AI Residency
Berkshire welcomed educator and AI consultant Eric Hudson for an exciting 2.5-day residency designed to engage faculty, staff, and students in meaningful conversations about Artificial Intelligence. With over 20 years of experience helping schools embrace innovative practices, Hudson specializes in engaging communities in dialogue and practical strategies regarding the integration and impact of AI. "We're eager to lean into AI as a tool to further extend our best teaching and learning at Berkshire," said Head of School Pieter Mulder. “Eric's guidance on a ‘human first, human last’ approach––for both students and faculty––resonated with all of us since it's this high-touch, student-centered, and forward-thinking approach that defines the academic program at Berkshire. We're excited to thoughtfully explore how AI can amplify all that happens in between ‘human first, human last,’ as we continue to evolve our best teaching at Berkshire. In thinking of our school motto––Learning, not just for school but for life––we believe AI literacy is a compelling obligation in preparing our students for their lives beyond their days under the Mountain.” During his visit, Hudson led faculty in discussions about a human-centered approach to AI in schools. He also worked with school leadership, met with students in multiple disciplines, and was available for lunch and conversations with community members throughout his stay.
Talking about AI in open and honest conversations really removed the stigma around it. It was really interesting hearing that my history teacher, Mr. Gappa, has been using AI to enhance his own learning. It’s exciting to be learning alongside each other in this new wave of AI at our school.”–Caroline Christu '26
Pro Vita Saturday
Students continued their Pro Vita Programming this past Saturday by participating in Performance: Play, Passion, & Purpose. Broken out into their respective winter sports teams or afternoon program groups, the morning started with a surprise competition, where teams had to work together to build the tallest tower using just marshmallows, spaghetti, and tape. They then watched videos submitted by alumni about the keys to successful teamwork and reflected as a group. Pro Vita Director Patrick Donovan said, "The spaghetti and marshmallow challenge is a great team-building activity that tests a group's collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills."
Students then transitioned to the gym, where they were welcomed by Michelle & Sean Clark, Double Dutch champions and instructors, for a Double Dutch tournament. The entire student body warmed up by running through the jump rope before representatives of each team competed in the tournament. "Michelle and Sean Clark of Double Dutch Aerobics broke down the ways that fear of failure can get in the way of our best performances, and that when you are following your passions, you've got to let go of this fear," explained Donovan.
We are excited to see how each of the winter teams and programs apply these new skills to their performances on the ice, courts, stages, and in the classroom!
AESR on the Mountain
When students in the Advanced Environmental Science Research (AESR) class began to inventory footage from wildlife cameras posted on the Nordic Trail, they realized they had captured this happy family of bears below! For his AESR research project, Berkshire Bear Eli Boren ’26 is measuring biodiversity indicators to compare two sites containing ash trees––one with live trees and one where the ash trees were killed by the invasive ash borer beetle. By identifying and counting plants and animals found in both sites, Eli is using the data to calculate species evenness, species richness, and Shannon's Index, a measure of biodiversity, all of which provide a solid picture of the ecosystem. Eli’s research is a continuation of a project started by Rufus Robertson ’25 and Charlie Ruvinsky ’25, who created the experiment knowing their data would launch a long-term analysis of biodiversity on the Mountain. Go Bears!
Dispatch from The Dome
The monthly Dispatch from The Dome highlights our Bears' literary and artistic talents. December's Dispatch features this digital image, "Id," by Yuki Hu '26 and the poem “Cheot-Noon–First Snow" by Claire Kim '26.
Dome editors Georgina Clarke '26, Molly Caesar-Kim '26, Chidera Okeke '26, and Lena Smith '26 introduced each work and explained what drew them to the pieces. Below are excepts from their thoughts:
In her piece, Claire defines what ‘Cheot-Noon’ (‘first snow’ in Korean), means to her, and contrasts this with the feelings, memories, and experiences evoked by the words ‘first snow’ in English. As you listen, think about the places you call home, and how your recollection of your unique experiences aligns with your identity. Consider what ‘first snow’ might mean to you, and the cultural traditions that inform your concept of these words."
From its dynamic texture to its lively composition and color, ‘Id’ is captivating. I remember the first time I saw this piece, I straightened my spine as if I were in trouble. I think that’s the intrigue of ‘Id,’ and the reason why I can’t tear my eyes away from it. It looks at you while you look at it.”
Fifth Form College Program
Families of fifth-formers are invited to campus for the Fifth Form College Program on Wednesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 5. Representatives from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of the Holy Cross, Bucknell University, and Trinity College will be on campus to lead workshops and answer questions, kicking off the college process for the Class of 2027!
The perfect way to warm up a cold Sunday night in December? Head to the annual winter BIMP performance! The crew shared some classic improv games in the Berkshire Hall atrium, as the fun and super challenging "Questions" game capped off the evening with hilarious results.
