New Hampshire - A Typical School Day

Each day, we woke up bright and early to the wintry New Hampshire air, and walked as a group to the dining hall for breakfast at 8 a.m.  The dining hall overlooked the mountain, and the view was a serenely perfect way to start our day!

  

At 9 a.m. we arrived at the school and went our separate ways to our classes.  We learned so much from working with the children and observing the Crotched Mountain staff.  The staff was incredibly patient and dedicated to their work.  It was clear that they truly care about the kids, and their positive attitudes guided us and helped us to assist them in the best possible way.  

We saw all kinds of unique learning methods that are used to teach children with disabilities, and it really emphasized the idea that disabilities don’t have to restrict a person’s life.  The kids were smart, talented, eager to learn, and we had fun talking and laughing with them throughout the week!  We formed bonds with the students that we will take with us and remember for the rest of our lives.

 

 At 12 p.m. it was lunch time, and we ate in the school cafeteria with the children and teaching assistants.  We’d share humorous and interesting stories about our day, and because we were each volunteering in classes with slightly different atmospheres, we liked hearing what the rest of the group members were going through and learning throughout their day. 

From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. we continued volunteering with our classes, sometimes going with them to music, art, gym, and even a local farm!

Once the school day was over, we would participate in an activity with the residential students, such as a drumming circle or dance session.  These evens really made the kids happy, and it was touching to see their enthusiasm!

At 5 p.m. it was dinner time, and we would all eat together in the staff dining hall.  Leo, the cook and server, quickly became our friend.  He remembered all of our names and his positive, genuine attitude really made us feel at home!

Each night, we had a different adventure, whether on campus or off (or as the Crotched Mountain staff liked to say…”on mountain” or “off mountain”).  At night before bed, we would sit around our table and reflect on the day’s activities.  We went around an discussed the highs and lows of our day, interesting things we saw/heard, things that we learned, or things that intrigued us.  We also spent that time getting to know each other a lot better, and it was always the perfect way to end our nights.