purnell school: we make originals viewbook

T r a n s f o r m a t i o n a l

Purnell 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.

S m a l l b y D e s i g n

Purnell was founded on the premise that the best way to educate young women is in a small community

where everyone is known and valued. At Purnell, we celebrate the individual and appreciate originality. Every girl is accepted for who she is. 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.

R i c h i n T r a d i t i o n

The Purnell experience is full of traditions which span from the founding of the school through new

customs that have formed over time. The sharing of these traditions creates a bond that all Purnell Alumnae share worldwide.

P e r f e c t l y L o c a t e d

The Purnell campus 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 an environment that is both secure and peaceful and is less than one hour from New York City and two from Philadelphia. Class trips and weekend excursions to these cities and other destinations enrich our cultural and historical perspectives.

A c a d e m i c P h i l o s o p h y

At Purnell we understand that not all students are alike. They come to school with varying backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. They also absorb content in a variety of ways. So it

is our mission to provide students access to a wide variety of academic support, enrichment, and technology tools to support the student when she needs it, and challenge her when she is ready for it.

Differentiated Instruction is a dynamic teaching method that Purnell has been practicing since the founding of the school. This method continuously evolves throughout a class based on the learning style of each student. It starts with student pre-assessment, where we identify each student’s unique learning style and background in each topic. Then we plan class activities based on the student’s needs, monitor the student’s progress continuously, and dynamically adapt the class plans and assignments accordingly.

Because our classes are small in size, our faculty is able to utilize Differentiated Instruction to customize the learning experience for each and every student. This means that students who need advanced challenges and students who need learning support can learn together – in the same classroom.

Our individualized advisor program is a national model of excellence.A d v i s o r P r o g r a m

Every student is assigned to a faculty advisor who acts as the student’s

advocate, mentor, and touchstone for all academic, social development, and communication advice. Advisors have one-on-one meetings with advisees every week, and act as coordinator with Purnell faculty and parents to ensure that every student is reaching the objectives set for success.

Purnell tuition includes full access to our LEC, which combines innovative

programs and state-of-the-art resources to promote an optimal learning experience for each student. Students have access to support programs such as Study Skills, Organization Skills, Time Management, Skills Remediation, and Daily Faculty Office Hours, as well as a wide variety of Integrated Technology.

The LEC is also dedicated to enriching the curriculum for those students who have mastered the course material and are ready for additional challenges. Enrichment opportunities include customized assignments, taking additional courses, independent study, online courses, and participation in our Specialized Diploma Program.

S e m i n a r s

All students participate in a variety of grade-based seminars:

Strengths: Students participate in a variety of hands-on, creative, real-world applicable activities to discover, name, and utilize their strengths. Diversity: Students learn a common vocabulary in order to talk about issues of diversity in and outside of Purnell to increase students’ awareness of multicultural resources. Wellness: Students learn basic information about biological and sexual health, drug and alcohol awareness, and nutrition and healthy eating.

Community: Students in grades 9 and 10 experience a variety of seminars exploring team building, stress management, leadership development, technology and

Dorm life builds lifelong friendships.

L e a r n i n g & E n r i c h m e n t C e n t e r ( L E C )

other topics with real-world applications that will help girls make healthy, positive choices.

College Process: Students in grade 11 are introduced to the college search and selection process, and they begin compiling information for college applications and resumes. Students in grade 12 continue to work with the college counselor, write essays, and complete college applications.

D o r m L i f e

We 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:

Use of Common SenseTruthfulness in All Relations

Consideration of Others

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 is wired for internet access and telephone service.

Dorm life builds lifelong friendships.

W e e k e n d s o n C a m p u s

Weekends 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 include:

Broadway shows in NYCDances at boys’ schoolsCrafts & games on campusSki & snowboarding tripsRutgers University footballAmusement park tripsPromNew York Yankees gamesMuseums in NYC & PhillyMovies, Starbucks, & mall tripsHoboken Arts & Music FestivalShopping in NYC & Philly

S o c i a l A c t i v i t i e s Varies from year to year

51 Pottersville RoadP.O. Box 500Pottersville, NJ 07979

www.purnell.org908.439.2154

C a m p u s

A c t i v i t i e s & C l u b s

Students can choose from a wide variety of activities and clubs which meet daily.

