Dear North Haven School Community,
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who supported and participated in this year’s Fall Field Study. First and foremost, gratitude goes out to our trip leaders—Maddie Hallowell, Oakley Jackson, Courtney Naliboff, and Samantha Taggart—whose guidance and care helped create a safe and positive experience. Summiting Mt. Katahdin and hiking for a total of 11 hours in one day was no small feat, and it represented a meaningful accomplishment for all involved.
The Fall Field Study is more than a trip. It is an extension of our educational mission, providing opportunities for students to learn about themselves, one another, and the wider world. While it remains a graduation requirement at North Haven Community School, it is also a tradition that reflects our deep belief that education should go beyond the classroom walls. We will continue to invest the time and resources necessary to sustain this longstanding program.
All four of our school’s core values are present in the Fall Field Study, but Challenge is most visible. Students encounter moments of difficulty, discomfort, and even fear, yet these are not obstacles to avoid—they are essential elements of the experience. Through these experiences, students develop resilience, empathy, and confidence, qualities that prepare them for post-secondary success and lifelong growth.
Interestingly, NHCS has been on the vanguard of outdoor education for many years. Colleges and universities are now adopting similar models, often requiring first-year students to participate in outdoor excursions, international trips, or field studies. For many, these may be their first experiences camping, hiking, or traveling to unfamiliar places. Our students graduate with four excursions behind them, ready not just to take part but to take the lead.
As we approach each new school year, we expect all of our high school students to take advantage of this essential and potentially life-altering opportunity. The Fall Field Study invites reflection, fosters growth, and affirms that education is as much about developing character and perspective as it is about mastering content. Please read through this guide to learn more about how we envision the Fall Field Study, and all out of classroom excursions, for years to come.
We very much look forward to hearing more about the experience during the presentation.
With Gratitude,
Shaun Johnson, PhD
