SIG PRINCETON 2013
Week 3 Newsletter
From the Director
Dear Parents, Friends, and Family!
First and foremost, it was so wonderful to see so many of you at Parent Visitation Day yesterday. I enjoyed meeting you and chatting about your child’s SIG Princeton experiences thus far. I know the students who were signed off campus enjoyed a much-needed respite from the dining hall food, and it looked like everyone returned to campus refreshed and ready to tackle the third week.
As is always the case, it’s very hard to believe we are entering our third and final week here. In a refreshing turn of events, students asked for extra tutorial time yesterday and today, which we were more than happy to oblige. Across the spectrum of courses, students are busily working on final projects and assignments, and it is truly inspiring to see everything the students are creating, writing and finalizing.
Last night we all had the privilege and honor of seeing our amazing students perform at the Talent Show. From singing and dancing, to piano solos, skits and jazz improv, our SIG Princeton students gave us a night to remember. As well, students showed their skills and talents at a series of evening events last week, including Iron Chef and Minute to Win It (see photos below). In between busy schedules and deadlines, it is always heartwarming to see 365 people engaged in friendly competition, team-building activities, and campus-wide events.
Another heartwarming phenomenon at SIG Princeton is the students’ trepidation over the impending departure from campus. Already, students have begun to express their dismay that the 2013 SIG Princeton session is nearing an end; even yesterday, students did not want to stay signed off campus too long for fear they would miss out on events with their friends. Each summer, it is my hope that students will have just such an enjoyable experience – that they will form strong friendships, explore new topics and subjects, and embrace SIG for the wonderful opportunities it affords them.
Thank you for the wonderful responses to last week’s newsletter and yesterday’s Parent Visitation Day. I remain humbled and consider myself extremely lucky to work with such an amazing group of staff, whose professionalism, enthusiasm, and investment make each day here on campus enjoyable for me and every student here.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing all of you at the Closing Ceremony on Saturday!
Hillary Jade
First and foremost, it was so wonderful to see so many of you at Parent Visitation Day yesterday. I enjoyed meeting you and chatting about your child’s SIG Princeton experiences thus far. I know the students who were signed off campus enjoyed a much-needed respite from the dining hall food, and it looked like everyone returned to campus refreshed and ready to tackle the third week.
As is always the case, it’s very hard to believe we are entering our third and final week here. In a refreshing turn of events, students asked for extra tutorial time yesterday and today, which we were more than happy to oblige. Across the spectrum of courses, students are busily working on final projects and assignments, and it is truly inspiring to see everything the students are creating, writing and finalizing.
Last night we all had the privilege and honor of seeing our amazing students perform at the Talent Show. From singing and dancing, to piano solos, skits and jazz improv, our SIG Princeton students gave us a night to remember. As well, students showed their skills and talents at a series of evening events last week, including Iron Chef and Minute to Win It (see photos below). In between busy schedules and deadlines, it is always heartwarming to see 365 people engaged in friendly competition, team-building activities, and campus-wide events.
Another heartwarming phenomenon at SIG Princeton is the students’ trepidation over the impending departure from campus. Already, students have begun to express their dismay that the 2013 SIG Princeton session is nearing an end; even yesterday, students did not want to stay signed off campus too long for fear they would miss out on events with their friends. Each summer, it is my hope that students will have just such an enjoyable experience – that they will form strong friendships, explore new topics and subjects, and embrace SIG for the wonderful opportunities it affords them.
Thank you for the wonderful responses to last week’s newsletter and yesterday’s Parent Visitation Day. I remain humbled and consider myself extremely lucky to work with such an amazing group of staff, whose professionalism, enthusiasm, and investment make each day here on campus enjoyable for me and every student here.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing all of you at the Closing Ceremony on Saturday!
