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Watkinson School

Tag: upper school

  • Return of the Hog River Review

    Return of the Hog River Review

    After a brief respite caused by the pandemic, the Hog River Review (HRR) has returned.  Begun in the early 1990s as a student-led literary magazine, and evolving into a full-color literary and arts magazine in the early 2000s, the HRR ceased publication from 2020-2023. This year, sophomore Landon S. decided to take on the challenge of reinventing the HRR as an independent project. Working with advisor, Arts Department Chair Stacy Donovan, Landon has created a web-based version of the HRR found at hogriver.watkinson.org.  

    Miss Donovan noted, “I am thrilled with Landon’s passion for this project.  It is marvelous to have the Hog River Review back in this accessible format.  The Arts at Watkinson have a twofold mission: Nurture emerging artists and provide our community with a rich array of visual and performing arts so that they may become educated patrons of the arts.  The online portfolio serves this mission beautifully.  For this I say, thank you Landon.”

    Landon collaborated with numerous faculty members and learned a great deal along the way. Network and Database Administrator Tom Gromak worked with Landon to make smart choices about how and where to best host the site. Director of Communication Jenni French helped Landon conceptualize the project and scaffold the submission and review process. Graphic Designer Jenny Katz-Brandoli taught Landon the ins and outs of WordPress and helped him learn key tenets of designing for the web, including how you create a site that can have future editions. Donovan advised Landon as he recruited peers who helped him adjudicate the work that was submitted to determine readiness for publishing. 

    The site was launched in time for Watkinson’s annual Fringe Festival. Landon says, “This project has not only taught me skills for creating and designing a website but also life skills. I have learned that if I put my mind to something I can get it done. Even if there are many roadblocks, I can still push through. I’m so grateful to be at Watkinson because so many teachers have supported me and helped me get to a place where I can say I created a website.”

    Landon is already making plans to do a fall edition of the HRR.

    To learn more about our private school curriculum, schedule a visit today.

  • Nik C. ’24 Published

    Nik C. ’24 Published

    Nik C. ’24, a Creative Arts Program diploma student majoring in creative writing, has been included in the second edition of the international publication called “Letters to Lovers Zine”. Nik’s poem “After the Batman” was one of 29 submissions selected out of hundreds of entries. To date, Nik’s focus has been on short stories and novellas, this is his first submission of poetry. 

    The Zine was founded in 2022 by German writer/creative Veruschka Haas, who is the editor and designer.  Haas says the Letters to Lovers Zine’s purpose is to publish classic and modern interpretations of letters. She adds, “I created this Zine out of love for collections of letters and epistolary novels, worry that this is a dying medium, and excitement for how this medium shifts and changes in our modern day.” Whether art, photography, poetry, or prose, whether handwritten, composed, or typed out, Issue 02 features works by young writers and artists directed at their lovers past, present or even future. In Issue 02, the relationships, non-relationships, and encounters are explored as letters through a lens of nostalgia.

    The Zine is sold online (Etsy), and in a number of British bookstores and magazine shops, including Housmans Bookshop, Typewronger Books, Magalleria, and magCulture, among others.

  • Award-Winning Student Artists

    Award-Winning Student Artists

    Congratulations to the students below for winning awards in the Connecticut Region of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards! The work of the Gold Key winners qualifies to be judged for the national competition. 

    The Connecticut Regional Scholastic Awards program is a professionally juried event that recognizes only the best Connecticut student artwork. This year, four Watkinson students won seven awards or honorable mentions.

    Abbey B. ’25 — 1 honorable mention

    Jacob B. ’23 — 1 gold key and 2 honorable mentions

    Ben R. ’25 — 1 honorable mention

    Alice X. ’25 — 1 gold key and 1 honorable mention

    Jacob B. ’23
    Abbey B. ’25
    Alice X. ’25
    Ben R. ’25
    Jacob B. ’23
    Jacob B. ’23
    Alice X. ’25

    Learn more about our private school curriculum here.

  • Acclaimed Architect Visits Watkinson

    Acclaimed Architect Visits Watkinson

    Just prior to Thanksgiving, Bruce Becker visited Watkinson to speak with our Global Studies students. President of Becker and Becker Associates, Inc. (Becker + Becker), he is known for using a fully integrated approach to sustainable design, planning, financing, and development of buildings to meet the social, economic, and environmental needs of communities.  Becker’s good friend and Watkinson parent Rand Cooper (who arranged the visit) says, “Bruce is a champion of our need to have a different kind of energy future, and is plowing a path toward it for the rest of us to follow.”

