Daylight hours grow short within two months of the solstice, and Daylight Savings Time ends Saturday night. The walk to dinner is dark, and the hours that follow are increasingly spent in-doors. The period before study hall begins can be used for extra help or project work in one of the shops or studios. But on Thursday evening, the faculty huddles in the stone chapel at 6:15, so the next 90 minutes is generally free time. 

 

Camera in hand, I slip out of faculty meeting to provide what we call "an adult presence" on campus. The Wise Center is a beehive of activity, as is the area beyond its front steps. A gang is broken into two lines, facing each other with hands held. This is "Red Rover, Red Rover." 

 

Players take turns calling for an opposing player to charge the line, and try to break through. It's fun at first, but doomed to an unhappy resolution, as wrists and shoulders eventually get hurt.

 
That accomplished, students take up safer activities, like skateboarding on steps, jumping off steps on bicycles and executing 360s on razor scooters.

 
Others hang out in the Wise Center.

 

Vying for a place on Chuck's Corner is safer than the outdoor games just mentioned.

 

Here, we're immediately in front of the big TV screen, which seems locked on ESPN.

 

Another popular venue is the ratty, carpet-stained lobby that connects the Wise to Maxwell Savage Hall.

 

Then, there are the game rooms upstairs.

 
The game of pool doesn't involve a timer clock, but it might be a good idea when Max and Ripley square off.

 
Suddenly, it's eight o'clock--time for study hall. Students head to dorm rooms or the library.

 

No talking or socializing in the library!!