purnell school viewbook
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Purnell School ViewbookTRANSCRIPT
p u r n e l l s c h o o l
why choose purnell?
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your successmatters to all of usPurnell welcomes each girl into our community and gives
her the gift of discovering what she is truly great at doing.
We believe every student has a true talent to share with
the world. At Purnell, girls discover their talents and learn
to solve problems creatively. Here, everyone experiences
success and the confidence that comes with it.
we’ll tell you why.
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we are a nationalmodel of excellenceThe Affinities ProgramWith its award-winning Affinities Program®, Purnell is
the world’s first explicitly strengths-based high school.
The Affinities Program® stems from the belief that the
best way for a person to grow into who she was meant
to be is by building on her unique strengths. This program
focuses on integrating the ninth grade students into the
strengths-based community at Purnell, and offers continuous
follow-up for tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students
in order to guide them during their high school careers
and lead them to successful paths in college.
All Kinds of Minds®
Our mission is to discover the different learning style of
each student so that she can reach her full potential. Purnell
School combines innovative programs and state-of-the-art
resources to promote an optimal learning experience for each
student. Our teachers utilize the Schools Attuned Program®
of discovering student strengths, challenges and passions,
and Kansas University’s Strategic Instruction Model. Purnell
has created a model of teaching and discovery that incor-
porates leading-edge theory and best practice teaching
methods, integrating student advocacy, self-knowledge,
and self-reliance into the learning experience. As part
of the All Kinds of Minds program, Purnell students take
part in the demystification process in order to learn about
themselves and take an active role in their education.
AdvisingEach student at Purnell has an advisor with whom she
meets weekly one on one. Discussions range from classes
and time management to dorms and friendships and result
in strong student-teacher relationships. The advisor is the
student’s advocate, mentor, point-person and touchstone
during her years at Purnell. The advisor also supports her
as she pursues her affinities. All advisors meet as a group
weekly to discuss and plan for the needs of each student.
you can beyourself hereOur founders, Lytt and Sis Gould, opened Purnell on the
premise that a small community where everyone is known
and valued is the best way to educate young women. At
Purnell, we celebrate the individual and accept difference.
Girls are able to take risks and grow. Each girl will have
a place of importance in the school, receive extra help
and encouragement when needed, and develop a unique
understanding of what allows her to thrive.
Purnell serves a wide range of students. Some come to us
seeking the extra attention provided by a small school setting,
some are attracted to the structure and programs we offer
to help girls succeed, and some have felt underserved in
larger schools. We welcome motivated students with mild
learning differences. Here they find the strategies and
confidence to move beyond labels and toward learning
success. Whatever the reason, we both challenge and
support each student in order for her to attain her goals.
Purnell students come from 22 states and 6 countries,
which adds to the richness of diversity on our campus.
They are girls with positive character traits and engaging
personalities who enjoy group activities and treasure
school traditions. Friendships formed here last a lifetime.
“I feel on a daily basis that
what I do in the classrooms,
on the fields, and in the
dorms is making a difference
in the lives of so many
young women here.”Dan Kramer, History Teacher
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there are noback rowsYou won’t find desks in rows at Purnell. Our average
class size is twelve. Our classroom methods support and
challenge students in a way that is geared to what works
best for girls. Our courses maintain a strong commitment
to project-based learning, where students work in teams
to explore real-world problems and create presentations
to share what they have learned. Our teachers consistently
adapt teaching techniques and structure course work to
help each student learn in her own way. The curriculum
is college preparatory and designed to challenge students
to think and problem solve in creative ways as well as
express themselves clearly.
you won’t fallthrough the cracksAdapting our teaching methods to student needs is only
part of the story. We focus our attention on each student
in a myriad of ways to understand her learning style.
We then tailor a comprehensive program to help her
achieve. Along the way, we continue to adapt and change
this program to assure each student is on the right path.
Counseling and Nursing
Our health center has nurses on staff and manages appointments
for students who seek counseling off campus. We support girls
through all the normal transitions of adolescent life.
English as a Second Language
An immersion language program is offered for students for
whom English is a second language. There is also an opportunity
to participate in our Literacy Skills class as well as other activities
to help students improve their English.
Extra Help
Structured time is available each day when teachers invite
students to meet with them for one-on-one assistance or
review of class material.
Learning and Enrichment Center (LEC)
The Learning and Enrichment Center assists students to reach
their full potential. The LEC works with the students’ Individual
Goal Coordinator to gain academic independence and strong
advocacy skills.
Seminars
Each student has a seminar period that rotates through her
schedule. Some seminars offered are diversity, wellness, affinities,
and college counseling and transitions; some days this period
may be used as a study hall. Students may also choose
a seventh academic class instead of a seminar period.
Supervised Study Hall
Students attend a monitored study session each evening.
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you can expressyourself through theThe arts are an integral part of our education. Research has
proven that students who are involved in the arts are more
motivated, more engaged, more sensitive, more focused,
more creative, and more responsible. With that in mind,
our program offers a deep and broad experience in both the
studio and performing arts. Our faculty, many of whom are
professional artists themselves, have a talent for bringing
out each student’s creative potential. Our well-equipped arts
facilities, The Johnson Art Center and The Carney Center for
thePerforming Arts, are lively focal points of student life during
the school day, evening, and weekends throughout the year.