Fall Athletic Awards
We recognized our fall athletes during a recent All-School Meeting. Awards were given to members of the thirds, junior varsity, and varsity teams for all fall sports.
"The fall season is a time for all of us to reinvent ourselves and show how much we have grown. We met new friends, new teammates, faced new challenges, and began to form the foundation of a strong community which is our greatest strength. . . . This is probably the only time in your life where every single adult around you finds their greatest personal pleasure and reward in seeing you succeed." – Dan Driscoll, Director of Athletics Congratulations to all of our fall athletes and award winners on an outstanding season!
18th Annual Pink Out Game
The Boys Varsity Hockey team traveled to The Taft School on Saturday, Dec. 6 for the annual D'Arco Cup, also known as the Pink Out Game. The event is dedicated to commemorating the D'Arco family's deep involvement with both Berkshire and Taft, and raising funds and awareness for breast cancer. The game honors the memory of Lucille D'Arco, a fan and supporter of both institutions, and mother of Brad D'Arco, a 1999 Taft graduate and former Berkshire hockey coach. The Bears battled hard through three periods and fought right up until the final whistle. Despite the effort, the team ultimately took a tough 5-2 loss to the Rhinos. Beyond the scoreboard, the evening was a powerful display of community spirit and support for a vital cause. We are immensely proud of the team's relentless effort and the commitment shown by everyone who helped uphold Lucille D'Arco's enduring legacy.
In the sixth annual Skate for Her game, the Bears fell 1-0 in a hard-fought contest against Lawrenceville School, but the night's impact extended well beyond the scoreboard. Skaters from local youth programs joined the Bears on the ice, reinforcing the tradition's message to "play for her."
This year's event supported Do It For Daron, a mental-health initiative founded in memory of 14-year-old Daron Richardson that promotes mental-health education and open conversations among young athletes. Chosen by the senior class, the organization reflects the team's ongoing commitment to awareness, advocacy, and community.
Watch the highlights below!
This year, the Jewish Affinity Group, the Christian Affinity Group, and the Black Student Union combined forces to present a joint celebration in the dining hall, newly named "Winter Fest." Lots of Bears participated in the festivities and enjoyed sharing their cultural holiday traditions.
No instruments? No problem!
Take a listen to how the A Cappella Ensemble class took on the "12 Days of Berkshire" in the video below!
Note from the Interfaith Chaplain: Berkshire will be offering transportation to Roman Catholic Confirmation classes again this year for any student who is interested in preparing for this important sacrament. Berkshire will partner with Father Robert Miskell and Our Lady of the Valley in Sheffield. These classes provide an opportunity to deepen one’s faith and understanding of Catholic tradition. If you would like your child to participate or would simply like to learn more, please contact our Interfaith Chaplain, Kevan Bowler at kbowler@berkshireschool.org for additional information.
Alumni Spotlight: Eliza McKenna '16
With the debut of her first solo show, You Were Young and So Was I, in 2025, it’s been a big year for photographer and writer Eliza McKenna ’16. A film studies major from Wesleyan University, Eliza earned her M.F.A. in photography from Pratt Institute. Her current work explores how images shape perception and illuminate grief, memory, and the deeper layers of consciousness. Read about the photo featured here, Splitting Sides, her reflections on the artistic process, and learn how taking a creative approach to her assignments led Eliza to a career in the arts, below.
Photo: Splitting Sides (2024)
Class of 2026 Families Surpass Goal
Thanks to the generous support from families in the Class of 2026, the Senior Parent 10-Day Challenge was a tremendous success! We are deeply grateful to all who participated and to those who increased their gifts for The Match That Moves Us, making their impact even greater. With 87 donors, we surpassed our goals of 75 donors and $400,000, raising an impressive $863,258 (including matching funds of $278,000 from a loyal alumni family). A remarkable 66% of senior families participated in the match! As a result, the Class of 2026 will enjoy a special Senior Celebration at the Mulders' home at East Campus, featuring music, a food truck (or two!), and lots of lawn games. This is an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments, lasting connections, and spirit of our seniors. Thank you, and Go Bears! Watch the video below to hear members of the Class of 2026 share gratitude for their Berkshire experience.
This holiday season is filled with joy, gratitude, and connection. It is also the perfect time to show your appreciation for Berkshire by making a tax-deductible gift to the Annual Fund before December 31. This year, there is even more reason to give: The Match That Moves Us!
Thanks to the generosity of a loyal Berkshire alumni family, eligible gifts to the 2025–26 Annual Fund will be matched dollar for dollar. Whether you are giving for the first time, returning after time away, or increasing your support, this match allows your generosity to stretch even further for our Bears. Every gift makes an immediate and meaningful difference in the lives of our students. From all of us under the Mountain, thank you for your support!
For questions about making a gift, please contact Associate Director of Advancement Services Myra Riiska at 413-229-1225 or mriiska@berkshireschool.org.