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In 2004, under the tutelage of Dean of Faculty, Eileen Kelly-Aguirre, The Gunnery added
a separate teacher evaluation of students' effort, collaboration, self-regulation and
disposition towards learning and thinking to the grades and teacher/advisor comments
already delivered twice each term. The program is called the Academic Merit system. It
represents an attempt to raise student awareness of the sorts of beliefs, behaviors and
attitudes that support life-long learning.
(continued)
  The festival serves as the independent private school version of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) event. "MENC utilizes Connecticut student performers from public and private schools," said Jennifer Wojcik, Gunnery's Performing Arts Director. "However, due to scheduling conflicts, independent schools could not participate." Thus, the idea for the festival was born. Mrs. Wojcik, who also serves as the festival's Band Chair, comments that this event will give Gunnery students opportunities not found on campus. "Due to the small size of the school, students in the music department do not have the chance to perform in a large group. This event hosts performers from all over the state, making for huge ensembles."
Gunnery student performers in the 2006 Connecticut Independent School Music Festival
include:  
In Ireland for spring break Gunnery students, Kate O' Connor '06, Kristen DeForge '06,
Sarah Macary '07, and Brittany Dougherty '06, encountered a local couple outside a
shopping district. Noting the girls' American nationality, the man and woman commented
that one can find great craic (pronounced crack) in Ireland. Puzzled and somewhat
alarmed, the girls returned to faculty member (and trip organizer) Courtney Dohman with
what-have-you-gotten-us-into looks on their faces. As they continued their journey into
the foothills of the country, Courtney explained that craic is Irish for "fun".
(continued)
 
At times, students in faculty member Sue Werkhoven's math class will ask, "Why am I doing
this? When will I ever use Geometry or Calculus again in my life?" Sue's response
is candid. "Studying math will train your mind to handle problems down the road. Becoming
adept at analyzing a sequence of steps will help you attack real world problems. Getting
the top grade is not the be-all, end- all. Learn the material; don't just strive to get a
100 on the test."
Sue arrived at The Gunnery in 1983 with extensive experience in teaching the mathematical sequence of steps to her students. A native of Ellington, CT, she received her B.A. in math from Colby College in Maine, and got her first job at Shepaug High School teaching math. After a brief hiatus from teaching to start a family, she spent several years tutoring homebound students from both public and private schools (including The Gunnery). She became an adjunct faculty member at Western CT State University where she also received her M.A. in Math. Eventually, Sue found herself teaching full time at The Gunnery educating students in all-things-mathematical ranging from Algebra I & II to Geometry to Pre-Calculus to AP Calculus. "I like the material," commented Sue on her AP Calculus class. "as well as the level of the kids and their motivation factor. I really enjoy working with them." In September of 2005, Sue was awarded The Anne and Henry Zarrow Chair for Excellence in Teaching of Math and Science recognizing her years of dedication to her students. Head of School Susan Graham said of Sue: "A caring, diligent teacher, Sue brings the same high level of intellect and competence to help the faltering or confused among us as she does to her more advanced AP Calculus students." Since she began her career in teaching thirty-six years ago, Sue has managed to find a healthy balance of career, family, and self growth. Although her career is a part of her life, her family is her number one priority. "I got married right out of college, thirty-seven years ago. I have two grown up children and a grandchild. Working at The Gunnery allows me to have a rich full life in the town, in my church, and with my family."  
As this article is prepared, students continue to receive decision letters. "In the last
four years," said Emily FitzHugh, College Counselor, "our number of submitted applications
has gone from 550 to 750. My goal is to help students find a good fit among the colleges
they are considering."
Below is a sampling of the schools which have admitted Gunnery seniors:
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