Artists flooded the streets of Havana, outdoor enthusiasts trekked the Appalachian Trail, bakers discovered the universal language of food and rockstars performed a dazzling cover of “Let It Be” to a sold out audience in DuBois Theatre that Sir Paul McCartney might have even heard about from across the pond. If this all sounds too good to be true, just know—during Intersession at Blair, anything is possible.

Formerly known as J-term, this year’s newly revamped Intersession took place during the week leading up to Spring Break, offering students and teachers alike the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and the regular schedule to participate in an immersive learning experience outside of the standard curriculum, with faculty and students they might not otherwise learn with throughout the year. The shift from a January to late-February start allowed for more opportunity to engage with travel, Intersession coordinator and Director of Vocal Music Ryan Manni-Brennan explains. Without the uncertainties of peak-winter weather, three international trips to Cuba, Puerto Rico and Kenya were able to take flight, and the time shift made it possible without interference with classes or spring athletic training trips. 

“This year’s Intersession also came on the heels of Headmasters’ Societies Games,” Mr. Manni-Brennan, in his first year coordinating the program, shares. “The increased community energy carried right through Intersession and kept the engagement flowing.”

This year, well-loved courses like “Current Events Forum in Washington, D.C.,” “Inside the Mind of Man’s Best Friend” and “Keep Calm & Guard On” were once again offered, giving students the opportunity to venture outside the classroom to visit the nation’s capital, learn more about the habits of our furry friends and become certified lifeguards. Another returning course, “Life Is Like a Box of Thank-Yous,” brought students into the world of stewardship, with Blair’s advancement directors-turned-teachers Courtnay Stanford ’95 and Emma Barnes O’Neill. Students learned the impact of philanthropy and had the opportunity to visit with Princeton University advancement associate Christy Burkart ’97.

“This course really taught me the importance of stewardship at Blair,” Kate Brandt ’26 says after sharing her final project, a video thanking donors for their support of the School, “and our trip to Princeton was fun and informative.”

Mrs. Stanford and Mrs. Barnes O’Neill weren’t the only ones to reach out to the extended Blair network during their course. English department chair Jim Moore, Hon. ’93 and science teacher Dr. Michael Sayers tapped Blair’s Trustee Emeritus and former chief financial officer of Berkshire School John Alden ’63 for their class on renovating and revitalizing Clinton Hall, the heart of humanities at Blair. Mr. Alden offered architectural advice as students developed plans to update Clinton’s bathrooms, accessibility, and heating and cooling systems.

“That’s why this program is so amazing and truly unique to Blair,” Mr. Manni-Brennan notes. “It takes a village, and it is a team effort in every sense of the word. From the faculty teaching and the staff supporting to the alums and parents offering expert knowledge, I’m grateful our community comes together for this student-centric mission. 

Delivering on the student-centered experience, Mr. Manni-Brennan plans to continue incorporating student feedback on courses to develop the catalogue again next year. After last year’s J-term, students noted an increased interest in food-related courses, and Intersession delivered with four tantalizing culinary experiences. Those seeking balance and hoping to add tools to their mindfulness toolbox took part in the first meditation retreat offered to students at Blair through self and society department chair Cency Middleton and English, mindfulness and yoga teacher Sarah O’Neil’s course.

“The experience was transformational for our students in a number of ways,” Ms. O’Neil shares. “To be completely tech-free for three whole days is not easy, but they embraced the challenge and learned a lot about themselves in the process. The students created deep bonds with one another, and they came away with tools for managing stress and tapping into a peaceful and powerful sense of self that is always there beneath the chaos.”

Now that the last dorm has closed for Spring Break and the dust of the eight-day Intersession experience has settled, there’s only one thing left to do: Start planning for next year!

To see our collection of photos from this year's Intersession, click here.