Connecting Creatively During Covid-19
Montrose students stay connected and keep Maverick spirits high despite the pandemic.
Sarah Ling ‘20 had just finished a long day of online learning at Montrose when the doorbell rang. She rushed downstairs to find a loaf of warm, freshly baked bread on the front step. Classmate Emily Nelson ‘20 had left the treat along with an encouraging note for her friend. The gift was a small but important gesture in an uncertain time - a reminder that though the students were not close in person, they were close in spirit.
“Even though we are apart,” Sarah observed, “we can still be a community.”
Keeping the Montrose community spirit high was an integral part of the Montrose online learning plan. From academics to activities, administrators made facilitating human connection a priority.
“We are a school community where learning is a conversation. We want to connect and engage,” said English teacher Barbara Whitlock.
Montrose adopted the online platform Zoom, so students would be able to connect with their teachers and classmates in a virtual classroom format. Teachers had been planning for this transition since January and spent several days in professional development, learning how to transfer their classrooms to the virtual platform while retaining the personal and engaged environment that distinguishes a Montrose education.
While teachers activated an academic plan, students digested the news of an upended school year. The change was especially jolting for seniors who looked forward to a spring filled with Montrose traditions and milestones: Junior Ring ceremony, Senior Skip Day, and Capstones. Initially students could not fathom they would really be gone for months. But as reality set in, so did resolve.
“We’ve been through a lot together,” said Sarah of her fellow classmates. Losing touch was never a concern. In fact, within days the class had arranged a “socially distanced” dog walk at the Medfield State hospital grounds. But keeping Montrose spirit up throughout the school community was another hurdle. The solution, they found, came in social media, where the seniors have created a “Senior Countdown” on Instagram.
In a similar spirit of innovation and connectedness, the students launched the Quarantine Quibbler, a newsletter with the mission of keeping students connected. And Red & White Team meetings are proceeding on schedule within the Zoom platform.
Throughout the uncertainty, students found reassurance in their teachers and mentors.
Senior Molly Morgan ‘20 recalled Head of School Karen Bohlin’s important message on the day the virtual learning program was announced.
“Dr. Bohlin came to the Senior Commons and told us that even though it was our senior year, this was for a reason, and we were called with a purpose. God has a plan, and we have what it takes to navigate this. She reminded us to take our senior spirit up at home.”
While the initial immediate changes brought anxiety, Sarah says the experience has changed her outlook. She has learned not to fear the future, but to take each moment and look forward with optimism for what is to come.
“I have learned to be more patient,” she said. “I have learned to look at the broader picture.”
Both Molly and Sarah have found a special appreciation for their teachers throughout this experience.
“I’ve found more sympathy for my teachers - to see how much training they have done, how much they love and put into their job,” said Sarah. Molly added how much the students wish to thank their teachers.
“Everyone can see how much they are working to make this transition.”
When traditional school format resumes, Molly hopes this experience will inspire all to appreciate more the ordinary gifts of every day.
“Once this is over, soak up that moment and remember your blessings.”
An independent school for girls in grades 6-12
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church
