Timing is everything. If the traditional Head's Holiday--a surprise day off--is called late in the term, everyone expects it and guesses which Tuesday or Thursday it'll be. With Bonus Weekend coming very late (Feb. 5-9) Steve took the advice of the student School Leader and emailed the community last night at ten, prompting explosions of unbridled euphoria across campus. For fifty or so hearty souls, a day at Mt. Sunapee is the preferred choice. Below, English teacher and Honorary Trustee John Pendleton, Jake A. Sophomore, our hero, Steve Wilkins and Senior Drewdog.

Head's Holiday's evolved out of mandatory, all-school ski days many decades ago. In his wisdom, our leader emailed this proclamation: YOU ARE ORDERED TO DO SOMETHING HEALTHY FOR THE DAY, SUCH AS EXERCISE, SLEEP, OR GO ON AN ADVENTURE." Several minor activities are offered, but we've learned over the years that most students need time for decompression, personal time and sleep. Jake, after watching snowboarding videos last night, went snowboarding.

More good timing: just as the dog days of winter set in on us, and the cold wind gets old, the new Wise Student Center is opening up--in stages. I'll document much more of this facility in the future, but today, the game rooms, lounge area and food service are in operation.

Chris and other students help our beloved Ronan with food prep and service in a bright, new Den!