A Heartfelt Groton Welcome for Newly Admitted Families
Groton welcomed admitted students and their families during two Revisit Days, March 28–29 and April 5–6, introducing visitors to classes, traditions such as Roll Call and Parlor, dorm life, afternoon activities and clubs, and the general warm sense of community that distinguishes Groton.
Revisit Days began with an evening program, which included a student performance, a student panel, and a welcome by Headmaster Temba Maqubela. Afterward, parents attended a reception with faculty in the Schoolhouse's Sackett Forum while prospective Second and Third Formers attended Parlor—a weekly tradition of games, cookies, and conversation at the Headmaster’s House. Future Fourth and Fifth Formers headed to the Student Center for a lively social with Groton students.
The next morning, families attended the daily Chapel service, featuring a Sixth Former's chapel talk, then heard Roll Call announcements in the Schoolroom. Especially anticipated were visits to classes, where students had a chance to sample the challenge and inspiration that characterize Groton academics. Midday, an activities fair lined the Sackett Forum with tables representing campus clubs, teams, and other activities.
Both Revisit Days included separate panel discussions with students, teachers, and parents. Panel members shared insights and anecdotes—about academics, dorm life, afternoon activities, and other facets of Groton School. The programming also provided a glimpse of Spirit Week by re-creating the dorm competitions that occur during the week preceding games against rival St. Mark’s. Though St. Mark’s Day was weeks away, typical “minute-to-win-it” contests gripped the overflowing Forum; on the first Revisit Day, competitors from each dorm carried ping pong balls on spoons in their mouths, and on the second they ate donuts bobbing on strings (or at least tried to).
Throughout Revisit Days, students performed—the gospel choir sang during the Chapel postlude on March 29, and the jazz ensemble concluded the Chapel service on April 6. GloMonCho, a Fifth Form trio of pianist, cellist, and vocalist, wowed visitors during the evening welcome for both Revisit Days; the girls recently released their first album, which they produced during an afternoon FSA (Faculty-Sponsored Activity).Groton’s newly admitted students are a select group; 1,206 applied for 90 spots and 145 were admitted. Over the two Revisit Days, families visited the Circle from all over the United States, from states including California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Texas. Residents of Bulgaria, Canada, Japan, and Nicaragua also made the trip.
Groton School sends thanks all who took the time to visit our campus and looks forward to welcoming these talented students to the Circle next fall!
See Revisit Day photos.
See Revisit Day photos.
Groton School Mission: To inspire lives of character, scholarship, leadership, and service within a diverse, inclusive, and close-knit community.
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