Hillary Jade
From the Academic Deans
We want to thank the parents who were able to attend Parent Visitation Day. The teachers were excited to share the students’ works in progress and answer questions about curriculum. Week three is an exciting week here at SIG! Students are presenting culminating projects for many classes and wrapping up the session with performances. Our student performance night will take place this Thursday, August 8 at 7:30pm. We look forward to an exciting Closing Ceremony and want to wish everyone a safe journey home! Thank you for allowing SIG to be an educational jumpstart for your child’s upcoming school year.
From the Student Activities Dean
The past two weeks have flown by, and in that time we have experienced the wonder of the Liberty Science Center, battled wits in Brain Bowl, showed our amazing performance abilities in the Talent Show, and even screamed on a few roller coasters at Six Flags! It has been a pleasure to get to see the laughing and fun on the students faces during recreation hour as they relax after a day of academic classes. This next week will see our final trip to Nassau Street, and most importantly, THE DANCE!
From the Residential Dean
Here it is!
All good things must come to an end. Sunday was parent visitation. Sunday also began the countdown to the final days of camp here at SIG Princeton. Of course, in obvious Princeton fashion, we will go out with style and class. Graduation will be impressive. There will be speeches, celebration, hugs and more hugs, tears and laughter. The students will look back and survey their empty rooms after packing away the experiences they gained and know they will miss their group mates, counselors, and teachers. They have grown and learned life skills to last them a lifetime. They have formed possibly lasting friendships during their time at Princeton SIG. There will be no better end of the three awesome weeks we each have enjoyed than to look back fondly and take with them great memories. The graduation will be emotional for all. It will be a day and night of fun, as well as a farewell to the students who brought so much energy, curiosity and joy.
What an amazing moment it has been! What a magical moment it will be! Although this camp is coming to an end, it was mission possible. We really hope that these brilliant students will continue their journey of discovering knowledge.
All good things must come to an end. Sunday was parent visitation. Sunday also began the countdown to the final days of camp here at SIG Princeton. Of course, in obvious Princeton fashion, we will go out with style and class. Graduation will be impressive. There will be speeches, celebration, hugs and more hugs, tears and laughter. The students will look back and survey their empty rooms after packing away the experiences they gained and know they will miss their group mates, counselors, and teachers. They have grown and learned life skills to last them a lifetime. They have formed possibly lasting friendships during their time at Princeton SIG. There will be no better end of the three awesome weeks we each have enjoyed than to look back fondly and take with them great memories. The graduation will be emotional for all. It will be a day and night of fun, as well as a farewell to the students who brought so much energy, curiosity and joy.
What an amazing moment it has been! What a magical moment it will be! Although this camp is coming to an end, it was mission possible. We really hope that these brilliant students will continue their journey of discovering knowledge.
Friendly Reminders
Please let us know as soon as possible if your child will not be attending the Closing Ceremony on Saturday, August 10, which is scheduled for 9:00-10:30am. As well, if you will be checking your child out on Friday instead of Saturday, please let us know. The more information we have, the easier it is for us to facilitate your child’s departure.
Please remember: it is not possible to park close to the Whitman College dormitory. We will have bins ready to help you transport your things down to the South Parking Lot. Counselors will make sure students are packed and ready to go on Friday evening, which should alleviate some of the stress on Saturday morning. All students need to be off campus by noon on Saturday.
Please check the lost and found before your child departs campus! We have amassed a treasure trove of items here in our office and we would hate to have anyone depart campus without them. As well, please make sure you pick up your child’s remaining medication from the nurse’s office.
Please remember: it is not possible to park close to the Whitman College dormitory. We will have bins ready to help you transport your things down to the South Parking Lot. Counselors will make sure students are packed and ready to go on Friday evening, which should alleviate some of the stress on Saturday morning. All students need to be off campus by noon on Saturday.
Please check the lost and found before your child departs campus! We have amassed a treasure trove of items here in our office and we would hate to have anyone depart campus without them. As well, please make sure you pick up your child’s remaining medication from the nurse’s office.