An Exciting Winter Term

Winter Term was back in full force this January following two pandemic-restricted years, and Brooksians dove back into the experiential classes with excitement.

The Brooks campus buzzed vigorously in January, as Winter Term — a two-and-a-half week interlude in the academic year during which students and faculty engage in the deep study of one topic — took hold. This year, the school was able to return to a full slate of programming and possibilities, unhindered by the physical distancing and travel restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Brooks took full advantage: Classes enjoyed visiting speakers, regional and domestic field trips, and even international journeys. And, Brooks alumni and current and past parents pitched in to help also by volunteering their time and expertise, and in some cases, by welcoming classes into their professional and private spaces.

One of the reasons Winter Term was successful again this year was because of the support shown by parents and alumni. Many classes benefited from the knowledge, help and connections lent by our parents and alumni, and several even got to spend a day meeting with community members in their homes and offices. Below is a partial list of community members who worked with our Winter Term classes this year; we are grateful to all of those who lent a hand, and we look forward to further collaboration in the future.

“Passion to Pass it On” welcomed Lisa DiAntonio P’25 and former faculty Cliff Irons ’63 to serve as panelists for final student presentations in support of local nonprofits. The class also heard from invited speaker Jon Payson P’16.

Christopher Bassett ’97 and Joris Brinckerhoff ’76 each spoke to the “Farm to Table” class: Bassett spoke about fruit farming in New Mexico, and Brinckerhoff spoke about butterfly farming in Costa Rica.

“Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained” heard from two Brooksians about the Azores before embarking on its trip to Portugal. Felicia Cafua ’15 presented to the class on Azorean heritage and culture, and Diana Carreiro P’26 provided the class with Azorean drinks and pastries.

Head of School John Packard traveled to Washington, D.C., with his class, “Hawks and Doves.” While there, they met with Alysa James ’11, Cristina Antelo ’95, Hadley Sosnoff ’02, Robert Bonnie ’85 and Trevor Potter ’74. They also had a chance to Zoom with Richard Spencer ’72.

Laura Nichols, wife of Charlie Nichols ’70 and grandparent of three Brooks graduates — Nate Smith ’18, Tobey Smith ’20 and Laura Smith ’22 — taught the “Raku” pottery class for the third year in a row.

Alex Skinner ’08 met with the “Adventures in Professional Pathways” class to discuss his career path as the executive director of Serving Stars, a nonprofit organization that provides tennis, fitness and educational enrichment to students in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

The “Italian Art & Culture” class worked with artist Nella Lush P’95 over the course of Winter Term. Lush explained her process, exhibited her work and then spent time with students in the art studio as they engaged in their own creativity.

The “Going Viral: Marketing Winter Term” class worked with alumni Britt Hart ’09 and Zack McCabe ’15, who spoke about their experiences working in social media marketing. The class also met with Dana Tarlow P’25 and Ian Davis P’26, who served on an in-person “parent focus group” for the class, providing feedback on the students’ social media plans and offering advice.

Katie Taylor ’92 connected the “Learn to Snowboard” class with the Burton snowboard factory, which the class toured. Taylor joined the group for the tour and then dinner.

Vivek Sharma P’24 welcomed the “Walking Boston” class into his Commonwealth Avenue home. The group toured the Sharma home and enjoyed lunch.