    Becker spoke a lot about his most recent project, Hotel Marcel, in New Haven’s iconic Pirelli Building which is fully sustainable producing all of its energy needs through solar power and the use of innovative technologies.  Global Studies Director Jennifer O’Brien remarked that this visit was important for the students because, “…they were able to see that the path towards a climate-responsible future is not theoretical — it’s achievable right now. Through Becker’s work, our students heard how one person and a dedicated team can overcome preconceived ideas to address environmental, global public health, and sustainability issues. His visit was a masterclass in Global Studies.”

    Click here to learn more about our exceptional private school Global Studies Program.

  • Two Watkinson Juniors to Compete in Croatia with USA Tap Team

    Two Watkinson Juniors to Compete in Croatia with USA Tap Team

    Watkinson juniors Maizy S. and Millie F. will be traveling to Zagreb, Croatia to compete at the World Tap Dance Championships on November 21 – 26th as members of the USA Tap Team! The highly selective team consists of only 69 dancers from the tri-state area who will represent the United States at this prestigious event. The dancers were chosen by a panel of judges certified by the International Dance Organization. Being selected for this team is a tremendous honor in and of itself as each nation is limited to 3 entries per category. Both girls study dance at Farmington Valley Dance & Music in Farmington, CT.

    Both girls are enrolled in Watkinson’s Global Studies diploma program, which requires completing a rigorous set of academic requirements above and beyond those of a traditional high school diploma. Upon completion, students earn a second diploma. Watkinson’s Global Studies Program is a unique aspect of our private school curriculum.

  • Watkinson Private School Senior Is the Only Student Panelist on “Religious Communities United On Climate Justice”

    Watkinson Private School Senior Is the Only Student Panelist on “Religious Communities United On Climate Justice”

    Watkinson School, a private school for grades 6-12/PG in Hartford, CT, is pleased to announce that Elijah H. ’22 was selected to be the only student panelist participating in the virtual event “Religious Communities United On Climate Justice”. The panel was co-presented by the Jewish Youth Climate Movement (JYCM) and Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN) and facilitated by IREJM’s Executive Director, Teresa Eickel. The event took place on Zoom on Monday, April 11, 2022.

    Elijah is a Global Studies Diploma student at Watkinson and is also the head of the school’s Jewish affinity group, called Chai.  He is the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director for JYCM and event moderator, IREJN’s Executive Director Teresa Eickel, says he was chosen as a panelist because, “The younger generation has become so engaged in climate justice work because they can see very clearly the urgent need for strong and decisive action. Elijah’s work on climate justice from a diversity, equity, and inclusion perspective is so valuable because Black and Brown communities, as well as low-income communities, are impacted first and worst by climate change. We are grateful to have a leader like Elijah in the climate movement!”

    The other panelists included Rev. Kelcy G. L. Steele, Pastor, from New Haven’s Varick AME Zion Church;  Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, of Samford’s Temple Beth El; Senator Saud Anwar, CT State Senator – District 3; and Sr. Elaine Betoncourt, from West Hartford’s Sisters of St. Joseph.

    About the experience, Elijah said, “It was so gratifying to have been on a panel with such an esteemed group of people. I was inspired by everyone there as well as their thoughts on how climate justice intersects with their religion. I am glad I was able to provide a youth and Jewish perspective on this issue and I hope more people are inclined to get involved in the fight against climate change.”

    Watkinson School, a private school for grades 6-12/PG, is Hartford, CT’s oldest co-ed independent day school. To schedule a tour of our private school and to see what our students,  parents, and alumni have to say about their experiences at Watkinson School, click here. Our next info session for prospective families is May 5 at 9am.

  • Watkinson Private School Senior Receives CT All-State Recognition for Varsity Soccer

    Watkinson Private School Senior Receives CT All-State Recognition for Varsity Soccer

    Watkinson School, a private school for grades 6-12/PG in Hartford, CT, is pleased to announce that Evan R. ’22 received an All-State selection for the 2021 Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association ‘Prep Small’ Team. The All-State banquet took place this past Sunday, April 10th at the Aqua Turf Club. 

