Ever Forward

MISSION FOCUSED

Throughout the entire 2020-2021 school year, the theme of Ever Forward was both opponent and ally. Never losing sight of the goal to bring students back to campus as soon as safely possible, the Ever Forward plan was created over the summer. It was hopeful and provided momentum. It was also incredibly layered and complex.

With three scenarios, Forward On-Campus, Forward Choice, and Forward Remote, Ever Forward was designed to be consistent with flexibility, able to bend with the unpredictable dynamics of the pandemic while remaining Mission focused. All the benefits of a Mayfield education: the opportunity to discover, collaborate and create, the challenges and encouragement, voice and choice, and the development of faith and compassion remained in focus as we navigated an altered structure and delivery to ensure the well-being of our students and community.

Forward Remote

Although the year opened in Forward Remote, learning was still strong, and both teachers and students kept a positive mindset. It was an opportunity to do school differently and advance. Along with academics, the schedule included regular times dedicated to religion, physical education, and the arts. It was clear these disciplines were even more essential as students navigated the unique experience.

There were golden opportunities those first few months to see and celebrate each other. A school supply drivethru was a party on wheels with cheering teachers and special photos. The eighth grade put together a very creative Harvest Festival with drive-thru games, trunk treats, and an online costume parade. A Deck the Halls drive-thru before Christmas was a festive occasion in support of Reach Out as families delivered gifts for the Adopt-a-Family program.

“One of the most important things that I have learned from this pandemic is to see everything as an opportunity. Like a dark cloud that covers up the sun, we never know what the world has to offer us. But if we are resilient and have an attitude of gratitude, there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. All you have to do is wait for the cloud to move and feel the warmth of the sunshine.”

Ethan ’21

Forward On-Campus

Beginning in November, the school received the green light to bring Kindergarten back for in-person learning, and Grades 7-8 were allowed to attend conditioning classes on the field. Despite a setback in December due to rising case numbers and hospitalizations, we moved forward in February as things improved. Bringing hundreds of kids to campus safely, however, was no easy task. Resourcefulness, teamwork, and tenacity went a long way. Following local and state guidelines, systems were put in place, protocols and procedures posted, and campus enhancements such as air purifiers and touchless water faucets were purchased, all to keep our community safe. As things progressed, Grades 1-2 returned in mid- February, Grades 3-4 the second week of March, Grades 5-6 the next week, and Grades 7-8 beginning March 22. Families were given a choice at set intervals throughout the spring to keep their child in remote or return to campus. By May, nearly 85% of students were on campus.

With all-hands-on-deck, it was both a heroic and humbling effort. Daily health screenings were required, plus temperature checks on arrival. Hand sanitizer, and hand-washing stations were strategically placed. Physical distancing requirements created the need to use every available space on campus as a classroom. Indoor spaces were rearranged and adapted, staff and administrators enlisted as faculty partners, and directional paths were marked in courtyards and hallways. Segmented outdoor spaces (including the Head of School’s backyard) were assigned, and additional community support associates were hired to assist with carpool and supervision, as well as in classrooms.

Students were grouped in small cohorts and spent 50% of their time outside. Faculty received HyFlex teaching training to accommodate those who continued the year remotely while also engaging the students physically in front of them. With “roomies” and “zoomies” together, teachers juggled direct teaching with Zoom limitations while keeping everyone in the mix.

“My kindergarten cohort of 12 really bonded in a way I’ve not seen before. I saw them come up with creative ways to engage with each other. They’d write notes and then deliver them to a classmate’s desk. They found ways to connect despite the distancing regulations. There was also more talk of doing hard things. So many things seemed hard. We discussed them and plowed forward together. We didn’t give up!”

Janet Hale, Kindergarten

Most importantly, everyone remained committed to providing all the elements of a Holy Child education. Enrichment classes such as music and art continued with the teachers in remote and eventually moved to outdoor spaces on campus. PE coaches engaged students on the field with obstacle courses, jump ropes, and even special “Jedi” training sessions for K-2. Even Mustang sports managed a short season with competition in football, volleyball, baseball and soccer.

We were grateful many spring events could happen on campus including First Eucharist and an adapted Blue and White Day. A new Grad Night party on the field and courtyards celebrated the Class of 2021 and graduation events, while outside and designed with physical distancing, were filled with gratitude.

”What seemed so intimidating before the year started, was a great learning experience – being able to learn from my colleagues and also from my students. I learned a lot of new skills and found it to be a good experience to be pushed out of my comfort zone.”

LeeAnn Ramirez, Middle School Science

Our Ever Forward year ended with a jubilant mass and a collective deep breath. All of the above may sound a bit like organized chaos, and it did (and always does) take a village. The sound of laughter and youthful chatter, the happy waves of hello, exuberant running on the field, full enjoyment of the playground, interaction and spontaneity - all worth every extra hour of planning, every adjustment, every ounce of effort. The students are the soul of our school, and their presence is both restorative and invigorating.

We use the word “joyful” a lot around here. It is what we aspire towards in all aspects of learning and being, in growing in faith, in confidence, in skill. The universal nature of joy sustains us. If we can see, feel it, we’ve done something right. Working towards it, sustaining it, and letting it work its magic will keep us moving Ever Forward.