Admissions
Sign up for a Shadow Day
Choosing a school is a big decision. A Shadow Day gives you and your child the opportunity to see what life at Chesterton Academy of Blessed Michael McGivney (CABMM) is really like, from the classroom and community to the friendships, traditions, and culture that make our school unique.
Your child will be paired with a current student and spend the day following their schedule, meeting teachers, experiencing classes, and getting a firsthand look at the Chesterton experience. It’s one of the best ways to discover whether Chesterton is the right fit for your family.
Shadow days are flexible and can be scheduled by completing the form below. Shadow days should be scheduled at least 5 days in advance. If you would like to schedule one sooner, contact us at info@chestertonmcgivney.org.
YOU MUST ALSO COMPLETE THE TRAVEL WAIVER AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. Thank you.
Prepare for Shadow Day
What to bring to your Shadow Day:
A notebook and pen
Morning snack
Lunch
What to wear on your Shadow Day:
Modesty and professionalism are the primary guides in all matters of the required dress code for prospective students. Anyone participating in a Shadow Day is expected to present themselves in a way that reflects their great dignity, the dignity of their vocation as students, and the seriousness of our collective task.
For boys and girls: No shorts, jeans, or graphic tees; no ripped, stained, or dirty clothing; no visible undergarments; no tight-fitting pants or tops; at least 2 inches of fabric on each shoulder for sleeveless attire
Additional requirements for girls: No skirts or dresses above the knee; no exposed midriff; leggings must be worn underneath a skirt or dress that reaches to the knee.
Electronic device policy:
CABMM is a minimal-technology environment and students are not permitted to have personal electronic devices with them during the school day, including cell phones, tablets, and laptops. All students participating in a Shadow Day must give personal electronic devices to the Headmaster or the front office upon arrival at the school. Devices will be returned to students before they leave.
Daily Mass Travel Waiver
Attendance at daily Mass is a required part of the school day for all Chesterton Academy students, but CABMM does not have the ability to host Mass on campus yet. Currently, faculty drive the students in their personal vehicles to the 12:00 PM Mass at St. Mary’s Church at Blessed Michael McGivney Parish (located at 5 Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven, about 8 minutes from the school).
In order for your child to experience a true full day at CABMM, they will need to travel along with faculty and their classmates to daily Mass. Students depart from school around 11:45 AM and arrive back from Mass around 12:45 PM.
Note: Students are paired up with at least one other classmate when traveling with faculty. All faculty are fully insured, covered by both personal and professional liability policies, and have completed motor vehicle background checks.
I give permission to have my child (named below) to be transported to daily Mass at St Mary’s Church in New Haven by CABMM faculty during their Shadow Day. I understand that transportation will be provided in a privately owned or otherwise authorized vehicle operated by an individual approved by the school.
I acknowledge that:
My child is participating in the transportation arrangement voluntarily and with my permission.
I have been informed of the general transportation arrangements for this activity.
I understand that transportation involves ordinary risks associated with traveling in a motor vehicle.
I agree that my child will follow all applicable school rules and the driver's safety instructions while being transported.
I understand that my child must wear a seat belt whenever the vehicle is in motion and comply with all applicable Connecticut motor-vehicle laws.
I will promptly notify the school of any medical, behavioral, or other information that could reasonably affect my child's safe transportation.
I understand that this authorization applies only to the transportation associated with the school activity identified above, unless otherwise stated in writing by the school.
Release and Acknowledgment
To the extent permitted by applicable law, I acknowledge the transportation arrangement described above and agree that neither the school nor its authorized personnel should be held responsible for risks inherent in ordinary motor-vehicle transportation, except to the extent liability cannot legally be waived or released.
Nothing in this agreement is intended to waive any rights or protections that cannot legally be waived under Connecticut or federal law.