I hope that this spring or summer brings you back to the Hilltop for a visit.

Sincerely,

Jim Hamilton Head of School