    Evan was among the 24 members of the Prep Small team; these athletes were selected by the CSCA for having distinguished themselves in soccer during the past season.

    About Evan’s selection, Watkinson Soccer Coach and Upper School Head Ryan Reese adds, “Ryan was our voice on the field, and he was the player who compelled each of his teammates to be the best version of themselves. Not only is he our most skilled player, but he also most fully exemplifies what it means to be a Watkinson athlete. His kindness and supportive approach to bettering the squad are also paired with a beautiful brand of competitiveness, one that isn’t overly demonstrative or fake, but rather one that is deeply felt and respectful of the beauty of the game. He made all around him better with a timely tackle or perfect ball into the attacking third. In the most important moments, he was there – bagging two goals to put the finishing touches on a playoff victory over Christina Heritage.”

    The Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association was officially established in 1973. Since its inception, the Association has catered to the needs of the boys’ high school soccer players in our state. Each fall, at the conclusion of the scholastic soccer season, the CSCA selects a group of high school players to be designated: All-State, All-New England, and All-American. The Association holds an annual banquet to honor these players. 

    Evan is a three-sport athlete, playing varsity basketball and varsity ultimate in addition to varsity soccer, and in each case is a captain. He is also an honors student who participates in Watkinson’s rigorous Global Studies Program.

    Watkinson School, a private school for grades 6-12/PG, is Hartford, CT’s oldest co-ed independent day school. To schedule a tour of our private school and to see what our students,  parents, and alumni have to say about their experiences at Watkinson School, click here. Our next info session for prospective families is May 5 at 9am.

  • Watkinson Private School 10th Grader Takes First Place

    Watkinson Private School 10th Grader Takes First Place

    Julia W. ’24 Won Regional Finals of the Next Narrative Monologue Competition 

    Watkinson School, a top-rated private school in Hartford, CT, announces that Julia W. ’24 was the first-place winner of the regional finals of the Next Narrative Monologue Competition held at New Haven’s Long Wharf Theatre. Julia will go on to the national finals at the Apollo Theater in May. 

    For two months, Julia and her fellow competitors worked with teaching artists Julius Stone and Jacqueline Brown on a number of contemporary monologues written by living Black playwrights. For the competition, Julia tackled the character Eboni in Psalmayene 24’s “The Recurring Dream, Or Small Baby Hands.”

    The Next Narrative Monologue Competition serves high school students, grades 9-12. In each participating region, students progress through three rounds of competition: preliminaries, semi-finals, and a regional final. The top two winners from each regional competition participate in the National Finals, receiving an all-expense-paid trip to New York City that includes:

    • Workshops with theatre professionals
    • Performance at the Apollo Theater
    • Ticket to a Broadway show
    • Cash prizes for the top three winners

    Watkinson School, a private school for grades 6-12/PG, is Hartford, CT’s oldest co-ed independent day school. To schedule a tour of our private school and to see what our students,  parents, and alumni have to say about their experiences at Watkinson School, click here. Our next info session for prospective families is May 5 at 9am.

  • Watkinson Artists Awarded At Connecticut Scholastic Art & Writing Awards  

    Watkinson Artists Awarded At Connecticut Scholastic Art & Writing Awards  

    Congratulations to the students below for winning awards in the Connecticut Region of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards! The work of the Gold Key winners qualifies to be judged for the national competition.

    The Connecticut Regional Scholastic Awards program is a professionally juried event that recognizes only the best Connecticut student artwork. This year, seven Watkinson students won awards or honorable mentions; this is noteworthy given that Watkinson has 250 students and is competing against large, regional public schools. 

    Jacob B. ’23 — gold key, photo

    William E. ’22 — Gold Key, CAEA Best in Drawing Award, Drawing Category 

    Hannah J. ’23 — honorable mention, photo

    Evan P. ’22 — silver key, sculpture

    Ayana P-M ’22 — silver key and gold key, painting

    Z Reed ’23 — silver key, drawing

    Alina W. ’22 — honorable mention, film

    Alina W. ’22
    Ayana P-M ’22
    Ayana P-M ’22
    Evan P. ’22
    Hannah J. ’23
    Jacob B. ’23
    William E. ’22
    Z. R. ’23

    Watkinson School, a private school for grades 6-12/PG, is Hartford, CT’s oldest co-ed independent day school. To schedule a tour of our private school and to see what our students’ parents and alumni have to say about their experiences at Watkinson School, click here. Our next info session for prospective families is April 7 at 9am.

