The results of the student government elections for prefect and head prefect for 2009-2010 were announced this past week. The results are: Jessica L'Heureux, (Head Prefect), Johnathan Charles, Helene Dacey, Shane Gorman, Lisa Kirk and Sam Mandl.
To prepare for the vote, the whole school gathers for a special evening in the spring to hear the candidates explain their positions on school leadership. It's always an interesting evening of contrasts and similarities as each student aims to distinguish him/herself from the 23 (this year) other applicants. Some students lift their speeches from the student concerns of the current school year; others philosophize about the meaning of representational leadership; others promise to support and listen to their constituents, and others rally the student body to work to change those things which bother them.
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This spring, four seniors carried out independent study projects (ISP's) in areas ranging from the arts to sociological and international studies. Senior Master, Russ Elgin described this year's offerings as "an interesting mix." Each student worked one-on-one with a faculty member.
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If you would prefer to receive Highlander Highlights at a different
email address, please email our Admissions Office with your name and new/preferred
email address: admissions@gunnery.org
Highlander Highlights is produced by the Admissions Office. Todd
Santa Maria is our editor. Please feel free to
email or call Todd at (860) 868-7334 if you have any questions
or comments about our newsletter.
The Gunnery
99 Green Hill Road
Washington, CT 06793
(860) 868-7334
admissions@gunnery.org
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Dear Gunnery Student,
Welcome! The Admissions Office would like to extend a special welcome to our new students for the upcoming 2009-2010 school year. We look forward to seeing all the contributions you will make in The Gunnery community!
We finished the 2008-2009 year with incredible success. We salute our recent graduates who were accepted to some of the finest colleges and universities in the country. We are proud of our students' creative success in the visual arts, performing arts and the music department. Our student-athletes were recognized for their exceptional play (New England Champions in Golf and Baseball!) as well as their outstanding sportsmanship. Our students once again proved their high achieving ways inside and outside the classroom, and our faculty continue to be impressed and reenergized with the level of commitment from our students.
On behalf of everyone in the Admissions Office, please know how excited we are about having you join the Gunnery family this fall. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns prior to your arrival. Let's make the 2009-2010 school year the best one yet!
Best wishes,
Shannon M. Baudo
Director of Admissions
 Registration day at a new school awakens all our emotions — excitement, anxiety, nervousness, etc. A sensory overload of new surroundings, voices, and ways of living bombard you as you enter the campus. Kate Merritt and Lauraine Paquin from Gunnery's Dean of Students Office have listed a few tips to make the registration process and your first day at The Gunnery fun and stress-free.
- Before you come, call the Lauraine Paquin in the Dean of Students Office (860-868-7334 ext. 280) to make sure all of your forms are in. These include your medical forms, yellow registration form, green weekend permission form, media form, and athletic choice form. Day students need their car registration forms.
- If you get here first thing, you'll have time to register, go through the process (which lasts thirty minutes to an hour) and unpack at a leisurely pace. The earlier you get here, the better off you are to get a parking space near your dorm. Residental Advisors (student dorm leaders) will be there to help you.
- When packing, keep to a list of necessities. You can always bring more things later. No need to bring winter items now.
 - If you can, bring a hand cart. We only have one on campus, and again, parking becomes an issue as the day goes on.
- Make sure all items are labeled from calculators to clothing to book bags. Kids leave stuff everywhere.
- Bring a lock box for valuables.
- Make sure money is in your school store account prior to registration. Contact School Store Manager, Deborah Doody (860-868-7334 ext. 223).
- All new students, bring a parent or guardian with you.
- Keep an open mind. The first week is emotionally, physically, and socially challenging for both parents and the kids.
- To all parents, be prepared to let your children go. They will be fine.
Click here for registration dates.
 The boys of Browne dormitory emerged as the winners of the 2008-2009 Dorm Challenge. The final challenge (croquet, tennis, and spud) was like all the others in that it had nothing to do with physical or academic strength. "Everyone can participate, and it doesn't favor one type of individual," said Kate Merritt, Director of Residential Life. "Every challenge is gender neutral. It doesn't matter how old, big, or smart they are. This is simply about working together. This is a chance for the kids to have some pride in where they live. They work and interact with people they normally wouldn't socialize with." Regarding the residents of Browne, dorm parent Jed Stuart adds, "The guys were really energetic about all the challenges this year. For every event, all the students worked hard regardless if they were good at it or not." Other dorm challenges for the '08-'09 year include a dodge ball tournament, a clothing drive, and a Haunted Dorm competition.
 This past spring, the Gunnery Parent Council formed a mentoring program, "Gunn Parent to Parent Mentors" where new parents were matched with a current parent (much like the big brother/big sister program for the students) for advice and counsel. Now, in-coming parents have a network to go to for answers on the normal school issues like pick-up's, sport schedules, and appropriate shirt colors, to name a few. "We contacted the parents once their child committed to coming to The Gunnery," said Kay Caroe P '10 & '10, Parent Council member. "While some questions you have may feel insignificant, we feel that none are too small. These concerns can be alleviated with just one phone call to the mentors. We all want parents to feel welcome, comfortable, and connected." Each incoming parent is carefully matched with a current parent. The mentor will answer questions not only during the summer but throughout the year.
"I have already had some responses," said Kim Bickley P '10 & '12. "A mother had some questions about the registration and medical forms. Some others inquired about uniforms and where you buy them. Others asked more general questions. So far, there has been a positive response. Going forward, questions will come up that aren't school related."
"This is definitely a committed family," said Kay. "Any current parent can become a mentor even if he/she lives far away from the campus. This is a way to volunteer and get involved without physically being in Washington, CT." Kim adds, "This is not just a group for day student parents."
If you are an incoming parent and haven't received a phone call, please contact Kay at (203) 263-2997 or Kim at (914) 234-0132.
This past spring, Gunnery teams and individual athletes earned a plethora of personal and professional successes. Championships were won, sportsmanship thrived, and student-coach bonds were cemented for life. Look below for more on our successful spring season.
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