FAQs For Reunion Weekend 2010

Download this information for your convenience by clicking on the document: Reunion Weekend FAQ (PDF)

REGISTRATION

Where is registration, and what are the hours?

Registration takes place at Steinbach Lobby in George Washington Hall. It’s open on Friday from noon to 10 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you arrive after hours, please go to the Office of Public Safety on School Street in front of Graves Hall.

If I arrive before noon on Friday, what is there to do?

Registration opens at noon, and the Andover Inn is closed for renovations; therefore, if you arrive early, please enjoy lunch on your own in town or a walk around campus.

What is there to do after I register but before dinner on Friday evening?

Check in the commons room in your dorm to see if anything has been posted.

How do I sign up for a class on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning?

Contact Lisa DiLiegro at ldiliegro@andover.edu or 978-749-4274. These classes are offered at no cost, and some have limited seating, so sign up early. In the event that the class you select is oversubscribed, you will be contacted by Lisa DiLiegro to choose a different class. Your confirmed class will be included in your Reunion packet that you receive at registration.


MEALS and DRINKS

Do I have to purchase a bracelet to attend the receptions and meals?

Yes. You must purchase bracelets at registration. Each is color-coded to correspond to a particular meal. If you have not registered in advance, we may not be able to accommodate you since the seating is limited and catering counts are based on advanced registrations.

What beverages are included in the cost of the meal?

A selection of complimentary, non-alcoholic beverages is available.

Where do I purchase drink tickets for alcoholic beverages?

You may purchase drink tickets at registration and at other locations near the dinner venues. Please note that the bartenders accept only tickets for alcoholic beverages; no other forms of payment are accepted.


TRANSPORTATION

Is parking available?

Yes. There are five parking lots for extended parking: (1) central parking on the left beyond the Circle at Abbot campus, (2) behind Memorial Gym, next to the baseball field, (3) by the tennis courts, near the football stadium, (4) between the gym and the Cage, and (5) between the Andover Inn and Cochran Chapel.

What if I park in a lot that is far from campus?
There are white shuttle vans that run on Friday from noon to 11 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 8 to 11 a.m. Please see the map in the Reunion Booklet for the locations of the shuttle stops.

 


LODGING

Are discounted rates available at nearby hotels?

Yes. We have negotiated discounted rates with many local hotels. Please click here to see the list of participating hotels, which includes directions and contact information. Be sure to mention Reunion Weekend at Phillips Academy to receive the discounted rate.

I’ve registered to stay in the dorms on campus. What should I bring?

The beds are equipped with a pillow, pillow case, sheets, and a blanket. Every bed has one set of towels (bath towel, hand towel, facecloth). Additional pillows and towels are not available.

Are any of the dorms designated as a quiet area?

Yes. Double Brick Dorm is the quiet dorm, which is often used by families bringing children or for those who prefer less noise.


CHILDREN

Are children welcome, even if there’s no childcare option on my registration form?

Yes. We look forward to seeing many families with their children of all ages. Please register early for childcare as no reservations are accepted on site or after May 28. Many children’s programs have been planned so that families may enjoy time together. Please contact Lisa DiLiegro at ldiliegro@andover.edu or 978-749-4274 for more information.

Are cots and cribs available for children who stay in the dorms?

Cots are available, but cribs are not.

Is childcare available?

Yes. Professional childcare is available on Friday and Saturday evenings for children aged 3 months to 6 years. Arrangements must be made through the Children’s Place in advance of Reunion Weekend. No registrations will be accepted on site, and the deadline to register your child/ren is May 28.

For children aged 7 to 12 years, there is a supervised children’s program on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 11 p.m. that includes crafts, games, pizza, and movies. You must register in advance, and no reservations are accepted on site or after May 28.

Are there any events geared toward children?

Yes. Children are welcome to attend Friday dinner in the Smith Center from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., visit the observatory open house from 9 to 10 p.m. at the Gelb Science Center, and stay overnight in the dorms (cots available).

On Saturday, children may participate in the Alumni Parade at 10:30 a.m. and attend the cookout lunch from 12:15 to 2 p.m.

Are high chairs available during dinner?

No. There are no high chairs.


ABBOT REMINDERS

Are there special gatherings only for Abbot alumnae?

Yes. On Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. there is a welcome buffet dinner for all Abbot Academy reunion classes in Davis Hall in McKeen Hall, Abbot campus. On Saturday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. there is the Abbot Tea in the School Room in Abbot Hall.


SPECIAL NEEDS

Are all buildings handicapped accessible?

Almost all are, but two are not properly equipped for wheelchair access: (1) the Peabody Museum, and (2) Bulfinch Hall.

I have trouble walking and would like to use a golf cart on campus. Is this possible?

Golf carts with drivers are available for the parade on Saturday only. Otherwise, white shuttle vans will run on Friday from noon to 11 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 8 to 11 a.m. Please see the map in the Reunion Booklet for the locations of the shuttle stops.


GENERAL

What time, and where, is my class photo?

Times and locations are included in the Reunion Booklet and on the class card in the back of that, which you’ll receive at registration.

What is the attire?

Attire has been predominantly business casual with only a few opting to wear jacket and tie for dinners. Our suggestion is to dress comfortably with a friendly reminder that there will be a photographer on campus to take photos throughout the weekend. Be sure to dress for the weather, which might fluctuate from cool to warm, sunny to rainy. Also be aware that there usually is a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are advised. Friday and Saturday day are casual, and Saturday dinner is business casual.

I have special needs. Whom may I contact?

For those with special needs that we should be aware of to make your stay more comfortable, please contact Gail Wozniak at gwozniak@andover.edu

What will the weather be like that weekend?

Please check www.weather.com for the local Andover, MA weather forecast. The weather is usually pleasant with temperatures in the 70s, but New England weather often changes fairly rapidly. It could be cooler or warmer, sunny or rainy.

What if it rains?

Alternative rain locations are noted in the Reunion Booklet that you receive at registration. Also, flyers will be posted around campus. As weather is apt to change frequently at times, flyers will be posted with notices about rain plans for Friday, Saturday a.m., and Saturday p.m. Please come prepared for all weather.

Are there designated areas for smoking?

No. Phillips Academy is a non-smoking campus.

Are pets allowed on campus or in the dorms?

Only guide dogs are permitted.