News

Science teacher releasing salmon into river

Salmon Stocking Project

May 14, 2024

Renbrook’s Grade 5 Science Program actively participates in the Connecticut River Salmon Association Salmon-in-Schools Program. This valuable scientific and environmental learning project is enjoyed by children in schools across Connecticut. Students participate actively in all program phases, from rearing salmon eggs in the classroom to stocking rivers, and Renbrook is thrilled to be a part…

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Group of three female pilots with STEM teacher

Aviation and History Combine to Celebrate “Women in Flight”

May 7, 2024

Renbrook School recently honored the legacy of Frederick B. Rentschler, the pioneering spirit of women in aviation, and the modern-day accomplishments of female pilots across the globe with our annual Flight Day celebration. This year, we honored “Women in Flight.” Frederick B. Rentschler Frederick B. Rentschler, co-founder of Pratt & Whitney, and his family lived…

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students practicing writing structure at wipe-off desks

Writing from Beginning to End

March 25, 2024

A Snapshot of Renbrook’s Writing Program InitiativesBy Amy Ma, Director of Writing; English Department Head; Co-Coordinator of Diversity and Belonging “I wrote my way out – Wrote everything down far as I could seeI wrote my way out – I looked up and the town had its eyes on meWait for it … (I’ll write…

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Architectural Rendering of New Renbrook Library - View of Front Desk

A New Library for Renbrook

March 12, 2024

The Vision In March 2020, Kathryn Ferrante, Renbrook’s adventurous librarian, and Matt Sigrist, Head of School, began a conversation about exciting new models for school libraries. How could we make our library the heart of the school? Kathryn and Matt recognized that our beautiful library space is currently underused. They were inspired by the learning…

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children playing on jungle gym

The Benefits of Play-Based Learning

February 1, 2024

Renbrook Beginning School Celebrates Global School Play Day The Beginning School at Renbrook embraces a play-based learning approach that encourages children, in partnership with teachers, to make discoveries about themselves and the world around them. Play is essential as children learn to socialize, communicate, make choices, show initiative, collaborate, observe, problem-solve, and ask questions. While…

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MLK

Upper School Students Honor MLK and Black History Month

January 18, 2024

As part of their study of Black History Month, Upper School students in Ross McLay’s Honors History class participated in Senator Chris Murphy’s 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. Each year, Senator Murphy invites students from across Connecticut to help honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by submitting essays that reflect on…

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child in pool at camp

The Gift of Summer Camp

November 28, 2023

As we embark on the Season of Giving and the annual Day of Giving today, we think of others and embrace how our kindness and generosity can impact their lives. The working definition of giving is “to give to another in some terms, to make gifts or presents, or give to charity: to provide love or other…

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front entrance of Renbrook School

Reflections from the Admission Office

November 14, 2023

Each year, we welcome new faculty and staff members to Renbrook School. For those of us who have been here a while, it’s always interesting to take a fresh look at Renbrook through the lens of a colleague seeing it for the first time. I had that opportunity when I read a letter from our…

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teal pumpkins in a wagon

Teal Pumpkins: A Colorful Tradition of Inclusivity on Halloween

October 31, 2023

Recently, a Renbrook fifth-grade student demonstrated true agency in leading a project with his classmates to help them understand the Teal Pumpkin Project and increase awareness of food allergies. Every year, as Halloween approaches, neighborhoods are adorned with pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors. One particular pumpkin, though, stands out with its distinctive teal…

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a child thinking representing self-regulation in children

The Importance of Developing Self-Regulation in Young Children

October 24, 2023

by Julie Schlossinger Ed.D. Self-regulation is a fundamental skill that empowers students to manage their emotions, behavior, and attention effectively. As we work together to provide the best possible education for our children, nurturing self-regulation should be one of our key objectives. One of the best explanations of self-regulation that I ever read comes from…

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teacher encouraging students

Nurturing Independence: Developing Agency in Young Children

October 3, 2023

Every parent dreams of raising children who are confident, capable, and able to make informed decisions. One of the key milestones on this journey is developing agency in young children. Agency refers to a child’s ability to make choices, take action, and have a sense of control over their own lives. It’s a vital skill…

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monarch butterfly 2

From Caterpillar to Monarch Butterfly: A Magical Journey!

September 14, 2023

Ah, the Monarch Butterfly. Do you remember the awe and wonder of witnessing a caterpillar transform into a beautiful butterfly as a child? It’s a magical experience that captivates young minds. Junior Kindergarten students at Renbrook School are so lucky to benefit from the passion that their teacher, Robin Ellef, holds for these beautiful creatures.…

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Renbrook School Graduation

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023!

July 31, 2023

Congratulations to the Renbrook School Class of 2023! What an amazing group of scholars, athletes, leaders, and friends. We know great things are ahead of you. Members of this class are headed to the following schools, and we know they will make us proud! Go Hawks! Avon Old Farms School, Berkshire School, Choate Rosemary Hall,…

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Portrait of Jane Shipp

Legacy Society Profile: Jane C. Shipp

June 19, 2023

Jane Shipp was Renbrook’s Headmistress for 20 years, from 1990 to 2010. Only Florence Greene, our founding Headmistress, served the school longer. Mrs. Shipp preferred the title Headmistress because she saw her role as head teacher, the first among equals. She left a lasting imprint on the school and is remembered fondly by former students, parents, faculty, and staff. Although she has scrupulously kept her distance since retiring, she watches our doings with keen interest and speaks with great conviction about her love for the school and its mission.

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News

GIFTS AT WORK: Manafort Family Plaza

June 12, 2023

Trudging up the hill to the Upper Athletic Fields used to mean emerging on the verge of Edith P. Gengras Field on a muddy pathway under the Sills Family Tennis Courts, squishing through puddles to reach the soccer and field hockey fields. Now, the trudger is greeted by an elegant stone plaza and a stone wall proudly proclaiming “Renbrook School.” The first field is now dedicated to Bruce J. Irving, and beyond it is the new Gengras Family Field.

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Grade 2 students standing in front of large Pratt & Whitney engine

Renbrook School Celebrates Flight Day

May 30, 2023
In recognition of our rich aviation history, Renbrook School recently held a day-long Flight Day celebration after a 3-year pandemic-induced hiatus. Flight Day is an annual all-school event that began in 2010 and joyously celebrates the deep connection between Renbrook School, the Frederick B. Rentschler family, and Pratt & Whitney.
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News

GIFTS AT WORK: Gengras Family Field

April 17, 2023

Athletic Director Peter Reynolds beamed as his familiar, raspy voice rang out at the dedication of the Gengras Family Field. What a difference our beautiful new turf field will make to our students! A reliable playing surface for our teams to practice and compete on, regardless of the weather. A dry outdoor classroom for physical education classes. “Our athletes will have a new, stronger sense of pride as they wear the blue and walk onto this field,” he boasted.

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upper school student on a ski jump element

Renbrook Students Shined on the Slopes this Year

April 10, 2023

Several Renbrook students demonstrated exceptional skills and success in their ski programs this year, and we’re so proud of their commitment, hard work, and accomplishments. It is a pleasure to share the good news about our students and their endeavors! 

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chess students and teacher with their trophies

Renbrook Chess Team Wins Fifth at State Championships

March 29, 2023
The Renbrook Chess Team has been hard at work this year, refining their skills, and it has clearly paid off.
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News

Eighth-grader Savanna Singh featured on We-Ha.com

March 21, 2023
An eighth-grader at West Hartford’s Renbrook School is holding a jersey drive to benefit children in developing countries and also to help keep textiles out of landfills.
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