We want to send a warm welcome to our new international families! Below we have prepared information that should answer some of your questions and help you prepare for travel and the start of the school year. We can’t wait to welcome you to campus.
· Arriving to Campus: Sept. 3 and New Student Orientation
· Travel
· New Student Summer Virtual Meeting
· Banking
· Important Contacts at Cheshire Academy
Visa Process
Likely you are already working with our International Student Coordinator, Danielle Furst P’24, on the visa process. If not, she will be in touch very soon with your I20 and information on next steps. Please reach out to her with questions or should you need assistance with the visa process.
School Calendars
Please refer to the 2022-2023 School Calendar and the Opening of School 2022 Guide for detailed information about the start of school, first day of class, school breaks, and more.
Arriving to Campus: Sept. 3 and New Student Orientation
New international students should plan to arrive at campus to check in and move in on Saturday, Sept. 3, beginning at 9 a.m. ET. Orientation for new international students will be held on Sept. 4-5.
Travel
International Student Coordinator Danielle Furst P’24 and Director of Residential Life Mark Cheong are coordinating flight arrivals. A form will be sent to you in early July so that you can provide us with your flight details.
International students may arrange their own transportation to campus between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sept. 3. For international students requesting school-provided transportation from JFK or BDL airports, reservations are necessary. Please note that we are unable to accommodate family or friends who are accompanying students to campus.
To reserve transportation for an international student on a Cheshire Academy shuttle, a sign-up form will be sent out to eligible parents and students via email approximately two weeks prior to the travel dates or school holiday.
Shuttle times are:
Saturday, Sept. 3 – Pick Up for New International Students
• 11 a.m.- JFK, Courtyard by Marriot: New York JFK Airport
• 1 p.m.- BDL, Bradley International Airport (Hartford, CT)
• 5 p.m.- JFK, Courtyard by Marriot: New York JFK Airport
New Student Summer Virtual Meeting
A formal invitation will be sent soon, but for now, I hope you and your family members will save the date: the evening of Thursday, July 14. On that day, we will hold an online meeting for you and other new students and their families. Head of School Julie Anderson P’19,’23 will be joined by several faculty and staff members to cover a number of helpful topics. There will be plenty of time for answering any questions you and others have.
Academics
If you have not already, you will soon be hearing from our Academic Office about your course selections for the 2022-2023 school year. In the meantime, you can view the Curriculum Guide here.
Individual student class schedules will be made available on the My Cheshire portal in late August. We will be following this weekly schedule. Please reach out to Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs Rachel Wright with any academic questions. Some classes will require physical or digital texts or resources. Individual student course selections for 2022-2023 and a master textbook list will be available in July. Another communication will be sent at that time.
Packing List
As you think about what to bring with you to your new dorm room, you may find this packing list helpful. Please note that many students choose to ship large or bulky items to campus ahead of (or after) arrival. Many students shop on Amazon or other online retailers for bedding, towels, and more. When sending packages to campus, please address items to the student’s name and use the address:
[Student Name]
Cheshire Academy
10 Main St.
Cheshire, CT 06410
Also, there are often shopping trips on weekends, so if students need some additional items, they can sign up for a weekend shopping trip.
Health Requirements
By now you have likely begun submitting your required health forms, vaccinations, physicals ,and more via our Magnus Health online system. For questions about vaccinations and other requirements, forms, medications, and on-campus health services, please contact Debra Bond, director of the Richmond Health Center.
Roommate Pairings
We ask all new students to fill out our roommate compatibility survey in order to help us do our best to match you with another new student whose preference and habits best match yours. If you have not already, please fill out the form here: CA Roommate Compatibility Survey
Local Mobile Phones
Students can purchase a SIM card for their existing smartphone in order to have a local plan and phone number. International Student Coordinator Danielle Furst P’24 can assist with this in advance of your arrival or at the start of the school year.
Banking
There is a Bank of America branch location very near to the CA campus. International Student Coordinator Danielle Furst P’24 can provide more information on account set up to those interested.
Technology
If you need help accessing your Cheshire Academy school portal or email accounts at any point throughout the summer, or you have questions about device requirements, please email support@cheshireacademy.org.
School Breaks
For the 2022-2023 school year, Cheshire Academy will remain open for international students wishing to stay on campus for all long weekends and school breaks except winter recess. Please contact International Student Coordinator Danielle Furst P’24 no later than mid-October to reserve your spot for the Thanksgiving recess in November. For students unable to return home over winter recess, Ms. Furst can recommend study or travel options from reputable companies we have worked with over the years.
Important Contacts
Please note summer hours when our on-campus offices are open from June 21 – Aug. 5:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ET
Fridays: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. ET
Community Life Office
Danielle Furst, International Student Coordinator Email |+1-203-439-7278
Mark Kolman, Dean of Students: Email |+1-203-439-7604
Mark Cheong, Director of Residential Life: Email |+1-203-439-7613
Academic Office
Rachel Wright, Ed.D., Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs: Email |+1-203-439-7219
Sharyn Iadarola, Academic Office Assistant: Email |+1-203-439-7240
Athletic Department
Jim McCarthy, Athletic Director: Email |+1-203-439-7606
Princess Zabel, Senior Woman Administrator: Email |+1-203-439-7420
Business Office (tuition, billing)
Lisa Jacques, Accounting Specialist: Email |+1-203-439-7299
Health Services
Debra Bond, Director of the Richmond Health Center: Email |+1-203-439-7280
Technology