Ethel Walker School
Welcome! We are excited that you are part of the Walker’s community and look forward to starting the new school year in September 2020.
We hope you have been able to enjoy some time this summer with family and finding time to recharge before we begin school this fall. The administrative team and Walker’s COVID Task Force continue to meet regularly and together have developed a plan that allows us to be on campus in September, while paying close attention to the importance of the health and safety of our students and all members of the Walker’s community. We continue to adjust our plans as needed to follow the latest guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization, national, state, and local officials and healthcare providers.
On our COVID-19 Information webpage, we’ve outlined information to assist you in preparation for arrival. We will continue to communicate throughout the summer as additional information becomes available.
By clicking on the button below, you’ll find customized Back to School checklists with links to everything you need to complete in the next several weeks. We also encourage you to spend some time looking through the blocks below to familiarize yourself with any technology updates and other important Walker’s information.
Students, click the buttons below to view the full summer reading list and assignments for summer 2020. The English Department encourages you to read as much as possible this summer — get lost in a book, meet inspiring characters, marvel in the wonders of language, find solace in a story, and find new ways to look at the world.
The required texts for each course represent a wide range of content and genre and we urge you to try something new and challenging. We have also included a long list of optional texts to help you find books that will push you to grow as an English student. As always, consult with a trusted adult if you are unsure about a particular text. Happy reading!
To alleviate congestion and to ensure the safety of all arriving students, during this period, all new and returning students must be accompanied by one parent or guardian.
To provide for flexibility in flight arrangements, please note that international students may arrive September 4 through September 8 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (ET)
Please note that all 9th graders are considered “new students”
September 3: Proctors (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
September 4: 11th and 12th Grade Returning Day Students (12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
September 5: Returning Upper School Boarding Students (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
September 6: 10th Grade Returning Day Students (12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
September 7: New Upper School Boarding Students, Grades 9-12, PG (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
September 7: New Upper School Day Students, Grades 9-12 (12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
September 8: Middle School Boarding Students, Grades 7-8 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
September 8: Middle School Day Students, Grades 6-8 (12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
September 9: First Day of Classes (Special Schedule: In Person, Half Day, Classes begin at 8:15 a.m., afternoon activities)
Specifics regarding other activities and orientation times will be shared shortly. Please also continue to read the Friday Walker’s Weeklies where we will share additional details over the upcoming weeks.
Parent/Guardian Information Sessions will be offered each check-in day from September 3 through September 8 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. For those unable to be on campus during these times, recordings of the sessions will be made available.
Walker’s dress code has evolved over many decades to represent the styles of the times, while maintaining school traditions. A defined dress code allows us to guide girls to make clothing choices while ensuring their confidence and creating a environment that looks professional and is conducive to learning.
At Walker’s, we believe in the power of technology as a tool that our girls use to chart a path to their own success. Students work under the guidance of faculty who guide them through these new paths to learning. All students at The Ethel Walker School are required to have a device for their academic work. As an Apple school, we strongly recommend Apple laptops (MacBooks) for their versatility and functionality. iPads are also acceptable. Families are responsible for purchasing the student’s device, and students are expected to bring their device, fully charged, and in good repair, to school each day. Support staff is on hand during the school day to provide guidance when problems arise.
Faculty use many online academic resources including Google Apps for Education, Apple iBooks and Amazon Kindle ebooks, digital notetaking and annotation apps. Students are also versed in presentation and multimedia editing software, and in our online student information and learning management systems. With daily use of these and many more applications, our students are poised to integrate traditional classroom tools with today’s online academic resources.
Acceptable laptops include: an Apple laptop (MacBook) with either of the latest operating systems (OS X 10.12 or newer).
You may compare new Mac models here: www.apple.com/mac/compare
Acceptable models for the iPad include: iOS 12 or newer. iPad minis are acceptable, though students may prefer a larger screen for reading electronic texts, writing, and editing creative projects.
The Ethel Walker School uses a number of different online platforms for sharing information with incoming families, administering student placement tests, posting grades and class assignments, and facilitating online learning. We aim to streamline our communication and information sharing while selecting the best tools for each task. Below is an overview of each system:
Veracross is the School’s student information system (SIS), including a comprehensive database that enables members of the Walker’s community to manage information related to students’ profiles and academic courses. Parents, teachers, and students are able to log into portals designed specifically for their role. Each portal provides access to the information and functionality needed to best support students through their educational journey at Walker’s.
New families become familiar with the Admissions Portal in Veracross through the application and enrollment process. When applying to Walker’s, each family creates an Admissions Portal Veracross Account. Applicants go through a checklist of items to complete the application. Once a student is accepted, families receive an online enrollment link where they view and sign the contract and pay the deposit. In early July, parents and students who are new to Walker’s transition from the Veracross Admissions Portal to the Veracross Parent Portal and Veracross Student Portal, respectively.
For help with the application and enrollment process, contact our Admissions department at
860-408-4200 or admissions@ethelwalker.org. Forgot your password? Contact our IT Help Desk at 860-408-4343 or helpdesk@ethelwalker.org.
Parents are able to stay connected to information related to their student’s attendance, class schedule, grades and assignments. Included is a “planner” tool that lets parents view a timeline of when homework is due or when quizzes or tests are forthcoming. Parents may also access a directory of Walker’s families, the purpose of which is to facilitate coordination of carpooling and general parent communication. Please note that not all families are listed in the directory as some families opt out of participation. Parents can also update student permissions here under the “Update My Household Profile” link.
