Breakaway 2010 catalog and financial aid form

What is Breakaway?

This is a four-day, cross-graded, teacher-student experience that sees us “breakaway” from the more conventional aspects of daily school life. The learning continues, just in a variety of different ways and places. Breakaway is the Middle School equivalent of Lower School Experiential Days and Upper School Winterim. Teachers offer a range of experiences they have planned. The individual Breakaway trips must fulfill three requirements:

• They should appeal to students in all three grade levels. When the groups are determined we try to ensure a mix of students.
• They should rarely cost over $300, although there are some special offerings. Trip leaders have made affordable experiences a priority. Sleeping on gym floors, in hostels, or in donated homes helps keep costs down. We view Breakaway as an important part of the Middle School program. We celebrate the variety of experiences that are offered. At the same time, we know that the range of these experiences creates differences in what the individual trips cost and that this can affect family choices. Catlin Gabel can provide assistance to cover Breakaway charges incurred by families. Financial aid is available and the form is included; we urge you to use it if needed.
• They should include learning something new. Learning on Breakaways typically occurs in settings outside the traditional classroom. The learning could be a new skill or taking a new risk. Because we want students to try different things, Middle Schoolers are not allowed to repeat Breakaways they have done in the past.

When is Breakaway?

Middle School Breakaway is from Tuesday, March 16 through Friday, March 19.

How will I know what is offered?

Please discuss the offerings as a family and return choices to C&C advisors in early Februray. Please download the choice form that is included. Note that the sign-up sheet includes a place for student choices as well as a line for your signature. You will see that the kids are asked to make more than one choice. While we do not guarantee a student's first pick of Breakaway trips, we do work to insure that they get one of their choices. When kids list only one choice or make the same selection five times, we often are forced to make their alternate choice for them. Some of the Breakaway offerings are in Portland and others are overnights.

Next steps?

Final Breakaway groups will be shared with students at the end of February. You will get more detailed information about the trip your child has selected in March, when it is shared with the students at a meeting during advisory. It will include a schedule/itinerary, contact numbers, and packing lists. Packing lists typically include special equipment that is critical to the individual experience. Please go through these lists carefully when they arrive.

We tell the students that their choice should be about the experience. It is not about what their friends are choosing. I once had a student ask me if they could switch from their activity. "You didn't get one of your choices?" I asked. "No," they said, "My activity was my first choice, but none of my friends are doing that one." We rarely are able to switch students out of their assigned Breakaway groups if it was one of their choices. If there is disappointment, we can help your child sort through it together.

Other stuff . . .

All Catlin Gabel chaperones have student medical information, permission slips, and parent contact information with them. There may also be a need to sign permission slips for outfitters or guides that the Breakaway leaders might use. Please contact individual trip leaders about medication.

Catlin Gabel provides the transportation.

Students will not need much cash (individual trip leaders will give you more information). Billing typically occurs through the Business Office.

Please do not plan family trips or vacations during Breakaway.

If there is a special reason for your child to remain in town, please indicate this on the sign-up sheet.

This is an exciting part of the Middle School program. Students are trying new things and meeting new people. If you have questions, please give Paul Andrichuk a call at ext. 368.

Thank you.

For more information about Breakaway, please contact:

Breakaway 2010 catalog and financial aid form