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In 2018, 91����’s academic support programs took a giant step forward with the opening of the Center for Academic Success. Located in the lower level of Clapp Memorial Library, the 3,500-square-foot space features two classrooms, two private meeting spaces for one-on-one tutoring, and three learning specialists. Within this space, students can now access an array of extra study tools, including one-on-one and group tutoring, learning strategy sessions, guided study halls, and courses in executive function and study skills. “The new space has opened up so many opportunities for supporting students and helping them them achieve their academic goals,” says Laura Vachet, 91����’s Director of Academic Support. Another way students can now get help? There are newly renovated spaces on the first and second floor of the library for math, science, and writing. Staffed by teachers and student tutors, these resource centers allow students to drop in and ask questions about challenging topics.

Since 1958, generations of students have studied physics, chemistry, and biology in the classrooms of Scott Hall. In 2022, these six hard-working labs got a major overhaul, with a focus on safety, energy efficiency, and creating more collaborative learning environments. In addition to essential updates like improved lighting, ventilation, and new windows, each lab classroom now features movable tables, desks, chairs, and equipment, allowing for flexible configurations and group work tailored to each subject. “The new labs have transformed how we teach,” says Chris Pelliccia, Science Department Chair. “Now we can easily adapt the space for different types of experiments and group activities, which encourages more collaboration and hands-on learning. The flexibility has made a huge difference.” The renovated classrooms also include three sliding whiteboards for group problem-solving, a large monitor for projections, and separate prep spaces where teachers can prepare lab experiments efficiently.

Thanks to a gift from the late Robert Sammis ’51, students now have a space—and state-of-the-art tools—to make almost any object they can dream up. Set on Reed’s second floor, the Maker Space is home to a laser-cutter, 3D printers, and other digital tools, which students in art, design, and other classes have used to make jewelry, small-scale cities, solar systems, architectural designs, and even prototypes of augmented reality glasses. “With these tools,” says theater production and art teacher Charles Raffetto, “students aren’t limited to what they can physically model. If they can design it on a computer, it can be brought to life, which allows them to test out more theories and ideas.”

During the campaign, donors have funded new theater lighting, tech equipment, and marquees, all of which are helping 91����’s shows to go on—in style. Upgrades to the theater’s main-stage lighting provide energy cost-savings, cut down on work for theater techs, and allow for more vivid colors, natural skin tones, and higher-quality white light. The stage crew is also using two new large 3D printers and laser cutters to make everything from stage scenery to a plastic skull for a parody of Hamlet. And finally, what’s a show without some good promotion? Two new outdoor marquees feature dramatic, backlit boxes that illuminate each show’s poster. Bravo!

Since 2016, 91���� students have been able to meet and collaborate with artists from around the globe as part of the Grum Project. Funded by an alumna from the Northampton School for Girls (the name derives from her NSFG nickname: “Grum”), the Grum Project brings three to five artists per year to campus for mini residencies. “We’ve been able to invite poets, dancers, musicians, actors, painters, even LEGO artists,” says Art Department Chair Natania Hume. “It’s an incredible opportunity for the whole community to get inspired by real working artists.”