In Big Sisters students mentor new students; Student Council affords them leadership opportunities. Students can explore their acting and singing chops in Adlibbers and Shoots & Strawberries choir. Roots & Shoots and Purnell Greens allow students the opportunity to give back to the community and to the environment.

AdlibbersArt Activity Big Sisters Chinese ConversationDoorknockers Dorm Floor LeadersKelea CaféMulticultural ClubPeer Leaders

A c t i v i t y O f f e r i n g s Varies from year to year

Purnell Greens Roots & ShootsShoots & Strawberries SteppersStudent Council OfficersStudent Council RepsStudent StoreTech TheatreYearbook

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LEARNER

Signature Programs@PurnellProject ExplorationOne of the hallmarks of Purnell is our Project Exploration mini-term, during which students get to choose a hands-on project that can range from learning videography or early childhood development to performing in a musical production. During their junior or senior year, students have the opportunity to expand their global awareness through intensive travel abroad trips designed around interdisciplinary themes focusing on community service, in-depth cultural and language studies, and environmental science and sustainable living.

Guiding & Promoting Strengths (GPS)Purnell’s award-winning GPS Program stems from the belief that building on a student’s unique strengths is the best way to help her grow into the person she was meant to become. 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 a successful path in college and beyond. The program incorporates real life career education through summer internships, our Career Speakers series, seminars, and our optional Specialized Diploma program.

Specialized DiplomaThe Specialized Diploma Program provides students who have a particular passion or talent the opportunity to explore how that passion can be applied in the world beyond the classroom. Students engage in courses, summer programs, internships, weekend activities, and Project Exploration topics that help them develop their passion, and the program culminates in a senior project that is performed or displayed for the school and working professionals in the field. Specialized Diplomas are currently being offered in Creative Arts (Performing or Studio Arts) and Global Citizenship.



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ARTIST

Studio Arts@Purnell

Studio arts engage the student in the discipline of visual thinking which helps improve memory, increase intuition, and process ideas simultaneously. They also help develop the imagination, increase self-confidence, and encourage self-discipline.

At Purnell this is accomplished through a wide variety of studio art forms, including anything from painting and photography to fashion and jewelry design. Purnell’s studio arts faculty also use exercises specifically designed to encourage creative brainstorming, stimulate critical and innovative thinking, and develop creative problem solving skills, which are all a core part of 21st Century Learning.

In addition to the educational benefits, studio arts at Purnell are simply…fun. Students enjoy trips to inspirational places such as wildlife preserves, metropolitan museums, and fashion design firms. During Artists in Residence weekend professional artists come to campus to hold unique workshops in tie-dye, cake design, pottery, basket weaving, watercolor, and more. And every year Purnell students walk away from the New Jersey Teen Arts Festival and other local competitions with innumerable awards and accolades.

Art HistoryGraphic DesignFilm PhotoDigital Photo



C o u r s e O f f e r i n g s Varies from year to year

Mixed MediaPrintmakingFashion DesignJewelry Making

There is a reason that the Johnson Art Center is located in the center of the Purnell campus – the studio arts are an essential part of the learning process.

DrawingCeramicsPaintingSculpture

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ATHLETE

Athletics@PurnellExercise is a vital part of maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Physical activity also helps to increase coordination, learn team-building skills, and improve focus. But it is important that students are engaged in and enjoy the activity – no one wants to go to boring old gym class anymore! At Purnell we offer a wide variety of individual and team sports…and the student decides which fits them best.

SportsStudents who are passionate about equestrian sports can take horseback riding, while girls who want to learn about climbing and team building can take high and low ropes. There are a variety of offerings such as yoga and weight training, while seasonal team sports such as soccer or basketball are always available for those interested in competitive sports. Students passionate about dance can join Purnell’s competitive dance troupe, Dance Synthesis, which is run by the Performing Arts Department during athletics period.

FacilitiesPurnell’s athletic facilities include five outdoor tennis courts, two sport fields, a softball field and outdoor batting cage, high and low ropes courses, and an indoor athletic center. The Moran Athletic Center boasts a 1,000 square foot gymnasium, two strength training rooms, cardiovascular equipment, and a dedicated dance studio.

