HOW GREAT CAN
BE?
YOU’LL BE SURPRISED.
BY YOU Hi ,
My name is Emily, and I am here to tell you about my Winchendon experience. I am 16 years old, a sophomore, and this is my second year here. I enrolled in Grade 9 as a boarding student. I’ve lived in Texas, South Africa, and Hong Kong. Many people have asked me to summarize my Winchendon experience, and I answer the same to every single person: Winchendon is a place of opportunities. Here, I have made everlasting friendships with teachers and peers, found my strengths and weaknesses, and developed life-skills in preparation for college and a career.
The teachers here are absolutely unlike any other teachers you will find anywhere else. For starters, they are essentially everywhere. My coach for two seasons is also my teacher, who is also my dorm parent, who I also hang out with on trips during the weekends. The faculty and students here quickly merge into one dynamic and caring family. With international students from just about everywhere, we experience other cultures firsthand. There is never a day that isn’t interesting.
Allow me to explain what a day at the Winch is like. Each class runs for an hour and five minutes. I understand that at first this may sound overwhelming, but I have come to prefer this time structure over the standard 45-minute class period. This way, I am never rushed. If I need more time, there is always conference period, which is the last 45 minutes of the day. During that time, teachers are in their classrooms for students who want extra help. After that, I have sports, dinner and study hall.
I hope that you will come visit the Winch soon and that we will have a chance to meet when you do!
Sincerely, Emily
Is there anything you want to
ASK EMILY about Winchendon? Email her your questions at emily@winchendon.org
DISCOVER
YOUR TRUE
INTELLIGENCE Your true intellect is inside you. We’ll help you bring it out. By focusing on the ways you learn best, we’ll help you turn classroom challenges, self-doubt and frustration into success. It’s all about focusing on your strengths. With an average of just eight students to a class, Winchendon’s top-notch teachers get to know you—as both a person and a student. You’ll be challenged to learn the hard material, discuss the important issues and master the study skills that really matter. You’ll begin to discover your own intelligence. You’ll gain confidence, and learn faster and easier than ever. From algebra to Global Dynamics, you’ll surprise yourself.
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TH At Winchendon, you’ll enjoy up to two times more teacher support than nearly all other independent schools.
YOU’LL BE AMAZED AT WHAT YOU LEARN. …and how you learn it. How does Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” help us understand the challenges in Africa today? How is social media changing the global, political landscape and what will it mean to you? How do you say “Hello” in 17 different languages? It’s not just about what you learn. It’s about how you learn. Winchendon’s learning process blends technologies and techniques so you’ll learn more at a faster pace. If your class notes were once scattered and cluttered, they now become focused and indispensible. You won’t believe how much better you process and retain information. It’s a system you’ll use in college and when you enter the workforce. Winchendon’s distinctive daily and weekly written reports detail your effort and performance—so you always know where you stand. For extra help, teachers are ready—after class, after sports or even after dinner—giving you more academic support than you’ve ever had.
TH E W
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Winchendon’s class sizes are 40-50% smaller than most other private schools, and far smaller than most high schools. *Based on average size class at other private schools of approximately 12-15 students per class – and even larger in most public schools.
SHINE
IN THE
SPOTLIGHT Students here like to say, “You can do it all at Winchendon.” We do more than help your inner super-student emerge—we entice your inner painter, performer, photographer, singer or guitarist. Soon, you’ll express yourself in ways you never imagined and your talents will shine in the spotlight.
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At Winchendon, we believe in the importance of sports and the arts. We make sure students have time in their day for both.
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EXPERIENCE THE ART OF SELF-CONFIDENCE. Taking risks has great rewards. Whether you’re playing a scale for the first time or fine-tuning your sculpting skills, the Winch creative arts program brings out the “you” you never knew. Maybe you’ll be the hit of the talent show. Maybe you’ll be the yearbook sports photographer, or prep a portfolio to send with your college application. Maybe you’ll sing lead soprano with the Winch Singers. Or, maybe you’ll learn a new hip-hop dance. One thing is for sure: your confidence will grow to a new level at Winchendon. Get ready to shine!
another winch way call out for the arts?
PLAY FOR THE
WIN
You can’t spell Winchendon without “Win.” Play for Winchendon and you’ll compete with big-name schools. And, thanks to our smaller size, you’ll receive more coaching and playing time. Oh, and you’ll also practice and play in new, state-of-the-art athletic facilities. In every sport, you’ll hone the skills that improve your game—and so much more. Winch teams play for the W. You’ll have plenty of fun squaring off against other big-name schools. You’ll train hard, work hard, and play to win. You’ll also learn the rewards of dedication and teamwork, as well as the effort it takes to win. Learn these lessons and they’ll reward you for life. For competitive athletes, Winchendon lets you enjoy all the benefits of attending a small school plus all the rewards of competing at the highest level. Bring your talents to the Winch. You’ll be challenged—and you’ll be proud of yourself.
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We take on other big-time, top-tier independent schools, including Exeter, Andover, Holderness, Northfield Mount Hermon, Belmont Hill, Berkshire, St. Sebastian’s, Pomfret, St. George’s, Salisbury, Southfield as well as several college squads to name a few.
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Winchendon Fields 11 Varsity Athletic Teams: Fall Cross Country / Soccer / Volleyball
Winter Basketball / Ice Hockey Swimming
Spring Baseball / Golf / Lacrosse Softball / Tennis
TH E WIN CH W
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Intramural sports include Aerobics, Badminton, Cross-training, Horseback Riding, Karate, Skiing, Snowboarding, Triathlon Training, and Weightlifting.