All students participate in a two and a half week intensive
study, Project Exploration. One of the major offerings is
Production, in which students combine their talents in acting,
dancing, singing, technical crew, and costume design to launch
a major musical performance. Other offerings during Project
Exploration include: an art offering, maritime studies, culinary
arts, interior design and even opportunities to travel—both
domestically and abroad. These offerings vary year to year.
Throughout the year, professional artists, from jazz musicians
to classical pianists to storytellers, perform in the Carney
Center for the Performing Arts. It is performances, however,
by our own student groups—Purnell Ringers handbell choir,
Shoots and Strawberries singing group, Dance Synthesis, and
Adlibbers acting troupe—that earn the warmest applause.
athletics helpto build self-esteemOur athletic program encourages every girl to discover
herself as an athlete. With competitive team sports each
season and a variety of non-competitive sports, girls have
many opportunities to challenge themselves individually
as well as to be a member of a team. The Moran Athletic
Center is a state of the art facility with a large gymnasium,
exercise and work out rooms, and dance studio.
Sports help girls to develop self-esteem and an appreciation
for fitness. More than 50% of our students choose to play
on interscholastic teams, which compete with nearby
independent schools.
A Sampling of Arts CoursesVaries from year to year
COMPET IT IVE
Soccer
Volleyball
Basketball
Softball
Lacrosse
Dance
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you can expressyourself through the arts
“I never knew I would love
lacrosse so much. Purnell
gave me the confidence
to go out there and try
a new sport.”Heather, Class of 2012
PERFORMING ART
Introduction to Acting
Creative Movement
History of Modern Dance
Creative Theater
Music History
Filmmaking
World Drama
Instrumental Voice
STUDIO ART
Painting I/II
Drawing I/II
Ceramics
Photography
Fashion Design
Art History
Sculpture
Jewelry Design
Athletics OfferedVaries from year to year
NON-COMPET IT IVE
Yoga
Jogging
Personal Fitness
Equestrian (offered off-campus)
Circuit Training
Tennis
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we prepareeveryone for collegePreparation for life after Purnell begins the moment a student
arrives. Our total approach to education contributes to the
development of self-directed learners and thinkers, good
writers and public speakers, and ultimately, confident
young women fully prepared for life’s challenges.
As the student learns about her affinities, the college
counselor helps her discover schools that are a good match
based on these strengths. In the junior year, each student
takes a class focusing on the college admission process.
The college counselor meets with the student and her family
to discuss options, crystallize ideas, and construct a list
of prospective colleges.
you will buildlasting friendshipsDorm LifeWe believe the residential program may be the most
effective educational experience in the transformation of an
adolescent girl into a healthy, confident woman. Friendships
made on campus are friendships made for life. Three
guidelines are the basis of conduct at our school:
As the standard for student life in the dormitories,
these principles guide students to participate in a positive
and respectful community.
Our air-conditioned dorms are secured by a Keyscan®
security system and each dorm room is wired for internet
access and telephone service.
WeekendsWeekends at Purnell are full of a wide variety of activities
both on and off campus. These activities are a continuation
of the learning and growth that occurs both in the classroom
and in the residence halls. Some examples of weekend
activities are:
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� Use of Common Sense
� Truthfulness in All Relations
� Consideration of Others
� A Broadway show in New York City
� A dance at a boys’ school
� Craft-making on campus
� Ski trip in the Poconos
� Football game at Rutgers University
� Hoboken Arts and Musical Festival
� Shopping in the quaint village of Chester
� New York Yankees game
� Museums and shopping in Philadelphia and New York City
� Prom
� Movies, Starbucks and mall trips
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this is a placeto call homeA variety of special traditions bring meaning and ritual
to the community. These, coupled with the large number
of faculty, their children and pets that live on campus,
make Purnell feel just like home!
Our Campus
� Main: Admissions Office, Administration
� Dorms: Boynton, Custis and Gould
� Baker Dining Hall
� Moran Athletic Center
� Carney Center for the Performing Arts
� Gardner Classroom Building
� Stringfellow Library
� Johnson Arts Center
we offer the bestof both worldsPurnell School is situated on 83 acres amid the rolling
meadows and gentle hills of the Pottersville Valley in
New Jersey. We feel fortunate to live in such a secure
and peaceful environment and still be less than an hour
from New York City, and less that two from Philadelphia.
Class trips and weekend excursions to these cities and other
destinations enrich our cultural and historical perspectives.
“The best thing about
Purnell is that we have
a terrific campus and
access to everything
the city has to offer.”Brianna, Class of 2011
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At Purnell, our three guidelines: Use of Common Sense,
Truthfulness in All Relations, and Consideration of Others,
added to three basic directives: sustained effort, commitment
to honest relationships, and high expectations for all
students equal three outcomes: a future where each
student understands what she can do best, an ability to
take that knowledge and find success, and the character
to build a meaningful life.
Getting HereWe encourage you to visit and see for yourself. Below is a
list of approximate travel times from cities and airports in
our area. For driving instructions, please visit our website.
For More InformationSee us on the Web:
www.purnell.org
Arrange a visit and tour:
Office of Admissions � (908) 439-2154 � [email protected]
Send mail:
PO Box 500 � 51 Pottersville Road � Pottersville, NJ 07979
come, take a look.
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� Newark Airport 40 minutes
� New York City 60 minutes
� LaGuardia Airport 90 minutes
� Kennedy Airport 2 hours
� Philadelphia 90 minutes
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PURNELL SCHOOL
51 Pottersville RoadP.O. Box 500Pottersville, NJ 07979
(908) 439-2154www.purnell.org