Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
The Storm King School came alive as students from 27 countries began to arrive this week to begin their new school year on the Mountain. New international students and their families were greeted by enthusiastic faculty and staff who worked hard during the summer to plan a week full of activities, travel, and fun –all with the aim of getting each one off to a good start. SKS day students from around the Hudson Valley were also present during orientation and throughout week to help make their new classmates feel right at home.
ESL teacher Stacy Graziosi welcoming a new SKS student
Registration for new international and day students kicked off the week on Tuesday, August 22. Once families signed in, they spent the morning visiting various information tables set up in Orr Commons, meeting with the Dean of Academics to finalize their classes, and signing up for fall athletic teams and activities.
Following a sumptuous brunch, families attended a “Get to Know You Reception” where they had the chance to meet our faculty and took a tour of campus to see all the wonderful improvements that were completed over the summer. After their families departed, the students enjoyed a picnic dinner before they settled into their dorm rooms to get some much-needed rest.
The remainder of the week featured trips and activities geared toward immersing our newcomers in American history, culture and fun. On Wednesday, August 23, ESL teacher Stacy Graziosi got the students up bright and early to get on a bus and head for New Jersey. The group went to Liberty State Park and rode a ferry to Ellis Island where they visited the Statue of Liberty. “This trip was a great way to introduce our new international students to an important part of American history and culture,” commented Mrs. Graziosi.
Mathematics Department Chair Dr. Tim Lance and the students preparing to embark on their kayaking excursion
After testing and evaluations on Thursday morning, the weather was perfect for some outdoor fun. Donning their life jackets, Mathematics Department Chair Dr. Tim Lance and the students embarked on a kayaking excursion on the Hudson River surrounded by the natural beauty of our surrounding area.
ESL Chair Cathy Hecht — organizer of this past week’s activities — with her husband, Ray Hecht, Assistant Headmaster & Chief Financial officer, preparing to depart with a group of students for Washington, D.C.
Orientation Week for our new international students culminated in a 4-day cultural excursion to Washington, D.C. and Six Flags Theme Park. Led by ESL Chair Cathy Hecht, the group departed Friday morning for our nation’s capital where their first visit is the International Spy Museum.
Students at the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. Photo credit: Ellen Van Dunk, American Sign Language Teacher & ESL Teacher
During their stay, they will also visit the White House and the National Mall, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Ford’s Theatre Museum, and take a sightseeing cruise on the historic Potomac River. Between activities, the group will also sample great American food including Italian cuisine, pizza and burgers, carnival food, and a meal at D.C.’s Hard Rock Café.
Before heading back to New York and Storm King, the students will stop for a day of fun and excitement at New Jersey’s Six Flags Great Adventure Amusement Park on Sunday, August 27. The group will return to campus on Monday, August 28 which will allow them a day to recuperate and prepare for the first day of school on Tuesday, August 29.
As a global community of young learners and exceptional faculty, Orientation Week at Storm King plays an important role in ensuring students and families from all over the world get the maximum benefit from a Storm King education. Many thanks go to the faculty, staff and day students that made this week a success.