Dear Tilton Families,

As you may have learned from your children, Kirin was in an accident this week. Her mom has been wonderful about sharing updates with me to be able to relay to the TIlton extended family. Kirin is stable and in good care. The students have been writing cards, sending posts, and supporting each other. As we help guide your children during these times we had advisors checking in with students, classes taking time to write to her, and teams honoring her and the family prior to games yesterday. In times like these, we truly see how we are a family. Here is a summary of some guidance that our School Counselor, Angela Juurlink, has shared with your students:

  • All reactions are normal. Reach out to the people you know — they will support you if you need it. Lean on each other. 
  • Sometimes it helps to do something kind. Materials for cards will be available for pick-up at the Main Office and in the Head of School suite; this is a way for Kirin and Lila to realize how much the community is supporting them. Please return completed cards to Ms. Despins and we will ensure your kind messages are brought to the family.
  • A quiet moment of reflection, when needed, can be helpful. 
  • It is okay to have laughter during times of worry and stress. Our brains process emotions in waves. Finding moments to lighten your day is encouraged.

Thank you for your support as we support Kirin and her family going forward.

Kate Saunders
Head of School

Updates from the Health Center

There will be no Covid testing requirements for return to school from the upcoming February Long Weekend (February 9-13).

For your planning, please note that we will require—for all community members, regardless of vaccination status—a negative PCR test to be completed within 72 hours of their return to campus following Spring Break in March. The only exception will be for those who have had a positive Covid test 90 days prior to the return date of in-person learning.

Upon return to campus, we will conduct community-wide testing (except for those with the exception stated above) on March 30 for all adults and boarding students and March 31 for day students.

Student Life

February Long Weekend
February Long Weekend begins on Wednesday, February 9, and ends on Sunday, February 13. All students need to be back on campus the evening of February 13 by 6:00 p.m. Transportation to airports and bus stations will be provided after 12:00 p.m. on February 9 and after 5:00 p.m. on February 13. Please email Emily Johnson to sign-up.

If you need to stay on campus for the long weekend, please email the Student Life team to sign-up. 

Winter Carnival: Friday, February 4 – Sunday, February 6

Friday 2/4
5:15–6:45 p.m. – Special Dinner Menu - Fried Food Friday
6:00–10:00 p.m. – Glow Mini Golf in Skinner Tower
6:00–10:00 p.m. – Laser Tag in Hamilton
7:00–9:00 p.m. – Milkshake Bar in Skinner Tower
7:00–9:00 p.m. – Tie Dye in Student Center

Saturday 2/5
5:15–6:45 p.m. – Special Dinner (Chipotle bar)
6:00–8:00 p.m. – Fire, sledding, and hot cocoa on the Academic hill
8:00–10:00 p.m. – Winter Semi-Formal Dance; $5 per ticket to benefit the Senior Class gift

Sunday 2/6
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Special Brunch; make your own smoothie bowls
12:00–5:00 p.m. – VR Rollercoaster, Sumo Suit Wrestling, Mechanical Bull, and more fun in the MARC
12:00 p.m. – Food trucks
12:00–4:00 p.m. – Axe Throwing behind the MARC
4:00–6:00 p.m. – Broomball Tournament 4v4 at the Rink
5:15–6:45 p.m. – Pizza Dinner 

Larry Bartell Tubing Night – Tuesday, February 15th

Buses will depart at 4:45 p.m. for tubing at Pat's Peak from 6:00–9:00 p.m. Food is sold at the mountain until 8:00 p.m.

Student Life Notes

If your student is going to be late to school or miss classes due to inclement weather, a medical appointment, or any other reason, parents or guardians should contact Emily Johnson at [email protected] or 603-286-1776. Students should not self-report their attendance.

Weekend leave requests for boarding students are due on REACH by Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. Going forward, if a student misses the deadline to submit a leave, he or she will be required to remain on campus for the weekend. In a significant situation that requires a student to leave campus at a moment's notice, a parent or guardian should contact the AOD at 603-520-6400.

Lakes Region League Health and Safety Policies for Winter Athletics

  • All spectators should be vaccinated
  • Spectators, whether internal community members or outside guests, are required to be masked at all indoor venues
  • Only coaches and athletes competing in the game may be unmasked 
  • Individual schools may set capacity limits for their facilities. Please check school websites prior to attending competitions

Given the ever-changing landscape of Covid-19, the Lakes Region League, and/or each individual member school, reserves the right to modify protocols at any time.

News and Notes

Tilton School is Coming to Houston, Texas
Join Head of School, Kate Saunders in Houston, Texas on February 10 at Tiny's No. 5 – The Ivy Room from 6:00–8:00 p.m. The event is hosted by Kristen '06 and Wyatt Kupperman. If you are able to attend, please email Pam deVeaux.

PJ Shaughnessy Alumni Hockey Game
Registration is now open for our PJ Shaughnessy Alumni hockey game. The game will take place on Saturday, February 19th at 12:00 p.m. and is open to all parents, alumni, and Tilton School friends. The cost to play is $20.00, which includes a special game jersey. For those looking to register, the form can be found on our website.
2021-22 Tilton Yearbook Info

The deadline to purchase parent yearbook ads is fast approaching! Parents and students have until February 10 to visit the Jostens website and purchase a recognition ad in this year's edition of the Tilton School Yearbook. More for information on how to do so, please follow this link.

If you have questions, please contact Elizabeth Renaud.

The Business Office will charge student accounts for their copy of this year's book at the end of February. We are excited about this year's edition and are happy to announce that the price has been lowered to $50. If you would like to opt-out of buying the book, please email Elizabeth Renaud by February 11.

Academics

Grade Level Programming Dates

For your planning purposes, the other dates for Saturday Grade Level Programming are January 29, February 19, April 9, and May 14.  Attendance is required, and students should expect to participate from 8:30–11:30 a.m.

College Counseling

Classes of 2023 and 2024...kick off the college process with our College Counseling team!

Standardized Testing 101: What you should know and how to prepare
  • Date — Tuesday, February 15 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
  • Formate — Virtual
  • Registration Link
  • Speakers — Presented by Revolution Prep
  • Audience — Class of 2023 and 2024 families & students

Future Events (stay tuned for more info)
  • March 8 (7:00 - 8:00 p.m.) — Current Admissions Trends: Hear from the Experts (Virtual)
  • March 11 (12:00 - 4:00 p.m.) — Meet and Greet with College Counseling Office (In-Person)
  • April 12 (7:00 - 8:00 p.m.) — NCAA College Recruiting and Athletics: Hear from the Experts (Virtual)
  • April 19 (6:30 - 8:00 p.m.) — Financial Aid 101 (Virtual)
  • May 17 (7:00 - 8:00 p.m.) — Advice from Current Families: Parent Role in the Process (Virtual)