WinterMission Launches January 2023

12/16/2022

Imagine collaborating with students in Malawi on a publication, studying classical architecture on the streets of New York City, bonding over common themes found in dystopian literature, or taking your class clown skills to the next level with lessons in stand-up comedy.

Welcome to WinterMission, a new four-day schoolwide program in January where students and teachers will engage in immersive learning. From the chemistry of cooking and the art of visual storytelling to an introduction to rock climbing, there are 50-plus unique courses being offered to middle and upper school students. Head of School Laura Danforth and Director of Learning Initiatives Jason Hult began looking into the possibility of a winter term at Masters in the fall of 2018. The planning and research stages picked up momentum after the pandemic, and the program is ready for takeoff.

“WinterMission is going to be a source of light, creative energy and connection — during one of the coldest and darkest months of the year,” Danforth said. “We’ve been deliberate about making sure the offerings consist of subjects or topics that the faculty are enthusiastic about. That kind of energy is contagious. I anticipate there will be extra effervescence in the air on campus.”

Hult, who is leading a course called “Creating a Just Housing Market,” likens WinterMission to a sandbox. “It allows us to experiment with topics and questions that might fall outside our existing curriculum,” he explained. “It is also a way for us to experiment with new kinds of teaching and learning. It’s a chance for faculty to team-teach, often with colleagues who they have not worked closely with, which we think will inspire creativity and growth.”

According to Hult, students already have expressed excitement at the opportunity to explore new subjects, skills and ideas and branch out beyond their normal course of study.

Hult appreciates the positive feedback he has received and explained the benefits of practicing commitment. “I think there's real value in trying something for four days and seeing what it's like. You may not realize you're a person who is interested in starting a podcast, but what would happen if you spent a week doing that? I think there's all kinds of value in that.”

“Gathering for intensive exploration in small groups over the course of the week is bound to deepen the connections and trust among us, and that can only help us be even greater powers for good,” Danforth added.

Students will learn their course placement during the week of January 9, with classes taking place January 24-27. “We have already learned a ton,” Hult said. “We look forward to gathering feedback and continuing to grow the program.”