Rumsey Hall School

Summary: Rumsey’s Dorm Life Program helps the School fulfill its mission of educating the whole child. The program is constantly evolving, formulated by the combined efforts of the Director of Residential Life, the Faculty Dorm Heads, the Coordinator of Girls’ and Women’s Issues and the Student Dorm Council. These groups meet throughout the year to plan dorm activities and to discuss dorm issues. The goals of the Dorm Life Program include teaching community living skills, developing conflict resolution skills, promoting health and wellness, teaching an awareness of the conservation of energy, and developing a sense of dorm spirit. One of the highlights for the students is “Dorm Nights” which are scheduled every other week throughout the year. Dorm Night activities include intramural competition in volleyball, basketball, broomball, and climbing wall. There is also a talent show, an air band contest, spelling and math competitions, and a chess tournament. The results of these activities are recorded throughout the year. The program culminates when the coveted “Dorm Cups” are awarded to the winners of the upper and lower divisions at the end of the year. Holiday celebrations and birthday/pizza parties enhance the family atmosphere in the dormitories.

Summary: Special emphasis is placed on English, mathematics, study skills, and computer skills. Normal class size ranges from 6 to 10 students with individual attention and help available. Students who need support in Language Skills or developmental reading work daily with trained specialists. English as a Second Language (ESL) is offered to international students. Rumsey Hall students have access to state-of-the-art personal computers and software. Each classroom is equipped with at least one station, and there are three computer labs available. All terminals are linked to a school-wide information system, and students have appropriate access to the Internet. Each student has an e-mail address for easy communication with home and friends.

The close relationship between teachers and students is a special part of the Rumsey Hall summer experience. Opportunities for support and encouragement are abundant, and renewed or enhanced self-confidence is often the most outstanding product of a summer at Rumsey.

Most students have roommates, and life in a dormitory teaches valuable lessons about getting along with others and being a contributing member of a community. All meals are family-style, with faculty members and their families in attendance.

Report cards are mailed at midterm and at the end of the Summer Session. Written reports, which include grades for each subject and descriptive teacher comments, are provided at the end of the session. Each student is discussed individually at weekly faculty meetings to be sure appropriate progress is taking place. Parental input is encouraged.

Great emphasis is placed on providing a variety of recreational and enrichment activities to ensure a balanced, happy and productive Summer Session. Each afternoon students select from a host of activities such as swimming, hiking, tennis, fishing, horseback riding, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and basketball. Off-campus trips to museums, cultural and athletic events are included.

Department Director: Doug Kolpak

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