Warm greetings, St. Francis families! It dawned on me this week that in terms of remote learning, we’ve moved past the “plateau” and are now in the homestretch! The huge effort to get instruction up and running online is now in our rearview mirror, and suddenly our thoughts are turning to the many end-of-year events we always celebrate and how those will look differently this year. We have informed our 8th grade families of our Virtual Class Day celebration and, even more exciting, a 8th Grade Carpool Graduation! This will involve our families driving into the front circle where our 8th graders, in fine attire, will get to walk up to a table and receive their abacus and any awards received, and be congratulated personally by Alexandra Thurstone, Shelly Jones, and me. Some of our faculty will be on hand to cheer them on (all within the guidelines of social distancing). Our 8th graders are excited by this opportunity, as are we, of course!

I also wanted to let you know of a couple of upcoming events. On Friday, May 22nd, the last day of school, we are having a Final Assembly Watch Party, and everyone is invited to “attend” at 2:00 p.m. The highlight is Rosanne Conlan’s celebration of the school year slideshow that always brings the house down, and this year will be no exception! Then the first week of June, we will have a “Wyvern Belongings Pick-Up” on three days, including a weekend option. We’re still finalizing details on that and will send out information once everything is confirmed.

In the meantime, we all continue to be energized by some of the very special things that are occurring during remote learning. In the past week, here are some: 

  • The Middle School had their annual Talent Show on Tuesday night and over 100 families tuned into the Google Hangout! And while the talent was at its usual high level, it was the spirit that permeated the show that really was palpable. Students, parents, and faculty “chatted” congratulations to the performers whose creativity in this difficult time was so impressive and heartwarming to see! Click here to view the recording of the show. And our always fun Lower School Talent Shares are on tap for the week after next, so be on the lookout for those times!
  • In the Lower School Morning Meeting video this week, the Middle School Encouragement Club shared a video created by Zara Farber that introduced a Nature Bingo and Scavenger Hunt that Lower School students could play outdoors! It’s this type of creativity and kindness that helps set St. Francis apart. Click here for a copy of the Nature Bingo and Scavenger Hunt. 
  • And last week, despite the sadness caused by the postponement of the Kentucky Derby, one St. Francis tradition could not be halted! Of course I’m speaking of the legendary “Running of the Roaches!” 2nd grade teacher Joanne Brock, decked out in her finest Derby regalia, broadcast this annual rite of spring for her students and parents to see and made quite a splash in the local press. Take a look here!

It’s happenings like these that help to lift our spirits and remind us of just how special a community we are. We all deserve big pats on the back for the hard work, courage, and resilience it takes to see this journey through. Go Wyverns!