I’m grateful for…
That’s me on the right with the Upper School after the Faculty-Student Soccer Game
It seems that at this time of year, the theme of gratitude is everywhere, and I couldn’t be more thankful to be part of the warm, welcoming community at Berkshire Country Day School! I am lucky enough to have the perfect blend of working with an awesome faculty, getting to see our students grow and learn, meeting prospective families and helping them through the admission process, and connecting with the local community.
What’s happening in admissions?
In the fall trimester, we hosted an incredibly successful Little Penguins toddler playgroup and three Open Houses, and welcomed more than 20 families to our campus for visits and tours. When I watch our 7th Grade’s “Colonial Fair,” where they present what they’ve learned in History, hear our Middle Schooler’s Poetry Assembly, or catch our 9th graders leading break-out groups in an all-school Kindness Assembly, I am excited to consider what will be happening when our next visitors stop in.
5th Grade at the Middle School Poetry Assembly
Admissions: it’s a process…
One of the most important things I tell families who are getting to know Berkshire Country Day School is that the admission process is just that: a process. Once upon a time, applying to an independent school had fewer steps, and they were more clearly defined. Now, each of those basic steps—inquiry, parent visit, student visit, application review and acceptance, and enrolling—can have many, many smaller sub-steps. One parent told me that it was these baby steps (as she called them) that gave her, her husband, and their daughter the space they needed to ask questions as they became familiar with Berkshire Country Day and then thrilled with their choice to enroll. Sometimes the process starts with a referral from a family already connected with the school. That call can lead to a coffee date where I learn more about the student. This is followed by the first visit by a parent, then another visit, and one, two, three or even more visits by the student. Every day, I get calls and emails from families asking “just one more question!” I am so grateful for the way our whole school responds: teachers are happy to share more about the learning that happens in their classes; current parents are happy to share their perspectives and stories. We understand that finding the right educational fit for your child is a significant decision, and all of your questions are important.
What do you want to know about Berkshire Country Day School?
9th Graders hearing a about a colonial-era artifact and authentic document at the 7th Grade Colonial Fair, that included research, a project, a written paper, and an oral presentation
In the coming weeks, there are several opportunities to join us at events or to come in for a visit toe discover our school. If any of these sound interesting and you’d like more information, please give me a call at 413-637-0755 x116, or send me an email at aheddinger@berkshirecountryday.org.
I hope you’ll take the opportunity to get to know BCD and how we are intentional, independent, and inspired in our approach to education.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Alex
Thursday, December 1, 3:00-5:30 pm
“Arts Night”—a showcase of work from K-9 visual and performing arts classes, as well as poetry readings. Albright Library
Wednesday, December 7, 3:00-5:00 pm, Thursday, December 8, 3:00-6:00 pm, & Friday, December 9, 3:00-5:00 pm
Book Fair—in partnership with The Bookstore in Lenox. Lots of great titles and authors! Albright Library (accepting cash or checks)
Friday, December 9, 1:30-3:00 pm
Winter Concert—A selection of choral and instrumental performances from all grade levels. Fitzpatrick Hall
Thursday, January 12, 9:00-11:00am
Open House! Come discover more about Berkshire Country Day School. Tour our 27-acre campus, observe classes, talk with teachers and current parents, and learn what BCD has to offer your child. Registration appreciated. Albright Library
Late January/Early February (to be scheduled)
Little Penguins Toddler Playgroup, 3-week session with activities based on the Reggio Emilia early childhood education approach. Registration required. Preschool room
