Atrium from Afar
May 2020
INSIDE ATRIUM Dear Atrium community, We’re all drawing on our inner resources these days. Which of your past experiences have been most useful for you? A touchstone for me comes from many years ago, when I chose to live in relative isolation. Alone in a cabin high in the Rockies for two months, I hiked every morning, fished a bit, cooked simple meals, and learned to distinguish one bird from another. I played endless games of Solitaire, and learned where the phrase ”cabin fever” comes from. Sometimes I sang loudly, just to hear a voice! Once a week, I’d go into town for groceries and to see my grandmother. On these visits, I was rather chatty from the isolation––can you relate!? The cabin had no internet (quite literally––it was the early 1990s) and no television, but there was an old red rotary phone. Living at 9,000 feet elevation, the best entertainment came when tremendous summer clouds would build slowly up over the tallest peaks. These afternoon storms would march forcefully over the mountains, rattling the cabin with pelting rain and jaw-cracking lightning booms. As quick as they’d come, the storms would sail on. That beautiful Colorado blue would spread anew through the wide sky. The leaves of the quaking aspens in the canyons would settle, and warming pine scented the air. It was a gift. Only through the rhythm of isolated days did I learn to notice and appreciate such beauty. At Atrium, and everywhere, this is certainly not the spring we planned to have. And yet, we are differently productive, and newly creative. What we value has been distilled and is expressed in new forms. You’ll read in this Inside Atrium about our shifts in service learning and student “lunch bunch” meetings. Mini Performances were a huge hit, inspiring the reinvention of the Middle School performance of Alice in Wonderland on May 18. Flip to the back page to read about how each 8th grader wisely chose their high school during this tumultuous time, and read about what our students are most looking forward to when restrictions are lifted. What are you most looking forward to? That summer in Colorado, I re-read many of Shakespeare’s plays. Coincidentally, I learned very recently that Macbeth, King Lear, Antony and Cleopatra and others were written under quarantine from the widespread plagues of the early 1600s. So too does creativity pour forth from our community these days. Some of the best things emerging from this situation will last, and fondly become part of our lives moving forward.
Warmly, Marshall P.S. Don’t forget to plant your sunflower seeds and send me your kids’ postcards!
Embroidery by 7th grader Lexie!
PTA Hosts Isolation Vacation Activities During any given vacation week, Atrium students are spread across the world, visiting friends and family, exploring new cities, and trying new activities. During a global pandemic? Not so much. To allow our teachers a much-needed break and still keep our students occupied while they were mandated to stay at home, Atrium’s PTA sprung into action, organizing a weeklong slate of activities to teach and entertain our community over April vacation. Born of interest from parents feeling angst about how to fill a week at home, the PTA compiled an extensive list of resources as well as creating live content for families. A number of parents and students stepped up, offering to teach virtual art classes, cooking classes, Minecraft and computer programming, and live music sessions. Marshall read daily excerpts from the Clementine books. PTA president Alyse d’Amico said the volunteers “jumped at the chance to offer live content. We are so grateful to them for the awesome sessions they ran––they all received rave reviews, offered a much-needed respite for parents, and brought the community together.” In addition to live sessions, students and faculty offered on-demand content, which was also very popular, Alyse said. The PTA also sought to highlight and utilize existing content, like recordings of teachers reading their favorite books, or the Middle School’s Bizarre Organism Museum. Specialists and After School also offered suggestions for activities. “Families were grateful for the content, especially the connection that the live sessions offered,” Alyse said. “This is such a tight-knit community, and one of its most amazing features is that the students and faculty successfully blur class lines––friends and connections are made across all grades. So the sessions and content we were able to provide strengthened that bond.”
