The Bears' Den: Back-to-School Issue | 8.17.24 A newsletter designed to keep our Berkshire community connected and engaged.

Back to School

We can't wait to welcome our Bears back to Berkshire! Below you'll find some information to help you with any last-minute details. See you on campus soon!

Our Head of School Mr. Mulder is excited to welcome everyone back under the Mountain.

Arrival Dates to Campus

Thursday, August 29

New International Students, Trailblazers, Orientation Leaders, Preseason Athletes (by invitation)

10 am – 12 pm, Jackman L. Stewart Athletic Center

Saturday, August 31

New Domestic Students, Green & Gray Leaders, Green Key Leaders

12 – 2 pm, Jackman L. Stewart Athletic Center

Sunday, September 1

Returning Students

10 am – 12 pm, Jackman L. Stewart Athletic Center

Tuesday, September 3

First Trimester Begins

Note: International students must bring a passport and I-20 to registration. According to immigration law, non-U.S. passport holders are required to present a passport, visa, and I-20 for registration.

Meet the Form Deans

Form Deans are in consistent contact with fellow faculty members and are responsible for helping chart students' academic progress through Berkshire.

Academic questions? Connect with the Form Deans:

Mr. Perkins: cperkins@berkshireschool.org

Ms. West: awest@berkshireschool.org

Ms. Barnhardt: kbarnhardt@berkshireschool.org

Mr. McCabe: mmccabe@berkshireschool.org

A Message from Brooke Depelteau, Dean of Academics

I’ve always found joy in new beginnings, and the start of a new school year is no different. From the excitement of seeing old friends and making new friends to the sound a new textbook makes when you open its pages for the first time to the crispness in the early morning air, the start of the new year is ripe with opportunity. Whether you’re walking into class for your very first day of school as a Bear or your fourth first day of school as a Bear, you’ll be walking into spaces that are full of adults who are eager to play a part in your Berkshire story.

Grounded in its core values, Berkshire celebrates the importance of community, and the start of the new year is a good time to think about how you will immerse yourself in all that this community has to offer. I hope you’ll lean on your teachers, your advisor, your form dean, your coaches, and your dorm parents; these individuals will be instrumental in helping you navigate this year and making the most of your time at Berkshire.

As you look forward to your arrival on campus, I hope you’ll spend time with your family talking about what you hope to accomplish in the year ahead. And when you drive up Berkshire’s entrance, I hope you’ll remember that there’s a community ready to welcome you back with open arms.

Check out the New Bears' Blog, created by our student leaders for new Bears! Click “Summer Updates” in the upper right corner to see posts relating to weekend activities, dorm life, food, and other aspects of life under the Mountain.

Class of 2025 Prefects

The below faculty members serve as House Heads. They’ll lead a group of fellow dorm faculty and adjuncts assigned to each dorm.

Day Student Contact

Jen Gaenzle Smith

Jen Gaenzle Smith serves as Berkshire’s Day Student Coordinator. She will be in regular touch with communication specific to day student families and will help students navigate life on campus.

Connect with Ms. Gaenzle Smith: jgaenzlesmith@berkshireschool.org

All students were assigned English class-specific titles that were chosen to support the work done within the core curriculum throughout the year. Knowledge of the form-specific reads will be assessed early in the trimester.

Students in AP courses and some advanced sections have supplemental reading assignments as well. See below link for a complete list.

Back-to-School Shopping

A Retro style Thermo Mug is yours, free, with any purchase over $25!

Looking for back-to-school supplies and Bear wear? Visit the Berkshire School Store! Shop online or in person during registration.

Save shipping fees by picking up your order at the Bookstore during registration weekend.

Bookstore Hours During Registration:

Thursday, August 29: 9 am – 3 pm

Friday, August 30: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Saturday, August 31: 9 am – 3 pm

Sunday, September 1: 9 am – 1 pm

Berkshire's Dress Code

Berkshire School’s guidelines for the dress code are designed to help students present themselves in a way that aligns with the School’s community standards and values while also allowing for individual expression and comfort. Click the button below for the School's dress and appearance expectations.

Stay Connected!

Follow us @berkshireschoolathletics on both Instagram and Threads for the latest athletic photos, videos, scores, and highlights!

Save the Date!

FALL PHOTO DAY is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15. Photographers from Highpoint Pictures will join us on campus to capture photos of ALL students! No pre-ordering is required! Parents or guardians will receive email proofs prior to purchasing.

Fall Family Weekend

Thursday, October 17 – Saturday, October 19, 2024

Berkshire looks forward to having families join us for Fall Family Weekend, a time filled with opportunities to experience life under the Mountain!

More information and registration to follow soon.

A Message from Shannon Tyree Brown, Director of Parent Engagement

As Berkshire's Director of Parent Engagement, I’m excited to welcome families to campus and partner with you throughout the upcoming year. Alongside our Parents Association, I look forward to sharing details about upcoming events and community-building opportunities at Berkshire. New families, please watch for an introductory email early next week with information on registering for a new parent webinar in September.

I look forward to meeting you and your child(ren) in the fall. Please reach out anytime, as I would love to hear from you.

Shannon Tyree Brown

styreebrown@berkshireschool.org

Coming in 2025: the new student center

Check out the exciting progress on the new Student Center. All the windows have been installed, and the views couldn’t be any better!