As a college preparatory school, Proctor has "distribution requirements" which compel students to earn 12 trimester credits in English, 9 in science, 9 in mathematics, 8 in social science, and 6 in world language. (This is a slight simplification; there are other complexities to our academic requirements.) Despite these structures, Proctor is notable for the degree of freedom allowed for a student to customize a curriculum to meet personal goals and advance individual passions. The slate of electives--including off-campus programs--encourages this. Project Period, which ended Saturday, is a great example of this commitment to individuality; the student population has been focused on thirty-six projects that have almost nothing in common.



Obviously, dog sledding has nothing in common with volunteer service on the Jersey Shore, but even if we consider the 21 on-campus projects, all that they share is intense focus, proximity and a dining room. 

The bridge over Mitchell Brook is complete, facilitating hiking, skiing and mountain biking to the school's eastern properties.



Flash mob wowed Colby Sawyer College students at their lunch Saturday!



All of this says something about our definition of education....that three-and-a-half days of focused small-group activity is of value, regardless of whether that activity is quilting, sugaring, teaching first grade or learning self-defense.





Several years ago, to inform faculty consideration of the value of Project Period, I conducted a survey of students on the matter. I randomly drew the name of one student from each project and compelled them to respond to simple, unambiguous questions. The results were equally unambiguous: students overwhelmingly endorsed the program.

Below, Blake--who first rode Wednesday morning--settles a horse spooked by a neighbor's shotgun target practice.



Student chefs enjoy a sumptuous spread.



On-campus projects shared accomplishments Thursday evening. This table is hosted by Casino Royale.