Positivity and Pressure During the Pandemic
Claire pulled into the ABC driveway early on a fall morning, waiting for three Scholars to join her for the ride to school. As each Scholar hopped in the car, she greeted Claire with a smile and “an attitude of gratitude.” No worries if someone forgot her mask as Claire always carried a stash of masks in her car— just in case. The other three students joined Sandra in her car and off everyone headed to the high school.
At least that was typical for a Monday or Tuesday morning earlier this fall, shuttling the girls to AHS in the absence of buses this school year. Sandra and Claire chauffeured every morning and afternoon, and the Scholars learned virtually Wednesday through Friday. Then the high school went all-virtual in November.
It’s not a typical fall by any measure. Kijari is on the Swim and Dive team — ordinarily a fall sport, but postponed this year until February. Show Choir rehearsals are virtual, which makes on-stage lifts more than difficult, to say the least. Navigating the challenges of online learning requires at the very least navigating a multitude of platforms, including Google classroom, Schoology, Zoom, YouTube, Khan Academy and more. And of course, the Guardian Open House was virtual. On top of all of that, given interstate restrictions in place to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Scholars shared Thanksgiving break at the ABC house instead of with their families.
Through it all, the Scholars have stepped up and continued their academic rigor and camaraderie. They are up early each morning with their doors ajar for virtual learning, with Sandra and Resident AdvisorsAdvisors Natalia and Julia proctoring their school days. Claire, our Coordinator of Health and Wellness, provides lunch each day, while afternoons are filled with virtual club meetings, Show Choir rehearsals and Zoom meetings.
Fall activities have focused outdoors and of course the kitchen is in constant use as a place to congregate and bake and share recipes from home. Given the musical talents of everyone in the house— including our Resident Director Sandra— it’s not surprising to hear the chefs and those waiting patiently for waffles to burst into song.
Alongside them, the ABC community has likewise stepped up. Scholars have the support of an academic enrichment team that has arranged in-house math class twice per week taught by Sydney, a 2020 AHS alumna. And each Scholar meets regularly with her ABC Academic Advisor. The pantry is kept full of healthy choices to provide breakfast, lunch and dinners seven days a week and constant communication keeps the household running smoothly. A new “outdoor living room” has been created through fundraising by actress Chelsea Frei, and we are busy brainstorming winter activities that can be held virtually. . . oh,and of course more baking!
A few things haven’t changed: our juniors have weekly SAT prep class, while Abby, a senior, is busy with college applications and college tours — although those too have gone virtual.
Despite the pandemic, our Scholars and our volunteers continue working together to reduce educational inequities and open doors, one student at a time.
