@CaliMex…I think he’ll be able to stay with a boarder that lives relatively close (Boston area). I went back this morning and looked at the schedule we were given…sure enough, it shows assessmthrough Fruday and dorms close Saturday at 1pm. This obviously has changed, but DS just learned about the change this week. I can’t imagine he’s the only kid stranded…but maybe. I hate to be beholden to others when I can’t return favors…who knows…maybe I will be able to return the favor in some weird way. It’s just very frustrating…I’m a very Type A personality…can you tell? Spontaneity is not in my DNA!!
@buuzn03 How far between the school and the airport?
Reach out to the parent person at the school. They should know about the snafu. Perhaps arrangements can be made because, as you said, I doubt he is the only one affected.
It looks like you may have a solution, but if it doesn’t work out, don’t feel self-conscious about needing a favor. We are about 90 minutes from CTKid’s school, and if a kid had a predicament like that, it would be a no-brainer to help out. I would think the dean’s office or parent coordinator would be able to hook you up with someone local.
Thanks! I’ve emailed his advisor, because we were told to always start there in any situation. Depending on what the school may or may not be able to provide, I’ll definitely call in the favor. Thanks for your support everyone!
We have “local host parents” assigned to each family too…but same situation, DS barely knows them at all. I wish they understood that this is the type of situation where they are really needed. Sometimes it is way cheaper to fly one day earlier but the dorms aren’t open. If the boarder could stay with their Day host family one night, that would really help. I am going to suggest that for next year - ie, I think they need help understanding what is helpful. To me it’s the travel and also having someone available if DS had to see a doctor or go to hospital.
@sunnyschool not to mention where we are, DS can’t get home on a flight that leaves after 11:30 am…which makes travel plans very cumbersome!
Yes, I know what you mean @buuzn03 - and I suspect international students are having the same issue. Our school keeps the dorm open one extra night for those with flights the next day. Perhaps yours does too, but it’s only if requested? I’d bring to attention of whomever manages this at your school.
Quick update…thanks to everyone who has encouraged and given me advice through this ordeal. I had emailed DS’ advisor on how to proceed…he immediately contacted the dean if students who not only added a Saturday morning shuttle but is also addressing the early release of shuttle schedules to parents in order to book flights, etc. they are also addressing the sports requirements that spill over into holiday weekends so that students have dorms remaining open and shuttles to airport once the athletic requirement is completed. I am so relieved!! And impressed with the expedient and direct manner in which it was addressed! So relieved --a huge burden was just lifted from my shoulders! #:-S Thanks again to everyone for their help!!
^^ Great news!
DD’s school seemed like it gave a short window for travel. However, when I saw the last list of departures on the screen shot DD sent, it seemed like the kids were heading out over 2 days. Her Christmas flight already got cancelled, and because we live in the middle of nowhere, she has a super early morning flight now, and the school was willing to work with us.
Glad you called, @buuzn03, and glad the administration was so responsive!
Just woke up with a start and realized . . I don’t know what the appropriate tradition is re. holiday gifts at my son’s school. From where my kids grew up, I am accustomed to getting letters from the school making explicit that no gifts are allowed although we are always welcomed to make cards. This year, with my son finishing the first half of the year at Berkshire, I could not ever be more grateful to the entire community. (I have said so much in writing to many). If I figure out something today who would I include . . house parents? teachers? or advisors? and then there are coaches . . and the nurses and the librarian. . What do other people think?
@sadieshadow I was thinking the same thing! I didn’t know if I should order something and have DS hand out or send things back with him after break? We are very grateful for everyone there and definitely want to show our appreciation!!!
Well . .I just thought about it and I called the student mail office. They said it is fine if I send one box with individual names/cards and they will distribute as it were inter office mail. I know my son doesn’t need one more thing to remember during exam week. I am thinking of advisor, dorm parents, coaches? I think the main point is the card. We all like to know we are appreciated.
Hmmm. Didn’t think about that…I’m not sure I could do that and it get to the school on time. :-?
We kept it simple and sent Chimneykid back to school with fresh bagels for the dorm parents and RAs and sent cards with a little candy for advisors, coaches etc. Chimneykid enjoyed handing them out.
i ended up ordering candies/snacks from a local confectionery here in our remote Tx town. Luckily. They have a website and provide express shipping (even priority take 4 days from here…). Hopefully, it will give them a taste of Texas. More hopeful that DS hands them out to everyone. :-SS
Aaaaagh!!! Local confectioner called last night (why they waited three days, I’ll never know) and said there’s no way they can get shipping in less than a week…what!!! I paid over $70 for express shipping! I canceled that order. It looks like I’ll be doing what @sadieshadow is doing and I’ll mail it myself priority, which will get it there Thursday.
I hope everyone has their kiddos home for a great holiday! I know our house seems complete again, with DS filling it with his antics and dry humor. I love having him around! I also wanted to send a shoutout to @“nico.campbell” and @Atria to see how the first half of their school year went! I’m sure I speak for others when I say we miss seeing you on CC, but are glad you are focused on your studies! Merry Christmas, class of 2021 families! Enjoy!
I’d love to hear from those two also! 
Happy holidays to all!