  • Watkinson School Awards Leadership Grant to Ninah G. ’24

    Watkinson School Awards Leadership Grant to Ninah G. ’24

    Top Rated Private School Recognizes Student from Hartford, CT

    Watkinson School is pleased to announce that our private school has awarded the Monique Colletti Leadership Grant to our private high school 10th-grader Ninah G. of Hartford, CT.

    Upper School Head Ryan Reese adds, “We are so excited for Ninah, as she is not only deserving of this award due to her application materials, but, more importantly, because she continues to find and embody leadership roles within our community each day. She wrote about examples of leadership from her own life and from history in her essay for the award, and she has stepped into important leadership roles within Ravens and Titans, our BIPOC affinity groups, this year, as well.”

    The fund supporting this grant was established in 1998 by family and friends in memory of Monique Colletti, class of 2000, who died in a car accident on June 27, 1998 while returning home from a school-related trip to the American Youth Foundation’s international youth leadership program at Camp Merrowvista. At the time, Monique was a tenth grader.

    This award intends to nurture students’ efforts to enhance their leadership skills. The Collettis want nothing more than to see young people have the opportunity that Monique had when she attended Merrowvista; the opportunity to hone their skills as leaders and prepare themselves to make a difference in the world. 

    The Colletti Leadership Grant is awarded every other year to a student leader who is energetic, sympathetic, and has the curiosity for knowledge and the experience necessary to attend a leadership camp or program. The recipient is chosen on the basis of a written application essay, as well as the input of two adult references. The awardee then seeks a program of interest, submits it for consideration and approval, attends the program, and then reports back to the Watkinson community about the experience.  The student will also report to the Colletti family by writing a summary of the impact of the experience. The grant provides up to $1,200 to fund an experience with a leadership program.

    Watkinson has an established tradition for recognizing excellence; see previous award winners here.

    Watkinson School, a private school for grades 6-12/PG, is Hartford CT’s oldest co-ed independent day school. To schedule a tour of our private school and to see what our students’ parents and alumni have to say about their experiences at Watkinson School, click here.

  • CT Private High School Senior is #1 Commit to D1 Equestrian Program

    CT Private High School Senior is #1 Commit to D1 Equestrian Program

    Watkinson private high school senior Tessa B. signed her national letter of intent as the number one 2022 D1 commit to the University of Georgia equestrian team. The Georgia Bulldogs’ equestrian program has been the epitome of success since its inception in 2001. Since the program started, the Bulldogs have reached unprecedented heights, including six national titles, seven reserve national titles, six Southern Equestrian Championships, and three Southeastern Conference Championships.  

    Tessa entered into the horse world through a pre-school raffle, and it soon became a lifetime passion for her. Spending her winters in Wellington, Florida — competing on the elite competition circuit with the best riders in the world — has pushed her to be the best version of herself on and off the horse. Tess’ hard work and dedication has led her to become a national champion, be named the best junior rider of 2020 at the Washington international equitation final, and earn a team gold medal at the junior jumper final, among many other national accomplishments. 

    Tessa says, “All of my accomplishments could not have been possible without my family and the strong team I’m surrounded by — which includes Watkinson School — that has been a big part of her success and journey for the past seven years.”

    Pictured with her parents, Hagan and Alicia, on NLI signing day.

    Learn more about the culture of athletics at Watkinson School.

  • CT Private High School Junior Competes Nationally from Watkinson

    CT Private High School Junior Competes Nationally from Watkinson

    On Sunday, April 11, Watkinson private high school junior Elijah H. ’22 competed in the USA Gymnastics New England Region competition. This meet, which was held virtually, is the qualifier for the national championships. Elijah placed second on the vault, which qualifies him to represent New England at nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida on May 11-16.

    For the virtual regional competition, athletes competed at their home gyms and were judged via Zoom. While Elijah was competing with his team, Daggett Gymnastics, at the gym where he normally trains, each athlete must qualify for nationals individually.

    A competitive gymnast since he was 8, this is Elijah’s 7th time competing in regionals and third time making it to the national stage. 

