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!

At Tattnall, we love our traditions; they’re what make us who we are. The 2019-2020 school year saw many events become virtual or be canceled outright. One of those virtual events was Tattnall’s annual Spotlight on the Arts.

Tattnall’s Spotlight on the Arts, a showcase of visual and performing arts, features work by students in grades K3 through 12. Each year, students, family members, faculty, and staff all gather to view student’s hard work from throughout the year.

However, with the restrictions brought about by the pandemic, there was an air of uncertainty surrounding many parts of fine arts that we love. As Tattnall’s lower school art teacher Will Washburn recalls, “Hands on collaboration, singing or acting in large groups and filling Trojan Hall to see students perform on stage seemed like they may be out of the questions at the beginning of the school year.” Simply put, even with Spotlight on the Arts scheduled for the spring, there was no guarantee that the event would take place.

Nevertheless, the Fine Arts department began planning for the event. Students in Elizabeth Hilliard’s High School Art class began work on their personal displays as soon as possible. With the showcase’s theme being, “Home is Where the HeART Is,” student’s artwork was reflective of the Macon and Middle Georgia community featuring iconic landmarks such as St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Middle Georgia born musicians such as the Allman Brothers.

Tattnall’s music students were also well prepared for Spotlight. Tattnall’s Band of Gold prepared selections such as Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” to pay homage to the famous, Middle Georgia musician. Elementary music students worked hard as well preparing for their performances with songs such as the Imagine Dragons hit, “On Top of the World.”

Students even prepared silent auction items to raise money for TSA’s art department. Items for sale ranged from holiday cards to student and faculty crafted artwork!

In the end though, Tattnall’s fine arts students and staff saw their hard work come to fruition. Spotlight on the Arts was held April 20, and students had the opportunity to showcase all of their hard work.

In Hilliard’s words, “This year’s Spotlight far exceeded my expectations! The kids worked so hard and created a student-led, wonderful show that they took pride in. We had an outpouring of support and packed hallways of people viewing student work and purchasing student-made and silent auction items to support our Fine Arts program. I am so proud of their growth as artists, and I loved having a chance to show them off to our supportive school community.”

We cannot wait for next year’s Spotlight!