Afternoon Programs
At Brooks School, we seek to provide the most meaningful educational experience our students will have in their lives. As an extension of the classroom, the afternoon program is an integral part of that experience.
The program provides students with the opportunity to deeply explore the activities and interscholastic sports which interest them. Students also have the chance to challenge themselves and try something new.
By participating in the afternoon program, students develop lifelong skills such as leadership, teamwork, empathy, perseverance and overcoming adversity. They also discover the importance of balancing the mind, body and spirit. Teamwork is an essential component of the educational experience. By encouraging our students to be part of something bigger than themselves through collaboration and engagement with others and by sharing in group success they will gain invaluable life skills.
ATHLETICS
Brooks participates in the Independent School League, which consists of 16 schools of similar athletic mission. Team schedules are usually quite full, with the majority of games played on Wednesdays and Saturdays. In addition to participation on teams, there are opportunities for some students to serve as managers.
Skilled coaching is offered at all levels, and the traditions of sportsmanship, competition and excellence are strong at Brooks and in the ISL. In recent years, teams have won multiple ISL and New England championships. Letters are awarded to members of 1st teams who complete the season in good standing.
PERFORMING ARTS
There are three major theatrical productions during the year. These typically include a fall musical, and a comedy or drama during the winter and spring seasons. All major productions rehearse during the afternoon activities period. In addition, there are showcase opportunities for playwrights, actors and directors throughout the year.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Service learning at Brooks reflects the school’s belief that “to whom much is given, much is required.” The school strives to develop empathy, respect and responsibility in its students, and the community service program aims to promote those characteristics. By asking students to work in environments outside their comfort zone, involvement will challenge their thinking and broaden their understanding of the world and their place in it.
The community service program is designed to present opportunities for reflection as well as moments of action. This intersection of introspection and action ensures that each year the nature and depth of service will deepen to reflect a student’s increased maturity and level of commitment.
Students may elect community service as a full-time afternoon activity Monday through Friday. In addition, students will be asked to support the school’s athletic program a minimum of two Saturdays during the season. Weekly activities include but are not limited to:
- tutoring children at the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club and Haverhill Boys and Girls Club
- assisting at Windrush Farm in North Andover, Mass.
- working with SquashBusters Lawrence
- serving the evening meal at the Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence, Mass.
In addition to the afternoon program, there are many opportunities provided for interested students to be involved in community service. In recent years, students have sponsored blood drives, collected canned goods for local food pantries, raised money for various organizations, participated in walks/runs to help bring awareness to organizations and helped bring gifts to families in need.
Offerings
Participation in the afternoon program is required for all students every season.
New students must participate in a Brooks “team” offering in the fall of the first year. A team offering is defined as a program in which students work together toward a common goal. An activity offering is defined as a program which focuses more on an individual’s interest than a group goal.
Team ACTIVITIES
- Interscholastic Sports
- Fall: Cross-Country, Field Hockey (girls), Football (boys), Soccer, Volleyball (girls)
- Winter: Basketball, Ice Hockey, Squash, Wrestling
- Spring: Baseball (boys), Crew, Golf, Lacrosse, Softball (girls), Tennis
- Community Service
Participants are engaged in activities Monday through Friday.
- Theater
Students may serve as performers and/or technical crew.
- Advanced Strength and Conditioning
Advanced Strength and conditioning is open to third-form (freshmen) and fourth-form (sophomores) students as a team offering if the student is involved with an interscholastic sport in the other two seasons. Participants exercise in the athletic center Monday through Friday.
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES
- “Be Moved”
Outdoor/seasonal games and activities, fitness and off campus opportunities (rock climbing, mountain biking, etc. as possible) offered each season Monday through Friday.
Preference for individual activities is given to fifth-form (juniors) and sixth-form (seniors) students.
Requirements
- Third Form (freshmen)
Third-formers must participate in three team offerings. At least one of those team offerings must be an interscholastic sport.* Third-formers may not be a team manager.
- Fourth Form (sophomores)
Fourth-formers must participate in three team offerings. At least one of those team offerings must be an interscholastic sport.* In rare cases, fourth-formers may take on the role of team manager if approved by the coach and athletic department.
- Fifth Form (juniors)
Fifth formers must participate in a minimum of two team offerings over the course of the year. One of those team offerings must be an interscholastic sport.
- Sixth Form (seniors)
Sixth formers must participate in at least one team offering to meet your graduation requirements. In the other two seasons, sixth formers may choose either a team or individual offering.
*In some circumstances, and with permission from the theater department and athletics, a third or fourth former may be able to participate in theater for all three seasons.
