“We Heard It First”: New Voices on the Circle

Last week, the Groton School community welcomed 25 new Second Formers and 54 new Third Formers onto the Circle. A few weeks ago, we asked our incoming students what they were looking forward to as their Groton experience commences.

One of the most anticipated aspects is communal living.

“I’m most excited for the dormitories at Groton because I’ve never really been away from home for a long time and because it is such a new experience for me,” said Danika do Rosario ’30.

The novelty of independent boarding also comes with the opportunity to form new friendships: as students from all around the world converge on the Circle, bringing their distinct experiences, many report looking forward to finding their own communities with peers and dormmates.

“I am excited to meet my roommate and find a new community in the dorm that I didn’t have at my old school,” said Charlotte Green ’30.

This excitement extends into academics as well.

“I’m excited to take classes at Groton because I really want to push my boundaries and try more advanced things that my old school might not have,” said Shreekar Saravanan ’30.

While students arriving on the Circle transition to a higher level of academic rigor than they may have previously experienced, this is less an obstacle than an opportunity. Incoming students report looking forward to deepening their learning in STEM subjects such as Biology and Math, experiencing Latin for the first time, and expanding their thinking in English and History. Others also mention eagerness for art, music, and theater classes, as well as clubs and societies to expand their non-academic interests.

For most new students, the first few weeks of school are spent getting to know their fellow formmates and immersing themselves in intraform bonding. However, Groton sports provide an opportunity to also connect with members of other forms.

“I get to meet lots of new people from many other forms, but at the same time still have a blast through the sport,” said Isla Bateman ’31.

By providing time to unwind and socialize, Groton sports provide a healthy balance between recreation and bonding that new students look forward to. The camaraderie between teammates is a highlight of Groton athletics for many students.

But of all the various Grotonian traditions, Surprise Holiday is by far the one most eagerly expected by new and old students alike. Many incoming students already share the anticipation for a day off in the middle of each term—or, as Milo Kamras ’30 puts it, a “break when you need it most.” On the Circle, green takes on an entirely new meaning, with the bright green of Surprise Holiday being emblematic of the joy and freedom students feel in a day of respite and fun.

As the school year begins, both new and returning students eagerly await many of the same moments, whether that be interesting class discussions, new friendships through sports, or somewhere in between. Most of all, we look forward to getting to know all our new students as they carve their own spaces in the Groton community.