Latin students recently read aloud translations while walking the campus Firetrail. Dean of Teaching & Learning Joanna McDonough said the stroll was a fitting activity for the class because it supported students' learning about how Romans shared stories with friends and spent their leisure time in the countryside.

Schedule Alerts

• Important Dates and Special Schedules

• Please note: The updated dates for Spring Break are March 10 to March 29, 2027.

Student Life

Sneak a peek inside the latest open house at the Head of School's home!

School Break Transportation Options

Brooks will offer shuttles to several locations at the start of each break. Families should plan their travel from these locations. View a comprehensive list of offerings, including dates and departure times in our School Break Transportation Shuttle Information. In that document, you can also access sign-up links. The sign-up link for Thanksgiving Break is currently live and accepting responses. 

Please be in touch with Associate Dean of Student and Residential Life Brendon Barrios with any questions, and review the school calendar to help you make plans.

International families: Need plans for Thanksgiving Break? Please connect with International Student Support and Global Initiatives Coordinator Amy Wang for offerings outside of Brooks School programming. 

• All students may depart after their last commitment on Nov. 20.
• Dormitories close for the break on Nov. 21 at 12 p.m.
• All boarders must return by Nov. 30 at 9 p.m.

REACH requests for Thanksgiving Break will be due no later than Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. Please work with your student to confirm and finalize your travel plans for the school break.

Soundcheck Prevention Network visited on Tuesday to meet with the class of 2029 as part of our SEL programming. Brooks will welcome the speakers from the substance education organization three times this fall and three more times in the spring.

This "Spirit Week," students have been dressing up/down for themes including PJ day, "Generations" and carrying "anything but a backpack!"

A Long Talk

Tomorrow, A Long Talk will be on campus working with students and faculty during community time. This will be a continuation of the work Brooks began with the organization last spring. During their visit, we will practice as a community continuing how to engage and lead with curiosity when participating in more challenging conversations. 

Weekend Activities

"Pancake Bingo" is back, with prizes for the first five winners, followed by broomball in the rink with hot cocoa on Saturday. See the full schedule of fun in the Weekend Bulletin.

Academics

Civil rights attorney and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong ’94, P’15, P’17 returned to campus on October 23 as part of Brooks’ Centennial Speaker Series, challenging students to recognize the opportunities they have been given at Brooks and consider how they might use them to make a difference. Read our story about her inspiring visit.

Winter Term Course Fees

Winter Term course enrollments are confirmed! If your student is in a course with a fee, you should have received an email with details about this from Director of Winter Term Joanna McDonough this week. If you have questions about your student's enrollment and/or the course fee, please contact her.

Arts

Reserve Your Tickets for Les Misérables

Firetrail Theatre brings one of the world's most beloved musicals to the Brooks stage this fall with "Les Misérables: School Edition," an unforgettable story of love, sacrifice, revolution and the enduring power of hope.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, "Les Misérables" follows Jean Valjean, a man seeking redemption, whose journey becomes intertwined with the lives of those fighting for justice, freedom and a better future. Featuring a soaring score and powerful storytelling, this epic musical explores the courage to stand against injustice, the transformative power of compassion and the extraordinary impact of ordinary people fighting for change.

We hope you'll join us in the Center for the Arts theater on Nov. 5, 6, and 7 at 7:30 p.m. to celebrate the students and community members whose collaboration, creativity and dedication have brought this ambitious production to life for the Brooks community. We will also have a closing performance reception on Nov. 7.

Reserve your free ticket now!

Vote for Connor Hendrickson '28!

Brooks fifth-former Connor Hendrickson is a finalist in the Broadway World Next on Stage competition. Hendrickson has performed in multiple Brooks productions and concerts, and he will next be seen in "Les Misérables." Let’s show our support with a vote for Connor in the Broadway World competition. Go, Brooks!

Family Programs

Thank you to all of the families who donated or volunteered for this year’s Ghostly Goodies Halloween event! See photos from the event.

International Families: Talk with John Packard

Head of School John Packard invites our Chinese and Korean families to join him for our fall international Zoom calls on Nov. 3:


• 7 p.m. (EST): Korea, with Kihak Nam providing translation
  
• 8 p.m. (EST): China, with Amy Wang providing translation

During these meetings, we'll share updated information for Jan. events and meetings in Asia.

Veterans Day Chapel and Luncheon Nov. 9 
Former Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer '72 will address students in a special Chapel service recognizing the annual holiday honoring all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Following Chapel, a luncheon for alumni, parents and faculty and staff veterans will be held on campus. Please contact Assistant Director of Alumni Programs & Communications Molly Kueter if you plan to attend.

Space Is Still Available for Dec. 10 Dinner

While Nov. 19 is at capacity, we still have a few seats available for the Dec. 10 dinner with Head of School John Packard. Gather your friends or come with the intention of meeting fellow Brooks parents. These community-building dinners are truly an opportunity for both new and renewed connection. Questions? Please contact Director of Family Engagement and Giving Mary Merrill.