TATTNALL STRONG: HOW TSA NAVIGATED THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC March 13, 2020 marked the day the world as we know it shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, beginning August 13, 2020, Tattnall Square Academy reopened its doors to students, faculty, staff and a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the year ahead. With no guarantee that face-to-face instruction would last the entire year, or even a month, Tattnall’s faculty, staff, students and administrators prepared for the worst, while hoping for the best. Once returning to in-person learning began to present itself as a possibility for the 2020-2021 school year, the administration began devising a comprehensive Covid plan for the school. Lower School Director Susannah Allen recalled the strategy that school leaders established, noting that “we wanted to ensure two things: safety and the continuation of a quality, college-preparatory education.” To minimize the Covid threat as much as possible, Tattnall implemented a myriad of safety protocols. Families could choose the option of their students participating in on-campus learning or off-campus learning. In addition, the school instituted social distancing policies along with mask requirements when social distancing was not possible. Large group events such as chapel were modified, so students could social distance safely. According to Allen, “Even though we faced many challenges with Covid, our school family worked harder than ever to provide the same great experiences and education for our students.” With protocols in place,Tattnall’s teachers still had to navigate the unique set of challenges of teaching both digitally and inperson. Knowing that preparation for both scenarios would ensure a successful year, middle school teacher Laura Ford said, “In some ways, I believe we were prepared when the world shut down in Spring 2020, but it was still stressful for students, parents and teachers. We were all looking forward to face-to-face learning in August, but no one wanted a repeat of that stress. Having a plan in place for students to learn virtually was fantastic. I am extremely thankful for the supportive parents who made sure their students stayed on top of their assignments. I had to learn to be diligent in posting assignments to Schoology. When I did miss a few days here and there, students in quarantine were quick to email about the day’s work. I definitely saw an increase in students initiating conversations regarding their work by asking questions, making sure they understood expectations and being sure they submitted assignments correctly. Out of all the takeaways from the year, I really hope that our students continue to advocate for themselves!” Covid interrupted not only classroom instruction but also extracurricular activities, beloved traditions and events. Carolyn Stuart, Faculty Follies and Talent Show director recalled, “One of my biggest worries was whether or not we would be able to have either show. However, after we drafted several different ideas, we decided to split each show into two nights with a limited capacity in Trojan Hall. I’m beyond grateful for everything our administration did to make these shows happen safely for our juniors and the Tattnall family.” Tattnall traditions such as Faculty Follies were not the only events that faced uncertainty because of Covid. Student competitions such as One Act play also faced an unknown fate, yet, Tattnall’s Fine Arts department found creative ways to ensure that the show could go on. Lower School Art Techer Will Washburn recalled “As the school year began, we realized that masks, social distancing and limiting physical contact would be necessary, but that these guidelines may greatly restrict parts of the fine arts that we love. In March 2020, the lower school musical was postponed as we went to distance learning just a week prior to dress rehearsal. At the start of the school year, the GHSA One Act competition was pushed from October to January. In our visual arts and music classrooms, we faced concern on how students could share materials, instruments and workspaces because of the fear of spreading germs.” Even with those challenges, fine arts at TSA were still a highlight of the year with successful performances like Grandparents Day, Frozen KIDS and holiday band and musical performances. Covid-19 certainly made day-to-day life all the more challenging; however, as seen over the course of the school year, the capable Tattnall family not only rose to the challenge, but that we started strong and finished strong!
Inside the Square 4 | tattnall.org