Down the Rabbit Hole Indeed! Spring Theater Presents Alice in a Remote Wonderland In the weeks before the COVID-19 shutdown, the 19 students in the spring theater production held auditions for roles in Alice in Wonderland. Led by theater specialist Ivy Ryan, students took the opportunity to read through the play and do table work over Zoom for the first two weeks of the shutdown. When it became clear that the school closure would be extended, it was obvious that alternative plans needed to be brainstormed. In the first week of April, Ivy announced to the community that the production would be remote, and students voted on the medium, unanimously choosing that they would film their scenes at home and piece them together. And so, Ivy and her students pivoted so that an Atrium tradition would stay alive, with a performance scheduled for Monday, May 18 at 6:00 p.m. The move to a remote production highlighted one of Atrium’s core capacities: a drive to solve problems and innovate. The students’ commitment to performing the play involved challenge, creativity, and a great deal of patience. Trying to coordinate with 19 students in far-flung locations was an experience none of the actors (or their director) had experienced before. Ivy explained, “I think as a collective we were all initially disappointed by the transition of acting remotely, a lot of the magic of theatre comes from the electric connection of being in the same physical space creating collaboratively. Theatre is meant to be a live communal experience. However, I truly believe that everyone has risen to the occasion. This group has got grit!” Ivy continued, “It is teaching us about thinking outside the box, resilience, new tools for digital storytelling, patience, acting for the camera, working independently, flexibility, accountability and if you want to make something happen nothing can stop you. I have learned to trust myself and my students on a whole new level as we embark through these new uncharted waters.” In addition to the personal challenges, coordinating all the technology was a difficult obstacle to overcome. Rosa, a 7th grader, said lag is one of the biggest issues she has faced. “It is really hard to practice as a group because some people lag, that just forces us to be extra creative and empathetic towards them and their roles as well as creating different places to practice and record lines.” Tommy, a 5th grader, agreed, saying that the delay between computers makes practicing “glitchy.” Though the students have faced (and overcome) new and unusual trials with this production, they agree that Ivy has been an outstanding leader. Tommy said, “Ivy is doing a great job as director. I love how she works with people if they can’t remember their lines. She is patient, creative, and fun.” While the students admire their director, the feeling is mutual. “The students at the Atrium school rock, teaching here has been one of my favorite teaching experiences to date,” Ivy said. “The students are curious, globally minded, imaginative, silly, thoughtful, outspoken, innovative, and unapologetically themselves. I feel lucky to have taught every single student at the Atrium school this year and I truly love them all.”
Spring Mini Performances Celebrate Skill and Friendship Mini Performance assemblies have become a tradition at Atrium, with students from every grade volunteering to demonstrate their skills in front of the entire school. Students are encouraged to perform whatever they want, from a PreK student spinning in circles to a Middle School student doing gymnastics––all to resounding applause. With Atrium students in isolation, it seemed even more important to host the assembly to bring levity to our community, so Mini Performances were recorded and combined into a video that was aired on YouTube. One of the most moving performances from the spring assembly was a musical performance by Teddy, a graduating 8th grader; his 5th grade brother Alex; and two seventh graders, Avery and Cal. From their homes, the students performed Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “I Won’t Back Down” using the Acapella app. Avery explained, “We had been planning on doing something special for Teddy’s last mini-performance, but when school closed we thought that wouldn’t happen. Then we discovered the app Acapella where we can record music separately! We chose a song that was simple but we all knew and loved so it would be fairly easy to do.” Despite being in different grades, the students have been friends for years. Avery, Teddy and Alex had been longtime friends, and Cal had played music with Teddy for four years at School of Rock. When Cal arrived at Atrium last year, he began playing music with Avery and Teddy immediately, forming a band called Something Strange that performed at numerous Atrium events. When it came time to plan for the Mini Performance, the group jumped at the chance. “I think it was a really good opportunity to create something together because we hadn’t been able to see each other in person for so long,” Alex explained. “I have never been able to perform with Teddy, Avery, or Cal, so this was my last chance to do it before Teddy graduates. It was also like a graduation for me into Middle School, and I thought it would be nice to celebrate both of us moving on. It will be nice that Avery and Cal will still be in the Middle School next year when I get there, since Teddy will be gone.” For Teddy, the experience was especially meaningful because it was his last Mini Performance. “Mini Performances have been a favorite part of Atrium for me for a long time. Even though this last one was online, it was just as meaningful to me as an in-person one. I am so glad that I got to participate in it. This was a really nice way to close out my time at Atrium.” In addition to being a demonstration of the students’ musical skills, the performance was a celebration of their friendship. “Atrium friendships are different from friendships at any other school,” Teddy said. “Atrium friendships are genuine, mutual, and last even beyond the time at Atrium. Atrium is the most inclusive and warm-hearted school I’ve ever heard of and I am so happy to have gone there for the full time until 8th grade. I have made so many friendships there that will last a lifetime. My immense connection to Atrium will never break.”