    Athletic Director Ann Haggerty comments, “Elijah represents everything Watkinson athletics strives for: joy in competition, tenacity while working towards one’s goals, and being an encouraging teammate.  We are exceptionally proud of his work ethic and accomplishment.” Watkinson School requires students to participate in on-campus athletic endeavors; both inter-scholastic or club/intramural options are available. However, accomplished athletes who compete in sports Watkinson does not offer (like gymnastics, horseback riding, hockey, etc.) are given extraordinary support and flexibility to achieve in their chosen arena.

  • New History Electives Announced At Our Hartford Private School

    New History Electives Announced At Our Hartford Private School

    Watkinson School is proud to announce a new slate of history electives for 11th and 12th-grade private high school students. Six years ago, in the midst of strategic planning, faculty envisioned redesigning the senior year which would also mean redesigning aspects of the upper school curriculum that leads to the senior experience. During our five years of implementation of the strategic plan, a Humanities approach is being taken in the 9th and 10th grade, the English electives were redesigned last year, and the Senior Project — a yearlong independent study that culminates in a public exhibition — was launched last year.  This new roster of history electives, which ranges from “American Exceptionalism and the American Dream” to “The Age of Genocide” to “Revolution: Causes and Consequences” and more, is the latest step in this work. 

    Upper School Head and history teacher Ryan Reese reflects, “These electives, following the work we’ve put forth in building the 9th and 10th-grade Humanities courses, make real our ideas about what skills and ideas students should build and confront during their time with us in Watkinson’s upper school.”

    History Department Co-Chair and 11th and 12th grade Academic Dean Rob Deitelbaum remarks, “Being part of a process that began with, “What are the most important aspects of history that we think every student should learn?”, and distill that to a list of 10 courses, each driven by an essential question, was so invigorating as an educator.”  Watkinson’s collaborative culture helped these educators and school leaders do their best work. History Department Co-Chair Justin Zelenka describes, “It was so much fun, and honestly inspiring, to sit with my colleagues week after week and work together to create the ten essential Watkinson History courses.There was so much knowledge and experience in the room, and I’m really proud of what we created together as a team.”

    Reese concurs, “As a teacher, it is rare to be given the opportunity to think, create, write, and materialize an entirely new scope and sequence of courses and curricula. Instead of building out traditional survey courses that are content-driven and remain unchanged for years at a time, these electives, each crafted around an essential question, will adapt to various teachers taking up the questions each semester and the changing and evolving world around us.  They’re not just “cool courses” that any teacher would love to teach, but they mark our best thinking about the broad and expansive thinking that is necessary for taking up serious historical study in the 21st century.  I am so excited for the students to see them, to read the course descriptions, and to begin bringing them to life next fall. 

    Head of School Teri Schrader adds, “I am beyond proud of this curriculum development. This is how you build a school. You set a cohort of gifted teachers to the task of determining what skills and habits our students need today. This collection of electives represents smart, essential schooling.”

    See the full list of English and History electives here.

  • CT Private High School Junior Donates 1000 Masks

    CT Private High School Junior Donates 1000 Masks

    CT private high school junior Anne Goshdigian, coordinator of Faces of Homelessness at Hands On Hartford, a nonprofit that works with homeless Hartford residents and presented to Watkinson private school students on Equity and Social Justice Day, said, “Hands-On Hartford received an amazing donation of 1,000 face masks from Cindy Z. [class of 2021] last week. What a blessing! They will be distributed to those in need. We are so grateful for her help in keeping our Community Meals and MANNA Pantry guests safe and healthy. A gift to the whole community!”

    Watkinson history teacher Andy Aavatsmark also commented, “This was a terrific initiative by Cindy, who saw a need in the community and took it upon herself to do something about it.”

  • CT Private High School Sophomore Named Academic All-American

    CT Private High School Sophomore Named Academic All-American

    Watkinson private high school sophomore Elijah H. ’22 has been awarded the USA Gymnastics Academic All-American Recognition award this year. Robert Cowan, former USA Gymnastics Men’s Program Director, established the award in 1986 to encourage a high level of academic achievement in young athletes in addition to their athletic achievements. The award honors athletes’ development of values, morals, and social skills.

    The recognition has become a prized acknowledgment for these athletes, and a list of the recipients is also provided to the collegiate coaches to utilize for recruiting purposes.

    “The Junior Olympic athletes in the men’s program are tasked with training and competing, while also managing class work and attendance,” said Lisa Mendel, Men’s Program Manager. “It amazes me how much these student-athletes accomplish not only in the classroom and the gym but also in what they do to give back to their community. These truly are amazing individuals.”

