MELP RETURNS

experiential learning program resumed in may 2021

By Fred Williams, Head of School

Not even COVID-19 could keep MELP, Rectory’s week-long spring experiential learning program, from happening this year. By bringing all of our ninth-grade day students onto campus and into dorms for nine days prior to departure, we created family units that were able to fully enjoy MELP—mask free—as we headed to various remote places in New England for full-week adventures that explored Acadia National Park, Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, and the Allagash wilderness. Grades 5-8 enjoyed on-campus activities and local day trips, while online students had their own creative and engaging MELP experiences—the online escape rooms were very popular! The elementary school went under the sea spending a week learning about the ocean and its inhabitants.

MELP is one of the best weeks of the year, a statement more true than ever this spring. In a year where too much has not been possible, enjoying MELP was a powerful antidote to any COVID blues.