Sample extracurricular activities at U.S. Grant

Purdy Time

After classes everyday, students partake in Purdy Time: a mix of fun programmed activities and free play named after legendary U.S. Grant teacher Sam Purdy. Purdy Time can takes several different forms: Free Purdy Time includes board games, outdoor favorites such as Capture the Flag and Kickball, arts and crafts, and chatting with teachers! Theme Days include special institutional programming, with new games and activities. Other days, Guest Speakers and Performers from Yale and New Haven are invited present for students. And last but not least, on Fridays, there are no elective courses, allowing for the the entire afternoon to be dedicated to Field Trips.

Here are examples of the people, places, and things that have been taken place in the past:

Field Trips

Shoreline Trolley Museum

Students rode in trolleys cars and learned about New Haven’s transit history.

Yale Peabody Museum

Students completed a scavenger hunt competition featuring items located throughout the natural history museum.

Yale Trumbull College

Students had a day of free play and exploration at one of Yale’s residential courtyards.

Yale British Center For Art

Students toured the museum, identifying notable pieces of art history.

Lighthouse Point Park

Students played on the beach and splash pads, tie-dyed shirts, relaxed outside and enjoyed a barbecue lunch.

Guest Speakers and Performances

Brian Scassellati, Yale Professor and Faculty at Yale’s Social Robotics Lab

Lucas Sin, Head Chef at Junzi Kitchen

Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Yale, Mexican Folkloric Dance Group

Theme Days

Superhero Day

Students dressed up as their favorite superheros, designed their own shields, and watched a superhero film.

America Day

Students did sidewalk chalk, face paint, and a photo booth.

9th Graders Plan Purdy Time

9th Graders planned the activities for the day, which included cookie decorating, relay games, and Jeopardy.