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Monday afternoon’s activities on the New England High School Summer Program were kept pretty simple so that the programmers would be refreshed and ready for the evening study hall — and the most challenging academic preparation of the two weeks.

During the rec period, all four sections faced off in a volleyball tournament out on the athletic field, followed by swimming and practicing their dives in the pool, or hitting the weight rooms and climbing wall in the gym. Afterward, all took a break and relaxed in the residence halls, packing up for study hall, showering, or calling home. Over juicy pork chops and mashed potatoes at dinner, students gave vent to their expectations for the evening’s work — studying and preparing Euclid’s first three propositions for demonstration this morning.

Now, some of these students have done Euclid already. For others, this is their first encounter with mathematics of this particular nature. Some were interested with an undertone of concern, some were eager and ready; others fine with just seeing how this course takes them over the ensuing week. The students all shared their thoughts and concerns, while prefects gave advice, and everyone became gradually more excited.

Finally, it was time for study hall! The first half of the session was spent reading quietly, but for the second, students broke into groups to practice their Euclidean demonstrations. It was a productive time: Prefects gave the first demonstration, and then students worked through the props on their own, taking turns demonstrating and walking through the steps together.

As a reward for their hard work, programmers enjoyed crumble-topped milkshakes in a post-study hall Coffee Shop. Some students continued to study, presenting the props on a blackboard against one and constructing equilateral triangles for their friends. Others played games or talked at the round tables and bar at the front of the room, while some swing-dance enthusiasts took to the floor in pairs. 

Rosary followed Coffee Shop, bringing the busy and beautiful day to a calming and surrendering close. Prefects and programmers walked back to the residence halls under the stars, sleepy and ready to wind the night down. A bonfire awaited the boys in their courtyard, while the girls delighted in painting and writing postcards. Some opted for an early bedtime or to run through their props once more. When the time came for lights-out no one objected.

Check the Summer Blog this afternoon to read about the students’ first demonstrations and second round of The Consolation of Philosophy!

More photos from the High School Summer Program

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