PUTNEY SCHOOL NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION - The Putney ...

THE PUTNEY SCHOOL CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT LIST
Room Needs
Rooms at Putney are small and simple, reflecting the lifestyle the school promotes. All rooms are equipped with
bed, desk, dresser and closet space for each student. Laundry facilities are free and available in every dorm and
there is a small communal refrigerator, microwave and sink in every dorm. Students are encouraged to bring
items that they need to live and work comfortably at Putney, and to refrain from bringing excess amounts of
belongings.
Essentials include:
• Appropriate bedding for a regular twin size bed: mattress pad, sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and pillows.
• Towels, washcloths and other basic toiletries
• An alarm clock of some kind – two if you are a heavy sleeper!
• Academic supplies: Notebooks, pens, paper, etc.
Students may also wish to bring a bedspread, small throw rug, laundry bag, and desk lamp.
Personal computers are highly recommended, but not required – the school has computers available in the library
building and learning center. Each dorm has access to the school’s wifi network (until 11:00 p.m. each evening).
A small, lockable trunk or lockbox for valuables can be comforting and wise when living in unlocked rooms.
Students may want to bring a small stereo, radio, or other music device to school – small is good.
Recommended Clothing List
• Pants and shorts, including some work pants (blue jeans, Carharts, etc.)
• Shirts, sweaters, work shirts, turtlenecks or other T-shirts
• Underwear, long underwear, socks
• Warm jacket or parka (especially for participation in winter activities), rain gear
• Work boots and/or sturdy hiking boots, sneakers, slippers or comfortable dorm shoes
• Girls should bring some skirts and dresses; boys, a sport coat (we have the occasional “dress up” dinner and
formal dinner/dance)
Things to leave at home
• Non-essential, expensive or cumbersome items (Large lamps, fancy jewelry, expensive make-up, etc.)
• TV’s and dedicated gaming devices are not allowed.
• Cars, motorcycles, or other motorized vehicles may not be kept on- or off-campus in the area.
• Knives with blades longer than 3” or other weapons are not permitted.
• Heat-producing appliances and halogen lamps are not permitted in the dorms.
Optional
Books, camera & film, art supplies, musical instruments, cards, Frisbee, board games, small decorations.
Bikes, skateboards, etc. are a great way of getting around campus or burning off energy; Helmets are required
at all times when riding. Bike locks are encouraged.
Students with their own cross-country, alpine ski or snowboard equipment should bring it to school sometime in
the fall. For those without gear who want to participate, cross-country rentals may be available at school and
alpine ski and snowboard rentals are available at local ski areas.
Note on Required Calculators for Math Classes
Every student enrolled in a math class will be required to own a scientific calculator, and students enrolled in certain
upper-level courses may be required to own a graphing calculator. The Putney School Bookstore sells scientific
calculators for about $20 and the TI-84 graphing calculator for about $100. Calculators can be charged to the
students’ academic accounts and purchased when they arrive at school. If you are looking to purchase
a calculator before you arrive, then a Casio or Texas Instruments scientific calculator or the TI-84 graphing
calculator is recommended.
Please also reference the “Camping Trip Clothing and Equipment Checklist” for more important packing
information

Camping Trip Clothing and Equipment Checklist
This equipment is essential for the all-school camping trips in September (“Long Fall”), but is also handy for other,
optional camping trips offered throughout the year at Putney and general living in Vermont. Because the whole
school goes on camping trips at the same time in the fall, it is difficult to borrow such items as sleeping bags on
campus and therefore important that each student has his or her own camping equipment. When choosing clothing,
remember that cotton, which dries slowly and doesn’t wick moisture from the skin, is the least suitable material for
backcountry camping. Polypropylene, Capilene, wool or other water-wicking fabrics are all preferable to cotton.
The following is a sample packing list that you can use as a rough guide for what you may need. Keep in mind that
all trips vary according to their activity and destination. Specific Long Fall trip assignments will be available in
August.
_____Sleeping bag (rated to 30 degrees or colder)
_____Foam or Thinsulate sleeping pad
_____Hiking boots or “Light Hikers”
_____Socks (wool/synthetic), (bring an extra pair!)
_____Pants or shorts (nylon or other synthetic)
_____Shirt (long sleeve and/or short sleeve)
_____Hat or cap (wool or polypropylene)
_____Extra layer(s) (wool or fleece)
_____Rain jacket and pants
_____Gloves or mittens (wool or polypropylene)
_____2 quart/liter water bottles
_____Flashlight or headlamp & batteries
_____Long underwear (wool or synthetic)
_____Mess kit with utensils
Optional
_____Notebook and pencil
_____Bandanna
_____Sun block
_____Insect repellent
_____Sunglasses
_____Lip balm
_____Compass, map, and guidebook
_____Sandals or other lightweight shoes to wear in
camp
_____Swimsuit and camp towel
_____Day pack
For backpacking trips: a backpack sufficient for carrying your gear plus food and basic camp supplies for four
days. Be sure it fits you comfortably!
rev. tpk/6-2012