Northwood School’s Main Building has been a key part of the campus’s history for over a century, developing through numerous expansions while maintaining its original qualities. The school is renovating the main entrance and foyer, combining functionality with the building’s historical significance, hoping to create a brighter, more welcoming space.

Artist rendering of the completed renovation (interior).

Artist rendering of the completed renovation (exterior).

Initially constructed in 1914 as a summer residence for the Hopkins School for Boys, the Main Building has had multiple additions since, including the first athletic center in 1928, the West Dormitory in 1932, and the Darlington Classroom Wing decades later. However, despite these expansions, the main entrance has remained largely untouched—until now.

The current renovation is long overdue. For over 111 years, the main entrance has seen only minor renovations while the building has extended its base. “The project will extend the entrance by approximately 15 feet, replacing the existing structure with a modern glass storefront,” Associate Head of School Mr. Thomas Broderick explained. “This change will allow more natural light for exposure, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere, he added.” The completed foyer will update the grandeur of the front entrance by providing light and space. For students, the added seating will complement the living room, where more interaction can occur.”

Other significant improvements include new stone-wrapped pillars and steps, updated sprinkler systems, electrical wiring, and modernized lighting. The office off the current foyer will be removed, and new flooring will be installed to match the recent wood floors. A new glass entryway will lead into the Areson Dining Hall, while a stone veneer will improve the main stairway wall.

Although the original goal was to complete the project in time for graduation, unexpected delays have pushed the completion date to July 1st. Ahead of the new school year, Northwood hopes to create a welcoming, bright atmosphere by adding modernity while maintaining the building’s history. This project reflects Northwood’s commitment to maintain its rich history while adapting to the future.

Senior Splashin’ is a game that is quickly becoming an American high school staple as a key part of the senior experience. This year it has come to Northwood.

The way the game works is that seniors use a join code to join the Northwood game in the Splashin’ app. Once the game starts, every participant is assigned a target to eliminate using water. Water guns, water balloons, water buckets, and even water bottles are allowed as long as the target gets wet and it’s filmed. Many rules were added in order to ensure safety and also prevent any interruptions to class. There is a series of rounds, and at the end, the last student standing wins. The catch is that at the same time, someone is targeting you, and you don’t know who it is. It could be someone you have never met, or your best friend. This is the beauty of the game as it brings seniors close together one last time before graduation, creating stories, memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Sydney Kuder ‘25 played a key role in bringing the game to Northwood. She says, “Northwood Senior Splashin’ has really bonded our class, and I have gotten closer to people I wouldn’t have otherwise. I hope the current juniors make it a tradition at Northwood and future classes get to play and have the same experiences I have had.”

Sophia DeAnzeris ‘25 thinks, “Senior Splashin’ has done a great job of bringing us together over the past few days. Especially because the targets are random, so it’s not always just people within your co-co. Making this a tradition would be great for seniors in the spring since it not only allows for fun competition among the class but also brings us together for the last few weeks of the year.”

The game started, and only about forty seniors played, but after the first day, seniors who were not in the game wanted a restart so they could join. Trey Frantz ‘25 says, “The first round shows that people were kind of skeptical at first, but then they realized they wanted to play. Once everybody joined in, it became a really nice way to bond as a class, and as a result, I feel our class is very tight compared to other years.”

The game is planned to last right up until graduation. If there are many people left, there will be a final duel on the soccer field where the last player standing wins.