Dana Hall School - Review #3

Dana Hall gave us the freedom to think, create, engage and learn from inspiring staff members.

Dana Hall taught me how to have a voice. A voice in public, in thought and in confidence. My education was excellent because the entire teaching staff took the time to get to know each of us. I remember sitting on the porch with the dean of students having a talk about life and its challenges. She listened. I trusted her and her opinion. We all were without family during the week but the family spirit that grew from a common belief in goodness, made each of us a part of a larger family... a wonderful caring and kind family.

I had been in boarding school prior to Dana and was well-prepared for the new experience of a large campus and opportunities to learn. I would tell young women to be open to opportunity, talk to peers and teachers, explore new adventures and face any fears with courage.

Dana Hall made me feel as though I belonged. My family life wasn't ideal and Dana gave me the nourishment I needed to succeed. I have carried that spirit with me all my life and paid it forward to all the children I taught, the people I worked with and my own daughter and granddaughters.

I hope to get to our 50 reunion! I live in Canada which is quite far away but I would love to reconnect with my classmates. favorite snack were the blond brownies!!! The pond was a wonderful place to reflect and dream at the same time/

Although my focus wasn't always on academics, I was enrolled in an new aesthetics course that allowed for deep and meaningful discussions about life. I found all the other teachers were more than willing to help me with any struggles I had. I feel I learned the most from the extra-curricular activities that involved collaboration and co-operation. I have carried those ideals with me through 30 years of teaching early years students. No questions is a stupid question. Patience and understanding of children are essential to engage young children in learning. And applying teaching criteria through non-traditional classes often taught more than the typical textbook learning.

I was never the best athlete on the team but was still chosen to play. Lacrosse was a rough sport but very exciting to play! Field hockey was also a team sport I enjoyed. When not on the field, I was on the sidelines with my pom-poms cheering on the team!

My theatre experience at Dana Hall opened the door to years and years of performing, directing and earning a B-Ed in theatre. Plays were chosen as teaching tools for those of us who were cast. Often the play was dramatic with challenging life questions to be revealed through character and dialogue. Again, my passion for theatre started at Dana and kept me inspired for over forty years.

TASP= The All School Project- was a volunteer group raising funds for student activities. I used to cook a meal on Friday nights for anyone and everyone. Choir was exciting. I forever will love the sound of voices in harmony. Student Council was about leadership. My experience led me to be elected again in college. Also became a liaison between the students and the board.

We didn't spend much time in the dorms but fellow roommates were very close in friendships. My first dorm was a renovated house and the last two years I was in a more modern dormitory. I remember the common rooms being a wonderful gathering space for fun, long talks in to the night or just a quiet place to study.

The dining hall was beautiful. Large windows all around, shiny floors and buffet style food delivery made for an active and noisy place. The food was delicious! Especially the blond brownies!

Dana Hall is located in Wellesly Mass. Wellesly was/is a quiet residential area with lovely homes and quaint downtown. Dana's campus was enormous with sports fields, a lovely pond and walkways to every building.

Boarding schools bring a multi-cultural population to campus. I wasn't connected to just one group but rather many groups. Most students stayed close to their dorm roommates but I enjoyed a larger pool of fellow students. We had plenty of time to socialize in our rooms, in the common rooms, outside or in the lounge. It was the one part of the day we all looked forward to!