Sustaining Community Through Lunch Groups by Lara Buchanan, School Counselor
All of us are challenged by our lack of direct, personal contact during this time of social distancing. Perhaps one of the rituals I miss the most is sitting down for a meal with friends. Even the youngest Atrium students are no different. That’s why we initiated lunch groups for K-3 students during which classmates can come together, over Zoom, for conversation and connection over a meal. We know that maintaining these relationships and authentic connections along with routines help create togetherness, provide comfort, and reduce anxiety during this challenging time. We initiated these optional groups for this age group because it is these students who were seeing their peers the least on Zoom during the school day. The weekly groups are facilitated by me and other non-classroom faculty–Allie, Ariana, Dylan, Jack, Sami, and Susan. We all were enthusiastic to do this. We miss the students and are so excited to connect with them too! The range of topics we cover in the lunch groups runs the gamut, as you may have heard if you were in the background during one! We have shared ideas about how kids are staying busy and what they are enjoying doing. We have shared jokes and stories. We have introduced our stuffed animals and pets over Zoom. And we have played games. In the groups I have facilitated, I have seen friendships strengthened and connections made. I have felt the Atrium spirit that characterizes the classrooms and hallways transmitted over the internet. I have been reminded of the strength, resilience, and kindness, of Atrium students. There has been a lot of laughter during the lunch groups. That’s a good thing! We know that, in order for learning to take place, emotional well-being is key. I hope the lunch groups are helping just a little during this difficult time.
8th Graders Head to High School! It is no wonder that Atrium graduates find so many great options when they seek out high school possibilities. Our 8th graders are intellectually curious, creative and innovative. They are confident, with important and well-developed skills to share with the world. Kind and courageous, they cultivate compassion in themselves and others. A broad array of area high schools welcome our graduates because they are positive contributors to their communities,and they possess a powerful sense of global responsibility.
When this is over, what are you looking forward to most? Nahla, 3rd Grade
“I am looking forward to my birthday party and celebrating with all my friends.”
This year our 8th grade students visited and applied to dozens of different schools. Atrium’s leadership team and the Middle School faculty worked closely with each student and family to assess each student’s unique strengths and passions in search of a school offering academic challenge, as well as fulfilling personal growth. Over the past several years 100% of our students have been admitted to a school of their choice. One 8th grade parent said, “Atrium’s support throughout the entire process was invaluable. Marshall answered all our questions, big or small, and helped us navigate every step along the way. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and we are forever grateful!” We are immensely proud of each student’s drive and success while at Atrium and in their next school selection. Congratulations to the Class of 2020! You are prepared to take the next steps in your education.
Manoli, 8th Grade
“Playing basketball with my friends!”
Max, 2nd Grade “I am most looking forward to going back to school and seeing my friends. I want to talk to them and play with them in person, not on Zoom!”
Eva, 3rd Grade
“I’m looking forward to going to the library and other public places without a mask or gloves.” This year students were accepted at the following schools. Schools in bold will welcome an Atrium Class of 2020 graduate this fall. Beaver Country Day School Essex North Shore Boston Arts Academy Governors Academy Boston Latin Academy International School of Boston Boston University Academy Lincoln Sudbury High School Brimmer & May Matignon High School Cambridge School of Weston Meridian Academy Catholic Memorial Newton Country Day Central Catholic Norfolk Agricultural Chapel Hill Chauncy Hall St. Joseph’s Preparatory High School Commonwealth School Thayer Academy Concord Academy Tremont School Dana Hall Waldorf High School Dexter Southfield Walnut Hill
Noa, 2nd Grade
“I’m looking forward to being together with friends again.”
Atrium Service from Afar by Renée Curtin, Director of Advancement When families and guests visit Atrium, they almost immediately note the feeling of warmth, welcome, and community. Over the past several weeks we have learned to become more and more accustomed with new means of connecting at school, work and socially. Though we are not passing each other in the hallway, on the playground or at drop-off and pick-up, we are still the same service-oriented Atrium community! When the pandemic shifted how we teach, learn and give, we quickly reformulated many ways we could serve others and share words and acts of encouragement with members of the Atrium and broader community. In lieu of our traditional All Community Charles River Clean-Up Day, and our frequent service-learning visits to various organizations and people, we initiated Atrium Service from Afar. Our students, faculty and families are sewing masks, making beautiful window signs, and supporting front-line workers with food and donations. In these times the value of connection, community and relationships cannot be overstated. Thank you to everyone who has participated with Atrium Service from Afar. Join us on Friday, May 15th at 2:00 pm for the Spring Sing and Community Service Assembly to hear what it means to the recipients of our service to benefit from Atrium projects.