All incoming ninth graders are enrolled in a Freshman Seminar course. Teachers approach Freshman Seminar from the perspective of nutrition and sleep and basic self-care. Through dialogue and creative art projects, students explore how technology, substance, and self-care intersect their life at boarding school. 

Proctor's Sophomore Seminar is a term-long course all tenth graders complete that looks closely at the role of social media, substance, body-image, mental health, and personal care. This course builds on the foundation laid during Freshman Seminar and helps students transition to their junior and senior years.

Proctor provides education within Freshman Seminar, Sophomore Seminar, as well as access to resources within the Health Center to both educate and treat addiction with our students.

Proctor has partnered with the Crisis Center of Central New Hampshire and visiting speakers Derric Gay, Cindy Pierce, Michael Kimmel, and Eric Barthold to educate both students and adults in the community about healthy relationships. These conversations extend beyond romantic relationships to the ideals of the Proctor community and our expectations of treating each with respect and kindness. Advisors and adults in the community work to model healthy relationships amongst each other, with our students, and through inviting students into our families.

Through Freshman and Sophomore Seminar courses, dorm conversations, and advisory meetings, students are exposed to comprehensive digital literacy education. Conversations cover both the healthy and safe use of technology, as well as the impact technology can have on sleep habits and social interactions.

Students taking prescription medications must keep their medicines at the Health Center to be administered by the nurse. Prescriptions may be mailed to the Health Center or filled at a local pharmacy. Prescriptions filled at this local pharmacy will be delivered on Monday - Friday to the Health Center. The Health Center encourages parents to keep a supply of their child's prescription medication at home for school vacations. During the school year, all prescription medications must be mailed to the attention of the Health Center and not your child. Parental permission is required for students under the age of 18 to transport his/her prescription medication home. For further clarification regarding the management of student medications, please refer to our medication policy.

Health Center personnel will maintain confidentiality of all health-related information within its care, except mandatory reporting or when the safety of a student or others is at risk. For example, Proctor teachers, advisors, coaches, and dorm parents will be made aware, on a need to know basis, of illnesses or injuries that affect a student's ability to safely participate in classes or other activities.

Dr. Sarah Lester, M.D., Proctor’s Medical Director, will coordinate a visit to New London Pediatrics in New London, NH, if necessary. Dr. Lester's office will bill each student's insurance directly for these visits and any uncovered charges are billed directly home. Dr. Lester also sees students during weekly clinics for medication management and other medical issues held at the Health Center for which Proctor accounts are charged a $35 fee.

We strongly encourage students to complete routine health care while at home. However, orthodontic, dental, ophthalmological, physical therapy, and chiropractic services can be arranged locally upon request. School approved drivers transport students who require medical services off campus, and the charges for transportation are billed to the student account.
 

Students are required to carry medical insurance. Parents should review their health insurance policies to ensure appropriate away from home coverage. Please note that out of state Medicaid is not valid in New Hampshire. Student insurance is available to both domestic and international students from an independent agency and may be purchased through the Health Center. Domestic boarding students will be provided a Major Accident insurance plan at no cost to the family. To ensure proper billing, a copy of the student's current health insurance card must be maintained in the Health Center.

New London Hospital, Franklin Regional Hospital, Concord Hospital, and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center can be reached from campus within 20 minutes to one hour and provide excellent emergency and specialty services.

In the case of a serious injury, all attempts are made to have a Proctor adult accompany the student to the hospital. If this is not feasible, a school approved driver will transport the student. If the student requires transportation by ambulance, a Proctor adult shall meet the student at the hospital as soon as possible and return the student to the Health Center, as needed, upon discharge, unless hospital admission is required.

Proctor’s Health Center follows New Hampshire mandatory reporting laws including, but not limited to, communicable diseases, child abuse or neglect, sexual abuse, and criminal acts that occur in a safe school zone.

Proctor Academy does not condone intimate sexual activity. However, we are aware that students will make their own decisions about sexual intimacy. Reproductive healthcare for students is accessible through the Health Center. The Health Center staff provides counseling and information about all options and choices regarding reproductive healthcare and prevention of sexually transmitted disease. Students are encouraged to discuss their choices with their parents. Referrals to medical offices or Family Planning clinics outside of Proctor Academy are made for those who seek services. Students may also access them independently. Condoms are available in the Health Center for prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Proctor recognizes not all students will be best serve by our school counselors, and may seek additional resources. Proctor has established relationships with local psychiatrists and counselors, and partners with Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center to best support students in need. 

Proctor has a strong partnership with the Crisis Center of New Hampshire, including anonymous support for students in need and regular on-campus training sessions for students and faculty. Learn more about the Crisis Center of Central New Hampshire here! 

Adolescents have never had more demands on their time and attention. Proctor developed a Mindfulness and Meditation curriculum over 20 years ago to proactively teach students to manage stress in a healthy manner. We continue to offer academic courses in mindfulness and meditation to students throughout the academic day that are supplemented by an institutional commitment to elevating mindfulness within the community.