Wintermission is Underway!

On campus, the sounds of creativity and collaboration echo throughout the Music Building as Mr. McCarty’s “Making a Joyful Noise” students work together. In The Innovation Lab, students in Ms. Hergenreder and Mr. Stacks’ “Whodunnit: Intro to Forensics and Crime Scene Process” class bring their problem-solving skills to life as they learn the ins and outs of crime scene processing, while students in the “D.I.Why Not” class learn basic home maintenance and how to change a car tire. Students are also participating in internships with various school departments (Shout out to Comms Intern Emili R. ’24 for taking photos and curating the "Wintermission" gallery this week!). These are just a few courses engaging our students on campus this week.

Off-campus ventures have included a variety of internships and classes. School-sponsored internships at Blue Ridge Wildlife, Lou Lou Boutique, Chloe’s Boutique, Middleburg Humane Foundation, Middleburg Museum, and Banneker Elementary give students valuable real-world experience in a variety of settings. Other students have organized independent internships. Students in “Self Defense” are taking Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes and learning life-saving skills, and “Service Sampler” participants demonstrate that many hands make light work by volunteering at several local nonprofit organizations.

Throughout the week, intentional wellness programming — whether a hike, dance or four square — provides a nice mid-morning break before lunch. Several special evening activities, including the ever-popular Death by Chocolate, have been fun ways to end each day.

The best part? It's not over yet! This week of experiential learning is guided by the WinterMISSION statement: “Using innovative teaching practices and taking advantage of the uncommonly beautiful setting of Foxcroft and our regional resources, Wintermission provides students with the opportunity for choice, exploration, and the development of real-world skills.” Watch for a final report on Wintermission next week!