<p>Move-in Day at Groton is right around the corner! I'm going into my fourth year at Groton and can answer all of your questions. Any question (the form system, athletics, drama, academics, study hall, dorms, traditions, music, the "secrets," etc.) is up for grabs. Ask away!</p>
<p>{And because many of the questions will apply to any boarding school student, don't feel shy if you're not going the Circle.}</p>
<p>Gah! I’m so excited. I’ll ask as soon as I think of things! Thank you. :)</p>
<p>Does the school still provide students with sports “practice” uniforms or do students wear their own? If students wear their own practice clothes, does the athletic department take care of the washing? I have heard that this happens at some schools. My son is doing last minute packing and we are just trying to figure out how many pairs of shorts etc he needs to bring. Thanks!</p>
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<p>The school provides only basic “pinnies” and practice jerseys for practice. The only sport that fully outfits its players for practice is football. I would recommend bringing a few dark t-shirts and at least 3 pairs of athletic shorts. </p>
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<p>The school does provide a daily athletic laundry service, but it costs $50 a year. Many students use it, and I would recommend it because it is especially useful during a very rainy week. But be careful; the laundry service isn’t as robust as E&R and doesn’t remove every stain, so wear something that you don’t mind getting dirty or would only wear during physical exercise. Personally, I never wear anything plainly white to practice.</p>
<p>If you do want to bring a white shirt make sure it’s made by an athletic brand (i.e. Under Armour, Nike, Champion, Adidas). Also, an athletic long sleeved shirt combined with running pants or leggings, a sweatshirt you don’t mind getting dirty, and a basic ski cap will really come in handy when you’re playing a fall (or spring!!!) sport on a particularly cold day.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply! My son will be playing soccer and it sounds like the daily wash for $50 is the way to go.</p>
<p>What time do lower schoolers typically wake up? I know there’s probably a range, but can you give me a general ballpark?</p>
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<p>Chapel is at 8am, and breakfast starts at 7am, so most students wake up between 6:30 to 7:45 on Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On Wednesdays you can wake up between 8 to 9, and on Sundays between 9 to 10:30.</p>
<p>Thanks! I get up crazily early to run, but with sports after class I wouldn’t have to. That’s sleeping in for me!</p>
<p>Oh, and have a good first day of classes on Tuesday!</p>
<p>How did classes go today? :D</p>