Willow Hill School - Learning Beyond the Classroom

		Learning Beyond The Classroom
	Willow Hill School strongly embraces the belief that learning occurs in many different settings beyond the traditional classroom. Willow Hill offers programs that introduce students to a variety of exciting, stimulating and enriching experiences. Four guiding values that shape the daily life of the school are: Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Respect Property, Understand Yourself as a Learner. The mission of Willow Hill School encompasses all of the activities offered our students. Athletics: Athletics are an important part of the program at Willow Hill School. We believe that our sports teams offer students the chance to have fun, develop skills, contribute to a sense of community and build self-confidence. The goals of our athletic program are: To provide an opportunity for students to compete in an organized and healthy setting. To develop teamwork and leadership skills. To nurture good sportsmanship. To increase self-confidence through hard work, perseverance and discipline. To provide a safe and enjoyable experience that encourages skill development and risk taking. Students at Willow Hill School are able to participate on soccer, basketball, track and ultimate frisbee teams. Each team meets Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, during their season, from 3:00 to 4:45 PM. Any student that commits to a team is included. All levels of skill and performance are welcomed. Students, who are not interested in playing, may assist in managing and coordinating different aspects of the practices and games. The soccer and basketball teams compete against other independent schools in the area. Members of the track team participate each spring in the Alternative Schools Invitational Track and Field Championships at MIT. Clubs: Each Tuesday and Thursday, students can choose to stay after school and participate in a club supervised by teachers. The following are typical of the opportunities offered to all students: Art Club, Chess Club, Homework Club, Technology Club, Theatre Club and Destination Imagination. Community Service: Community Service is an important component of Willow Hill School’s educational program. Students participate in the organization of food collections, seasonal charitable events, national campaigns and local service projects. The Willow Hill Green Teamis a group of students dedicated to protecting the environment through recycling and promoting “green” intervention. Project FEAT: Project FEAT is an adventure-based, outdoor program designed to promote self-awareness, self-confidence, independence, problem solving skills and an appreciation of the need to be a contributing member of a school community. Project FEAT activities include canoeing, backpacking, rock climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, team-building experiences, dining, museums and exploration of urban and suburban resources. High school students participate in trips to visit local colleges. Activities are designed to match the age and developmental levels of our students. In the comfort of their relationships with teachers, students are encouraged to take risks and explore new areas of interests. School Trips: Each year the school organizes two different trips. Middle school students have participated in the residential science and activities program offered by Boston University Sargent Center or Nature’s Classroom. High school students have traveled to New York City and Washington D.C. in alternate years. Social Skills/Transitional Planning Class: Middle school students are exposed to a variety of activities that teach social skills, pragmatics and problem solving strategies. High school students explore their interests, aptitudes and the relationship to career awareness and post-secondary choices. Assistance is provided to students involved in the college search and application process. The primary goal is to prepare students to be effective participants in their community.