    In order to be eligible for the USA Gymnastics Academic All-American Recognition award, athletes must be current USA Gymnastics student-athlete in grades 9-12 with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete an online application.

  • Watkinson Private High School Junior Named All-NEPSAC

    Watkinson Private High School Junior Named All-NEPSAC

    Congratulations to Watkinson private high school senior Angel T. ’21 for being named to the New England Prep School Athletic Council All-New England squad for boys basketball for the 19-20 season. A guard for the Rams, Angel is among 20 players from New England to receive the All-NEPSAC distinction at the class D level.

  • Model UN at the Hungarian and EU Consulates

    Model UN at the Hungarian and EU Consulates

    Watkinson’s Upper School Model UN had the opportunity to travel to New York last week in preparation for their upcoming conference at the University of Hartford in December. Our Watkinson private high school team visited both the Hungarian and EU Consulates. The Hungarians were especially hospitable; our students had the privilege of meeting with the Ambassador, Deputy ambassador, and Chief Ambassador. They were so excited to meet our students who were interested in Hungary and Global Affairs that they wanted to take a photo with our students. 

  • Watkinson Private High School Senior Grace Scholar Receives Two Accolades

    Watkinson Private High School Senior Grace Scholar Receives Two Accolades

    Junior elected a Student Trustee and was awarded Female Athlete of the Month.

    Watkinson School congratulates Nary O. ’21, who is a Grace Scholar at Watkinson, for being elected as one of Watkinson’s two private high school student trustees. One of 7 private high school students to run for student trustee to Watkinson’s Board, Nary gave a speech at an All-School meeting and was voted by her peers as the top candidate. She will serve in this role for a 2-year term and will attend Board of Trustees’ meetings to represent the students and provide a student voice for making decisions and setting policies.

    Within the same week, Nary was named the Female Athlete of the Month for September 2019. Nary’s coaches reported that Nary has become a key player for Watkinson’s girl’s varsity soccer team this year. She has a great touch on the ball and is instrumental in helping the team learn to keep possession, and she has really ratcheted up her defensive intensity. More importantly, Nary has become a vocal leader for the team. She helps her teammates learn and applies new concepts in practice and she has been stepping up in halftime and post-game talks, getting her teammates to stay focused and motivated. Her growth has been tremendous. Head of School Teri Schrader added, “Nary is the kind of student and leader who does her best work from being part of the work — never one to push her way to the front or to wherever there is the most attention. Instead, she is persistently and consistently herself; alert — more alert than any ten people put together — and always thinking. Her leadership and presence is understated but powerful!” Members of the community appreciate Nary’s positive presence around campus, always wearing her smile and giving out a “hello, how are you” and being truly interested in your answer. 

  • Watkinson Private School Senior Recognized by National Merit Scholarship Program

    Watkinson congratulates their private high school senior Clare C. ’20 for being named a Commended Student in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by Ms. Schrader to Clare for her scholastic talents.

    About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although ineligible for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2020 competition by taking the 2018 preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

  • Senior Wins Yale Debate Competition

    Senior Wins Yale Debate Competition

    Patrick H. ’20, one of Watkinson’s Global Studies Program diploma students, won the Yale Invitational High School Parliamentary Debate Competition Sunday!! Over 20 hours, Patrick and members of the Watkinson/Westfield Debate Team debated 9 rounds, each with a different resolution, and had just 15 minutes to prep each without sources or internet. Patrick gave the final rebuttal in the semi-final round against a California team that was arguing colleges should provide amenities. Ultimately, 17 of the 19 judges voted for them.

  • Upper School Head Selected by Anti-Defamation League

    Upper School Head Selected by Anti-Defamation League

    Watkinson School is pleased to announce that Upper School Head Ryan Reese was selected by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to be one of nine educators nationally to pilot ADL’s new Civics Education Program. ADL announced that this new program stems from the belief that, “…enabling students to explore their civic engagement and identities through an anti-bias and social justice lens is essential for creating more inclusive and equitable schools, communities and society.”

    Reese attended a two-day professional development training in Chicago on August 12 and 13. Piloting this new curriculum involves teaching, and then providing feedback on,  six lessons that address the core civics themes of Structures of Democracy, Civic Participation, Social Justice and Civil Rights, Power and Privilege, Identity and Membership, and Media and News Literacy.