COMPETITIVE

SoccerBasketballSoftballDance



A t h l e t i c s O f f e r e d Varies from year to year

NON-COMPETITIVE

Cross CountryPersonal FitnessHorseback RidingCircuit Training

YogaTennisHigh & Low Ropes Course

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EQUESTRIAN

The Riding Program@Purnell

The sport of horseback riding offers innumerable benefits for girls. From an athletic viewpoint, equestrians gain balance, muscle control, and strength. They also gain coordination as they learn to match the movement of their hands, seat, legs, and torso with those of the horse. From a developmental viewpoint, equestrians gain forethought, empathy, and emotional control. They also learn responsibility as they care for the needs of their equine friends.

With the benefits of riding in mind, Purnell School is proud to offer a premier Riding Program in partnership with Redfield Farm, a top showing and training facility owned and operated by Emil Spadone. Redfield instructors are dedicated to teaching students a solid foundation in hunt seat equitation from mini stirrup through the adult amateur division.

Redfield is only minutes from Purnell and offers a wonderful group of warmbloods accomplished at any level of ability, from beginner to expert. These horses are available for group lessons, private lessons, and showing. Students who have their own horses are also welcome to board at Redfield Farm.



Because we know that riding is not just a sport...it’s a passion.

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Performer

Performing Arts@Purnell

TheatrePurnell’s theatre program is a blend of learning about the theatre and performing in the theatre. In class, students study the history and performance elements of theatre, and they have the opportunity to examine the creative process that takes place between actor and character on stage. Acting techniques are explored with special attention to voice and movement, environment building, and sensory perception.

On stage, students have the opportunity to take part in multiple performances throughout the year. Students also have the opportunity to join the Adlibbers Acting Troupe, which performs a variety of different shows every fall and spring. Project Exploration, our project oriented mini-term, also provides the students an opportunity to dedicate three weeks to a full scale musical.

Technical TheatreStudents who are interested in theatre but not inclined to perform on stage have the opportunity to participate behind the scenes. Technical Theatre includes learning stage management and theatre etiquette, creating costumes and props, designing sets and scenery, and operating a professional sound and lighting board.

Research has shown that students who are involved in Performing Arts are more motivated, engaged, focused, creative and responsible. With that in mind, Performing Arts have always been a large part of a Purnell education. Our program offers a deep and broad experience in three Performing Arts disciplines: Theatre, Dance, and Music.

DancePurnell’s dance program is designed to instill an appreciation for dance and movement, as well as recognize and embrace every girl’s full potential. The Purnell dance experience allows the talented, motivated dancer to excel, while still encouraging beginners and undiscovered dancers to develop their own skills. Our dedicated dance studio has a multipurpose floor that allows us to do any style of dance, including contemporary, modern, jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballet, pointe, and lyrical.

Dance Synthesis is Purnell’s competitive dance company, which meets during athletic hours. The goals of the ensemble are to develop and maintain a technical dance foundation, treat their bodies with respect and proper alignment, and explore a wide scope of dance styles. Dance Synthesis participates and performs in dance workshops and competitions throughout New York and New Jersey, including Somerset County’s Teen Arts Festival and Six Flags Dance Fest.

Contemporary, modern, jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballet, pointe, and lyrical dance can all be performed in

our dedicated dance studio.



MusicPurnell’s Music Program is the perfect fit for any student looking to begin or continue vocal and instrumental music. Students have the opportunity to study song writing and vocal techniques and perform in an ensemble and solo. Private lessons are also available for voice, piano, guitar, drums, and other instruments.

Outside of the academic day, students are encouraged to further explore their own voice by auditioning for the Purnell choir, Shoots & Strawberries. The choir sings a diverse repertoire ranging from classical, a cappella, and vocal jazz to modern pop, multicultural, and Broadway genres.

Carney Center for the Performing ArtsTheatre classes and performances are held in Purnell’s state of the art Carney Center for the Performing Arts. In the Carney, students can utilize a tech booth, make-up and costume rooms, marley for dances, wings for scenery changes, and a tech shop for stagecraft.

THEATREActingShakespeare Musical TheatreChildren’s TheatreBehind the Scenes

C o u r s e O f f e r i n g s Varies from year to year

DANCETapJazzBallet

MUSICGuitarOperaThe VoiceSongwritingPrivate Lessons

ModernDance SamplerChoreography

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