A COVID Update

By Lara S. ‘22

Dr. Hood said it best in the September Newsletter: “The opening weeks of a school year are always filled with joy and excitement, and this year, perhaps more than any other, we are collectively feeling that particular joy.” With the help of our school community getting vaccinated, being regularly tested, and protocols and measures such as MyMedBot, students have enjoyed everything from a normal fall sports season and coordinated classes to indoor musical practices and gradewide retreats off-campus. 

One of the most exciting things students have been able to experience this year is coordinated classes with Gilman and Roland Park. Juniors are able to take History and English with the Tri-Schools, something the Class of 2022 was unable to partake in. Junior Elaina Bellone has enjoyed not only the interaction these classes have offered her, but also the opportunity to “pick and choose [her] classes from a wide variety of options offered by the combination of all three schools, the choices are endless!” Outside of the academic setting at school, students have been able to enjoy events like Freshman Fall Fling, Arts Council’s Coffee House, the Club Fair, and Harvest Fest. Athletics have also come back in full swing! Teams have been able to compete against other schools safely and use locker rooms. Senior Hanna Franklin says, “I enjoy being able to bond with underclassmen and a team over a passion for a sport. I missed this feeling last year, and am so grateful to have athletics back”. It is not only playing on a team Hanna missed but the overall spirit of the Mawrtians. Fall Spirit Day, led by the Athletics Association, was full of excitement as we marched in our green and yellow, safely as one community. 

Another highlight of this fall for some students includes the rehearsals for the fall musical and production with Gilman, The Addams Family. While working together to put on a spectacular performance, students have enjoyed the interaction and bonding these late-night practices have provided. This year’s cast and crew described their musical experience as exceptionally meaningful. 

While all of these exciting things are back in our lives, even just being able to wear our uniform and eat food from our Dining Hall or Cafe creates a new appreciation for these simple experiences. We are so lucky to have such a cooperative community that has allowed Bryn Mawr to have this safe and exciting fall. With the tireless efforts from our health, security, and administrative teams, Bryn Mawr has found ways to return to the school life that so many of us have missed, filled with activities and interaction.