AT URSULINE
Ursuline Responds to COVID-19 Challenges Unity, compassion, and creative teaching marked our actions during the pandemic. The calendar of extracurriculars began normally in January 2020 with a student cabaret, guest speakers and a guest artist. In February 2020, news of a novel worldwide coronavirus began to impact us. The Honors Choir traveled to Italy over February Break, but with new health procedures. European trip canceled. Japanese exchange visit postponed. A short time later, COVID reached our neighborhood. On March 10, 2020 we closed campus for two weeks at the direction of the Governor, as part of the New Rochelle one-mile containment zone. We immediately began Distance Learning. Sports, play rehearsals, drivers’ ed, mock trial practice, Global Symposium – all canceled. The two-week closure was repeatedly extended. The remainder of the academic year was virtual. Traditional events were reimagined as Zooms and Showcase emails or drive-throughs. Graduation was socially distanced on Kelly Mac Field. Principal Rosemary Beirne pointed out, “During times of crisis, the best communities are those that respond with 27
unity, compassion, creative problem solving, and an unbridled desire to help those most in need. They thrive in good times because they work together in challenging times. The Ursuline School community has responded to this world hardship on a level that is nothing short of inspiring.” For Ursuline, community means Serviam. In 2020 it meant students, teachers, staff, parents and friends of Ursuline donating truckloads of food to help keep food pantries open, hours painstakingly making hundreds of masks for hospital workers, Advancement transforming the annual 24-hour fundraiser to CROWDS4TUS AND 4 OTHERS, and alumnae donating to send a hot meal to health care workers. Community means comfort and reassurance. In 2020, it meant an Admissions team reaching out, our Campus Ministry offering spiritual resources, as well as counselors and Academic Support checking on students. Community means creativity. In 2020, faculty and students adjusted to distance learning without missing a step, and parents
