Student Support
Walnut Hill students typically carry four or five academic courses (two or three each semester) along with their arts classes, and may expect to have evening and weekend commitments for studio work, rehearsal, or required performances. In order to help students plan ahead and get all of their work completed on time and to the best of their ability, the School has several supports and structures in place.
Tutoring
Tutoring is available for those students who have sought extra help from their teacher; attended X-Block sessions and other opportunities to receive support from their teachers and are in need of more individualized support. Those students may reach out to the Learning Specialist, Mrs. Zernicke (azernicke@walnuthillarts.org), to schedule a meeting. After meeting with the Learning Specialist they may be referred for tutoring. One to one and group tutoring sessions are available.
Learning Center
The Learning Center is a space for quiet study in the ATC building. Students are welcome to use this space, Room 135, at any time throughout the day to study, work on projects, and complete classwork.
The Learning Specialist, Mrs. Zernicke, is available to students and faculty to discuss and create plans to best meet the needs of our students. Mrs. Zernicke meets with students to help them identify effective strategies for planning and managing their time, short and long term assignments and steps for accessing support.
For students with previously diagnosed learning disabilities/differences and who require accommodations, a Learning Profile document reflects the accommodations that they will be provided in their classes. Learning Profiles are shared only with each student’s teachers. Questions related to the Learning Profiles can be directed to Mrs. Zernicke (azernicke@walnuthillarts.org) in the Learning Center.
For parents/guardians with questions about evaluations, meetings with public school district representatives, and concerns about their student’s progress or struggles, Mrs. Zernicke is happy to schedule a time to connect by phone or zoom. Mrs. Zernicke serves as the liaison for attending meetings with public school districts and for questions related to the special education process, IEPs and 504 plans.
Extra Help
All teachers are routinely available outside of class to assist students who would like to review key concepts or material in greater depth. Teachers and students all have common free time for one 35-minute period (X-Block) during each academic day expressly for the purpose of providing and receiving extra help. Appointments with teachers should be made directly by the student. Meeting with their teachers during X-Block time is usually the first and best way for students to get support.
Study Hall
Study Hall is supervised in the dormitories from 8:00pm to 9:30pm, Sunday through Thursday. During this time, students’ doors must be open, headphones must be used to listen to music, and television viewing is not allowed. Students who are granted “E-list” status (see Evening Schedule and “E-list”) are not required to be in the dorm until 10:00pm on school nights because of other obligations; on nights when they do not have other obligations, it is suggested (but not required) that they return to the dormitory for Study Hall.
Information Technology
Walnut Hill currently maintains computers in various locations on campus that are available for student use. The Theater, Visual Art, and Writing, Film & Media Arts Departments also have computers available for program-specific use.
Many departments expect assignments to be typed rather than handwritten. As such, students may also wish to have personal computers in order to work at their own convenience. Wireless Internet is available throughout the campus.
The Morse Institute Library
Founded in 1862, the Morse Institute Library in downtown Natick is now among the largest and most vibrant libraries in the MetroWest area. All Walnut Hill students receive a library card from the Morse and have full access to its spaces, collections, and services.
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