RAISE YOUR GAME. “Intramural sports build skills that don’t show up on the scoreboard. At Winchendon, we feel strongly about exercising both mind and body. Train one with the other and you’ll have an advantage—in whatever field you choose.” Dan Chretien, Winchendon Athletic Director Winchendon’s Intramural programs let you participate in sports and learn lessons you can’t find in a classroom. Whether it’s badminton or cross-training, every game is an invisible teacher. You’ll learn the benefits of teamwork, commitment, sportsmanship and selflessness that extend far beyond the field. Remember, nobody ever won a game sitting in the stands. At Winch, you’ll get out there—and have the time of your life doing it. Just wait, you’ll surprise yourself. The field is open, which team would you like to play on?
MAKE
FRIENDS FOR LIFE
Since Winchendon is your second home, it’s good that you’re surrounded by a second family. From your very first day at Winchendon, you’ll have teachers who improve your schoolwork, coaches who enhance your athletic skills, staff who look after you, advisors who guide your future—and friends who you’ll keep for life. On a beautiful campus overlooking Mt. Monadnock, you’ll meet a wonderfully diverse group of students and faculty from a variety of places and backgrounds. They’ll be the people you’ll laugh, study, perform and compete with. They’ll also be there on those trips to Boston, shopping sprees, baseball games, amusement parks, river-rafting, or simply sharing a pizza at a local restaurant. In a welcoming atmosphere of friendliness, openness and support, you’ll make friends and memories that last forever.
SO, HOW WAS
YOUR DAY? It’s just 24 hours, but you’ll be amazed at how much you can grow, discover, improve, sweat, strive and have fun in a “typical school day” at Winchendon. 6:45 a.m.
Even though it’s on “shuffle,” my alarm clock wakes me up with “Brighter Than The Sun”. Hmmm… I take that as a good sign.
7:00 a.m.
Breakfast is served. Have to say, everyone’s looking pretty perky. I won’t tell them it’s not Friday.
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TH Even when separated by continents and time zones, Winch alumni remain friends for life.
We’re distilling the Great Depression in US History class. During that time, 50% of children did not have adequate food, shelter or medical care. Memo to myself: stop complaining.
These dribbling drills are actually helping my soccer skills (hey, that rhymes!). But, I have to remember to stop looking down at my feet!
4:45 p.m.
Helping out on the class project in the art department. Ms. Claude is also trying to convince me to take photos for the yearbook. Worth a try.
5:30 p.m.
Dinner—and not a bit too soon. A bit famished—soccer must burn a lot of calories.
9:25 a.m.
Working on my autobiography—in Spanish! Does anyone know the Spanish word for “awesome”?
6:35 p.m.
Quickly check Facebook. Do funny dog-trick videos ever get old? No, they don’t.
10:15 a.m.
We discussed the American economy; turmoil in Syria; and the Patriots playoff chances in Morning Meeting.
7:50 p.m.
11:20 a.m.
I think I just won a debate about human rights in Africa. I can be pretty persuasive sometimes. Just ask my mom.
Just minutes before study hall. I predict my “dorm parent” Ms. Conlon will review my daily grades and give her trademark “Wow!” look when she reads the effort comment in Spanish!
8:10 p.m.
Now that’s a “Wow!” look.
8:50 p.m.
Reading Shakespeare for Western Lit. Who knew Anthony and Cleopatra would be such a page-turner?
10:15 p.m.
A little “pleasure” reading, a few tracks on the iPod.
10:30 p.m.
Exhausted from another actionpacked day. Sweet dreams!
WI
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8:20 a.m.
3:00 p.m.
11:35 a.m.
There’s only six of us in this class, but I hope nobody heard my stomach grumble.
12:15 p.m.
Lunch!! My friends all agree, we should do something fun this weekend. What that entails has yet to be decided.
1:45 p.m.
Conference time and some extra help on a few math puzzlers. I think I’ve got it!
THE WINCHENDON
SUPER
YOU will have every
1 ACADEMIC ADVANTAGE at your fingertips
YOU’LL MAKE THE MOST OF OUR UNIQUE ADVANTAGES…
YOU will get to KNOW YOUR
2
TEACHERS
be in class with just
better–and they will know you
7
YOU will enhance the
YOU will
skills needed to achieve
5
YOU will
ATHLETIC
SUCCESS
3
OTHER STUDENTS
YOUR ideas are
4 IMPORTANT
(on average)
AMAZE
6 YOURSELF,
academically, athletically, artistically, and as a citizen
YOU will make
7 LIFELONG
FRIENDS
YOU’LL SURPRISE YOURSELF.
AT WINCHENDON Thanks for taking the time to look at our YouBook. I hope that it gave you a little sense of what Winchendon can do for you. Please feel free to get back to either Emily at emily@winchendon.org or me at colin@winchendon.org with any questions. I hope to see you on campus soon! Colin
Learn more: www.winchendon.org Contact Admissions by phone at 978-297-4476 or by email at admissions@winchendon.org with questions or to schedule a visit.
Connect with us! Design: Š Peapod Design, New Canaan, CT Photography: Peapod Design, Elliot Harvey, Jon Chase Copywriter: Mat Orefice
THE WINCHENDON SCHOOL ACHIEVE
ACADEMIC
172 Ash Street Winchendon, MA 01475 978 -297- 4476 admissions@winchendon.org www.winchendon.org
SUCCESS