The Town of Pomfret Recreation Department uses the School’s field house and athletic fields, free of charge, for sports clinics, practices, and games. In addition, Pomfret School’s Jahn Rink is the only skating facility in the immediate area, offering a nearby alternative for local families. The Jahn Rink is also the home of the Griffin Youth Hockey program, which has facilitated the development of hockey players and the implementation of the newly established Woodstock Academy hockey program.
The following list provides details about additional groups that use our facilities for free or at a significantly reduced rate:
Additionally the Pomfet Fire Department uses our campus facilities for training.
Community Service
Volunteer Hours
Pomfret School faculty and staff volunteer numerous hours to local schools, churches and other non-profit organizations. Coaching or leading town programs in soccer, hockey, and lacrosse, participating in Boy and Girl Scout troops, and providing after-school learning programs in local schools are examples of the volunteer work that on an annual basis typically exceeds 300 hours of service.
Types of Service:
a. Classroom volunteerism at PCS
b. Book fair volunteerism at PCS
c. Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) volunteerism at PCS
d. Cub scout troop leadership
e. Church volunteerism, Putnam (website support, advertising coordinator, community suppers worker)
f. Acolyte at Church, usher, Sunday school teacher (Woodstock)
g. Leader of Vacation Bible School at Brooklyn Church
h. Head of Town of Pomfret boys lacrosse program
i. Coach for Town of Pomfret girls and boys youth lacrosse teams
j. Coach for NECONN soccer team (multiple volunteers)
k.Director of coaching, board member and coach for Griffin Youth Hockey league
l. Volunteer firefighter for Town of Pomfret (two)
m. Pomfret School hosts monthly meetings of the Pomfret Proprietors Association
n. Various town government committees
o. Volunteer time for directing and acting at The Bradley Playhouse, Putnam, totaling over 500 hours annually.
p. Gift store volunteer and ER singer at Day Kimball Hospital
q. NECONN board member and coach
r. Boy Scout troop committee chairman
s. Town of Pomfret Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission
t. Host public tours of Pomfret’s Olmsted Observatory
u. Volunteer firefighter/EMT for the Town of Thompson
v. Local bible education service group volunteer totaling over 120 hours annually.
Pomfret School’s Community Service Program
Pomfret School has a very active Community Service program, which is aided by a student directed service council. In addition to service learning trips, both domestic and international, Pomfret School offers weekend activities revolving around service, performs an all-school Day of Service, maintains a community garden on campus whose food is often donated to local food pantries, and offers an afterschool community service club option each trimester. Students in the trimester based program help at the Pomfret Audubon Society and other local organizations.
At some point during the school year, all students and faculty at Pomfret School participate in community service. On average, students dedicate at least seven hours of service a year, while others have contributed over 40 hours during the school year alone. As a result of Pomfret School’s commitment to the Community Service initiative, service has become a more desirable option for students, resulting in a better understanding of giving.
Pomfret School has been an avid supporter of many worthy causes, both locally and at a distance. Support of causes such as cancer, AIDS, diabetes, homelessness, disaster relief, or other causes highlight efforts put forth each and every year. During the 2010-2011 school-year alone, Pomfret School raised $1,000 for Haiti and $2,110 for Japan’s earthquake relief, performed a Hunger 101 simulation in coordination with the Connecticut Food Bank, and continued its annual support of the NECT Relay for Life, which has raised over $10,000 during the last 5 plus years.
Recognition of life beyond the Pomfret School campus is a yearly focus, particularly for families in need. Pomfret School works closely with the Friends of Assisi Food Pantry, often holding food drives on campus. Pomfret School also works closely with the Access Agency, donating more than 600 pieces of winter wear clothing courtesy of a clothing drive. Additionally, 100 toiletry packs were given to the local homeless shelter. Twice each year, Pomfret School is a host site for the American Red Cross Blood drive. This event is run by the Community Service team, is open to the public and brings in approximately 100 pints of blood each time for the Red Cross.
Programs Open to the Public
Tuesday Night Speaker Series
Every Tuesday night in the fall and spring terms, the public is welcome to attend guest lectures from experts in various fields in Pomfret School’s Lodge. Past speakers include professors speaking about the Middle East, a meteorologist presenting the debate over global climate change, readings from local poets, a computer expert discussing cryptography, and a historian’s perspective on Richard III. Refreshments are served, and there is an opportunity to meet and converse with the speaker afterward.
In the 2010-2011 school year, the program welcomed over two dozen community members to different presentations. Since there is ample room, that number can be encouraged to grow, and while the program is planned with students in mind, everyone is encouraged to attend.
Schwartz Visiting Fellow Program
Each January, Pomfret School hosts a distinguished Visiting Fellow. These speakers are leaders in their field of study, present their material in an engaging manner, and are available for dialog with the community. Past speakers include author Bill Bryson, space scientist Carolyn Porco, and former head of the NEA, Dana Gioia.
On the evening before they address the students and faculty of Pomfret School, the Schwartz Visiting Fellows are asked to give a free public presentation for the community and outside guests. The program is advertised locally and typically we gain a large attendance by community members. After the presentation, there is a complimentary reception and book signing (if appropriate), and many members of the public have been able to meet and chat with these eminent speakers.
Lessons and Carols Program
Every December, Pomfret School welcomes the public to campus for its annual Lessons and Carols holiday service. This program is free of charge for all in attendance and has become an event that many local families look forward to annually.
Fine Arts Performances
Many members of the local community attend Pomfret School’s plays in the fall and spring, the winter musical, and dance and music performances throughout the year. All of these events are offered free of charge.
Other Educational Programs
In the spring of 2011, Pomfret School served as a host site for the documentary film Race to Nowhere. This event was open to the public, offered free of charge, and featured a panel of administrators and teachers from Pomfret School who provided a discussion following the film.
Pomfret School hosts two college fairs each year – in the fall and spring – which bring over 100 colleges to our campus. Parents and students from Pomfret and the five surrounding towns are invited to attend and meet with college representatives.