Forgot your password? Contact our IT Help Desk at 860-408-4343 or helpdesk@ethelwalker.org.
Within the Veracross Parent Portal is a link to Magnus Health, which manages student health information. This system enables parents to upload and electronically sign medical forms. Magnus Health will be available to new families in early July.
Students log into Veracross daily to access their posted assignments, submit files to their teacher via a virtual dropbox, and learn of their progress through grades and teacher feedback.
PowerSchool Learning is the School’s current learning management system (LMS) for use by teachers and students. This platform enables teachers to facilitate online learning activities. These activities may include having students post and reply to written reflections and discussion threads, create and edit multimedia-rich projects, and access online learning resources. The School also uses PowerSchool Learning for conducting placement (proficiency) tests for incoming students.
Boardingware replaces the yellow card sign-in/sign-out system at Walker’s for boarders. The system integrates with Veracross to provide instant access to student locations. In addition, parents and guardians will be able to grant off-campus weekend travel via push notifications.
Director of Technology
After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, Mark has worked as a teacher, network administrator, and director of technology. Mark also spent two years teaching adults technical skills ranging from Word and Excel to web development and programming. He has worked with special needs children in first and second grade, taught sixth, seventh and eighth grade digital literacy, and taught video editing to high school students.
For the required swim test:
A good pair of running shoes and a simple sport watch with a timer
Any students who plan to be in one of our fall and winter dance companies should have the following:
Dancers should also consider performance items including:
Note: Any students taking dance for a single season in the fall or spring should have dance-type attire, but are not required to purchase anything specific unless they want to.
TBD
Note: Parents can purchase these items in advance. Alternatively, students will be taken by riding faculty to local tack shops the first week of school to help shop for these items. Families should expect to pay between $225 and $500 total.
All players are required to have the following practice uniform for every training session:
*New Students Only
Our dining hall where all meals are served. Some special events are held here as well.
A weekend activity that provides transportation to local shopping centers, restaurants, and movie theaters.
“BB” for short, Beaver Brook houses most academic classes and is the main building on campus.
This is the main theater on campus. Musicals, plays, concerts, and dance performances take place here.
Our boarding school management system that tracks students, manages leave and attendances, sign-in/outs, and more. The system integrates with Veracross to provide instant access to student locations.
The way we talk about how each girl can reach her full potential, all she can be and do, when cultural, economic, and gender barriers and mindsets are removed.
Our Chapel is non-denominational and is where the entire school gathers for Morning Meeting, Wednesday assemblies, and other special events.
A dorm that typically houses 11th and 12th graders.
Located in the Cluett Dorm, it is a place to hang out and relax.
The school store where you can buy snacks, clothes, and school supplies.
Dogswood Day is a culmination of a year of Suns and Dials activity. The Head of School announces Dogswood Day the evening before; students are given the day off from classes and participate in competitive games, ending with the Suns and Dials tug of war.
This stands for “Dean of Students.”
Short for Ferguson Theatre, this is the main theater on campus. The winter play, guest speakers, and some classes use this space.
This is our smaller theater on campus. The winter play, guest speakers, and some classes use this space.
Morning Meeting typically takes places on Monday and Friday mornings. It is a time for all members of the community to share announcements. We sit by advisor group.
Each fall, the Head of School surprises students with the announcement that Mountain Day will occur the following day. Students and faculty climb a challenging trail up nearby Talcott Mountain to the top, for a view that stretches hundreds of miles.
The newest dorm on campus typically houses 9th and 10th graders. Some special events are held here as well.
Another website that students use. Various classes use the site to post assignments and turn in work.
A dorm that typically houses 9th and 10th graders.
Pronounced “soe-sh,” it is an area in the Centennial Center to hang out with friends and have fun.
These are our spirit groups. There are small contests throughout the year, ending with the biggest competition, Dogswood Day.
Small buses that transport students to sports games, weekend activities, and area drive.
A website that all students use. It provides important information such as classes, assignments, and the directory.
The nicknames used for our Head of School, Dr. Meera Viswanathan and her husband, Dr. Eric Widmer. Read more about Ms. Vis here.
Main Desk: +1-860-408-4467
Academic Administration (John Monagan): +1-860-408-4221
Athletics (Kati Eggert): +1-860-408-4290
Attendance (Mallory Pasquariello): +1-860-408-4237
Counselor (Joan Skelley): +1-860-408-4284
Dean of Students (Kathleen McNary Pillsbury): +1-860-408-4239
(8:15 a.m. – 3:25 p.m., Monday-Friday)
Food Service (Michelle Ades):+1-860-408-4275
Middle School (Isabel Ceballos): +1-860-408-4297
Nurse (Joyce McIntyre): +1-860-408-4289
Registrar/Scheduling/Student Records (Susan Riggles): +1-860-408-4235
Social Justice and Inclusion (Elisa Del Valle Cardona): +1-860-408-4287
Student Billing (Deb Palazzolo): +1-860-408-4242
Technology (IT Helpdesk Support): +1-860-408-4343
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Administrator on Duty (AOD): +1-860-821-3080
(after 3:30 p.m. and weekends)
Cluett Dorm Faculty On Duty: +1-203-707-1154
New Dorm Faculty On Duty: +1-860-266-5861
Smith Dorm Faculty On Duty: +1-860-266-5864
