Rockbridge Academy starts a school year like no other
This first day of school was like no other in the 25-year history ofRockbridgeAcademy. Everyone donned masks. Disinfectant sprays and hand sanitizers stood their guard at every classroomdoor and entry.
The annual first-day-of-school assembly thatHeadmasterRoy Griffith gave did not take place in thegymthis year in front of an audience of students; he addressed them fromhis office, alone, via Zoom.
From their homerooms, students watched his real-time video as he shared about not giving in to fear but encouraging them to “dare greatly” this year; large group assemblies are prohibited this fall under precautionary levels.
Students brought in milk crates tokeep their belongings close by and minimize hall traffic. Deskswere socially distanced, and each student who walked into the building had a thermometer aimed at their forehead for temperature checks to ensure no fevers entered the building.
And yet, some things remained the same as every first day. The excitement mingled with first-day nervousness was palpable. Parents hugged their students good-bye at drop-off. Teachers eagerly greeted their new students, especially grateful to be teaching in person after six
long months.
The stairwells were freckled with fresh-cut grass clippings—evidence of students in the building. New school supplies, shoes, and tidy classrooms added to the air of readiness to start. Returning students looked familiar but were considerably taller.
Students were genuinely glad to be together after not seeing each other in nearly sixmonths, and the consensuswas as one student put it, “being together physically is worth the mask-wearing requirements.”
The overwhelming impression of the daywas one of gratitude— gratitude to be together, gratitude for the little indicators of normalcy, gratitude for physical presence. Despite COVID restrictions, fear and complaints did not rule the day. Gratitudewon out.
Rockbridge Academy teachers and ad
ministrators worked extremely hard over the summer to strategically utilize and position technology toprepare for possible changes and scenarios this fall, and they are facing adversity with flexibility and resilience— and so are the students!