Virtual October Family Program 

Beginning Oct. 19, Hotchkiss will host a variety of programs over two weeks to connect parents with their student's advisor, teachers, and class deans and provide a glimpse of campus life. We are also thrilled to announce a special event hosted by the College Office featuring Jeff Selingo, New York Times writer and author of Who Gets In And Why.

Registration will begin next week. Click here for a preview of events!
Dorm Faculty and Proctor Videos

Enjoy fun videos that were sent to students in the Opening Days of School. They will allow you to put names and faces to the dorm faculty and proctors you hear so much about from your student! Note: you will need to use your Parent Portal login credentials to access this page.

Also included on the webpage is a contact information sheet for each dorm, should you need to be in touch with a member of the faculty.

Hotchkiss Major School Prize Ceremony
Major School Prizes Awarded

Like many other opening-of-School events this year, Hotchkiss had to re-imagine the Major School Prize Ceremony, traditionally held each September. Honoring achievements from the 2019-20 academic year, a special video was created and Head of School Craig Bradley shared it with the School community yesterday. Click here to view the ceremony.

In his communication, Mr. Bradley noted, "Prize-giving is both a celebration of individual student achievement and an expression of the values of the School. Watching the video, you will hear mention of characteristics such as 'good will toward others,' 'distinguished in scholarship, athletics, and citizenship combined,' 'school spirit,' 'strength of character and compassion for others,' and 'participation, enthusiasm, vitality, and interest in others.' These words express some of the values we stand for at Hotchkiss, particularly our values regarding community life."

Congratulations to all prize winners!  


Important Family Announcements

A Reminder about Family Visits to Campus
We are committed to maintaining the integrity of the "bubble" we have created on campus, and therefore we must be diligent about limiting visitors to campus at this point in the school year. Equally, we know that this is challenging for both families and students. Please know that families are welcome to drop off packages or supplies to their students at any time. Such items must be clearly labeled with the student's name and should be left at the welcome hut at entrance to the main gates or, in the event the welcome hut is closed, at the Campus Security Office. Directions to Campus Security are clearly posted at the School entrance.

In addition, if your family has an important reason to visit campus, you are welcome to contact the Deans' Office to discuss your individual circumstances. If permission is granted, all family/visitors must notify the Deans' Office in advance and observe strict safety protocols while on campus. Please note that families/visitors will not have access to dorm spaces, dining services, or most campus buildings.
Thanksgiving Break Update
Families of boarding students will be notified of their student's assigned campus departure slot (November 20-22) and airport transportation options by mid-October.  Those needing to purchase airline tickets may do so, and should submit an absence request form* as soon as possible, noting the flight information in the "comments" section of the form.  Absence requests for boarding students not traveling via airline should be submitted by a parent/guardian after departure slots have been assigned. Questions regarding absence request procedures may be directed to the Excuse Office, and questions about transportation may be directed to Laurie Grusauski

*Parents/guardians of boarding students are always asked to submit an absence request form in advance of their student's departure for a School vacation. Login credentials to the Parent Portal are required to submit the form.
A Message from the Mischianza (School Yearbook) for Families
Each senior receives a complimentary copy of the yearbook. Upper mids, lower mids, and preps may order their copies from Herff Jones. Senior portraits are due December 1. Ads are due January 6. All details are available on the Mischianza webpage.
Student Activities
Check out the wide range of fun and interesting social activities that are planned for students by visiting the School calendar on the website. Look for the events posted with a green flag.  

Activities will be posted each week. Please respect that these are student (only) events and note that times are subject to change.

Jeff Selingo book_ Who Gets In and Why
College Corner

Virtual Family Program Event: An Evening with Jeff Selingo
Tuesday, October 20
8 - 9:30 p.m. EDT

Join us for a webinar featuring Jeff Selingo, New York Times writer and author of Who Gets In And Why, who will share his thoughts about the current landscape of college admission; the impact of COVID-19 on the college admissions process; and the impact of the pandemic on the future of post secondary education. Questions may be submitted in advance. Register today!
For Upper Mid Families
Upper mids  have  the  option  to  take  the  PSAT, a preliminary SAT which measures skills in critical reading, math, and writing, on Thursday, October 29. Click here for details and registration information.