The Williston Northampton School’s Coordinator of Student Services, Jenna Motyka, oversees student travel arrangements for the three vacation periods and the three long weekends during the school year. We request that families schedule flight and travel plans well in advance referencing the dates and times printed below. Please recognize that the dormitories remain open the night after the final day of classes to accommodate boarding students who may have early morning international flights. We ask that families do not plan for departure until after all school commitments are met. Any exceptions to travel dates are to be communicated to, and approved by, the Academic Dean and Dean of Students prior to the student’s departure. Approximately two weeks prior to departure, students are required to complete and submit travel forms, which include their itinerary and destination during their time off-campus. Students may not stay alone overnight in hotels, rental houses, or other accommodations, and must have an adult chaperone on these trips.

For vacation breaks, Williston arranges vehicles to Northampton (Amtrak or Bus), Springfield (Amtrak or Bus), Bradley Airport (Hartford) and Logan Airport (Boston) at specific times. Times for these are available on the next page. The transportation price list for Bradley, Logan, JFK and Newark are posted on the School’s website and within the Veracross Parent Portal. The cost of the vehicle is split amongst students at the time of travel.

• $15 Northampton Train and Bus Stations – one way cost (Williston driver)

For transportation at times other than those published on the next page to and from Bradley, Logan, JFK, Newark, or other locations, Ms. Motyka will arrange for an independent contractor to transport students. Cost is dependent on the group size at the time of travel and not at the time of scheduling, as the number of students traveling may change. All travel expenses will be charged to the student’s FACTS incidental account. Failure to communicate a change in one’s itinerary directly to Ms. Motyka 48 hours prior to the scheduled service may result in being charged for such services. In addition, if escort services are necessary for an unaccompanied minor, please notify Ms. Motyka via email. There is an hourly charge for such service.

All students must leave the school during the breaks for Thanksgiving, winter, and spring. The school generally does not provide housing or meals, nor does it assume responsibility for students during these vacation periods. If a student isn’t returning home, families must make arrangements for students to be under the supervision of an adult during these breaks, and students may not stay in hotels, rental houses, or other accommodations without adult chaperones. A student must not return before the published arrival dates on the calendar unless special arrangements have been made through the Deans Office. International students needing to travel the day after a vacation begins may stay the first night of the break if permission is obtained in advance from the Deans Office. Each term also has a long weekend. Dorms will remain open and students will be permitted to remain in their own rooms.

Saturday, October 5
Long weekend begins after last school commitment has been met.

Tuesday, October 8
Athletes return by 2 p.m. Boarding students return by 7:30 p.m.

Friday, November 22
Thanksgiving vacation begins at 11:00 a.m. Williston arranged vehicles depart for Bradley Airport (Hartford) and Logan Airport (Boston) at 12 p.m., Springfield at 2 p.m. and Northampton at 3 p.m. Boarding students may stay overnight November 22 for international flights on November 23. Dorms close at 12:00 p.m.

Monday, December 2
Dorms open at 9:00 a.m. Boarding students return by 7:30pm. Williston arranged vehicles pick-up curbside in Northampton at 2pm, Springfield at 3:30pm, and Bradley Airport (Hartford) and Logan Airport (Boston) at 5pm.

Friday, December 20
Winter vacation begins. Williston arranged vehicles depart for Bradley Airport (Hartford) and Logan Airport (Boston) at 1 p.m., Springfield at 2 p.m. and Northampton at 3 p.m. Boarding students may stay overnight on December 20 for international flights on December 21. Dorms close at 12:00 p.m.

Monday, January 6
Dorms open at 9:00 a.m. Boarding students return by 7:30 p.m. Williston arranged vehicles pick-up curbside in Northampton at 2 p.m., Springfield at 3:30 p.m., and Bradley Airport (Hartford) and Logan Airport (Boston) at 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 6
Winter Long Weekend begins at 1:00 p.m.

Monday, February 10
Athletes return by 2:00 p.m. Boarding students return by 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 7
Spring vacation begins at 11:00 a.m. Williston arranged vehicles depart for Bradley Airport (Hartford) and Logan Airport (Boston) at 12:00 p.m., Springfield at 2:00 p.m. and Northampton at 3:00 p.m.  Students may stay overnight on March 7 for international flights on March 8. Dorms close at 12:00 p.m.

Monday, March 24
Dorms open at 9:00 a.m.  Boarding students return by 7:30 p.m. Williston arranged vehicles pick-up curbside in Northampton at 2:00 p.m., Springfield at 3:30 p.m., and Bradley Airport (Hartford) and Logan Airport (Boston) at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 19
Spring Long Weekend begins after last school commitment has been met.

Tuesday, April 22
Athletes return by 2:00 p.m. Boarding students return by 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 24
Commencement at 9:30 a.m. Seniors are expected to leave campus by 4:00 p.m.

Friday, May 30
Assessments conclude. Williston arranged vehicles depart for Bradley Airport (Hartford) and Logan Airport (Boston) at 12:00 p.m., Springfield at 2:00 p.m. and Northampton at 3:00 p.m. Students may stay overnight on May 30 for international flights on May 31.  Students may not stay overnight on May 31.  All students are expected to leave campus for summer break by 12:00 p.m. on May 31.