As winter settles over campus and fresh snow brightens the grounds, Northwood shifts into its winter schedule—a routine that begins with morning athletic practices and continues with afternoon academic classes. The schedule is designed primarily for skiers, who benefit from better snow conditions early in the day; with daylight saving time, afternoon skiing would mean training in the dark.
The 2025-26 Winter Schedule.
As a third-year student, I prefer the winter schedule, but for newcomers, it’s an entirely new experience.
“The schedule changes are something I haven’t experienced before, but the adjustment so far has been easy, and I feel more energized throughout my day,” said Luke Lalonde ’26.
For some students, the school day can feel longer, with first-period classes beginning at 12:40 p.m. and the last class ending at 5:05 p.m., followed by a flex period. Lalonde noted one benefit of the change: “Something I did not like about the fall schedule was that sometimes we would finish practicing and then have to go to a workout that overlapped with dinner time, so we’d miss half of dinner. That was sometimes frustrating.”
While the transition takes some getting used to, the winter schedule offers a refreshing shift in daily rhythm. Quiet, snowy mornings set a calm tone for the day, and with practices completed early, athletes can turn their attention fully to academics. Evenings feel more relaxed, and many students appreciate the balance created by this structure.
As the season continues, the routine becomes second nature. The campus settles into a rhythm that feels productive, grounded, and connected. For many, the winter months bring not just colder weather but also a renewed sense of energy, focus, and community.
As the snow keeps falling and the days grow shorter, students find warmth in their routines and friendships. The winter schedule may begin as an adjustment, but by the end of the season, it becomes a meaningful part of campus life—a time that reminds everyone just how close the Northwood community truly is.