  • Watkinson Class of 2019 College Matriculations – Our Graduated CT Private High School Students

    Watkinson Class of 2019 College Matriculations – Our Graduated CT Private High School Students

    Watkinson School congratulates all 42 of our CT private high school students from the class of 2019 who will graduate on Friday, June 7th. We are proud of their accomplishments and celebrate them attending the following Colleges and Universities:
    Bard College
    Bentley University
    Boston University (3)
    Brandeis University
    Bryn Mawr College
    Central CT State University
    Clark University (2)
    Connecticut College
    Eckerd College
    Fairfield University
    High Point University
    Hofstra University
    Lynn University (2)
    Manhattanville College
    Marist College
    New York University (4)
    Sarah Lawrence College
    Savannah College of Art and Design
    School of Visual Arts
    Suffolk University
    The George Washington University (3)
    The University of Texas, Austin
    Trinity College
    University of Connecticut (4)
    University of Hartford (2)
    University of New Haven
    Vassar College
    Washington University in St. Louis
    Yale University

  • Upper School Model UN heads to Dartmouth

    Upper School Model UN heads to Dartmouth

    Watkinson’s upper school Model United Nations attended Dartmouth Model UN (DartMUN) last weekend (April 5-7) with 8 private high school students. Jackson F. ’21 won an “outstanding delegate” award for his work representing the Chief of Staff for the Philippines Navy (PN) – Carlito Galvez Jr.; his committee was the Duterte Administration.

    DartMUN was comprised of students playing the roles of specific real people, with President Duterte largely communicating with them via Twitter.

    Heartfelt thanks to alumni private school parents Kasha and Peter Novak (parents of Caroline ’13) for their consistent generosity; they have donated the use of their house in Quechee for the past 6 years for the team to stay in, which makes for a great group experience and a very affordable trip.

  • Watkinson Private School Senior Thalia P. Has Original Play Read at Hartford Stage

    Watkinson Private School Senior Thalia P. Has Original Play Read at Hartford Stage

    Thalia P. ’19 was chosen to participate in Write On, Hartford Stage’s Annual Young Playwrights’ Competition. The competition is open to all Connecticut residents in grades 9-12. Among these applicants, 5-6 are selected to participate in the program. The program is modeled on Hartford Stage’s new play development process, and Write On playwrights have the unique opportunity to learn about professional play development first-hand. Accepted students work with a professional playwright to turn their ideas into ten-minute play scripts. Thalia developed her play, “Escape Room”, in intensive writing workshops held at Hartford Stage. The program culminated with a reading of the ten-minute plays performed by local actors and directed by professional directors who worked closely with the young playwrights.

    Thalia is a member of Watkinson’s Creative Arts diploma program. Private school student artists who have demonstrated serious interest and strong ability may be accepted into the Diploma Program based on an audition or portfolio review, a written statement of intent, and an interview. Many of these students plan to enter careers in the arts; graduates have gone on to some of the world’s leading dance and theater companies, galleries, and symphony orchestras. This program combines rigorous practice schedules with an individualized course of requirements under the guidance of an art advisor. Students may study off-campus if necessary during the day. The C.A.P. faculty provides liaison with leading arts institutions, including Hartford Stage, the Hartford Art School, Hartt School of Music, and Juilliard.

  • The Future Perfect Project at Watkinson

    The Future Perfect Project at Watkinson

    by Harrison Richman, University of Hartford Communications Intern

    Announcing an extraordinary opportunity for the Watkinson community: the nationwide “Future Perfect Project” brings its LGBTQ initiative to Watkinson. The Future Perfect Project is an ongoing series of workshops, designed to provide LGBTQ high school students and student allies with songwriting and storytelling techniques and the opportunity to express their unique stories to their community. The workshops take place at various schools and community centers across the U.S. and are facilitated by performance artists James Lecesne and Ryan Amador.

    To date, James and Ryan’s efforts have stretched over 15 states in which they have helped hundreds of teenagers become comfortable with who they are through activities and discussions designed to empower students’ individuality.

    The week of March 4th-8th, students will have the opportunity to speak with James and Ryan at multiple events throughout the week. They will be meeting directly with the SAFE Alliance, Upper School instrumental ensemble, United Through Differences student club, and Upper School chorus and will be giving a special presentation at All School on the Friday of that week.