A PANDEMIC TIMELINE How Covid-19 Affected Life and Learning at The Hun School News of a deadly virus in China and Europe was percolating here in the United States as the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2019. Of course, few could know what 2020 had in store for us. We long for the day when the pandemic, and its devastating effects, are a distant memory. Until then, we remember the year that challenged us to rethink how we live, learn, compete, and connect.
JANUARY 27 The Hun School’s health director meets with senior administrators about Coronavirus 2019-nCoV taking hold of people in Wuhan, China. The School begins to closely monitor the virus and consider a broad range of scenarios and contingencies. Following CDC guidelines and in consultation with experts and peer institutions, the School makes a difficult decision to isolate a student who recently returned from Taiwan.
JANUARY 31 In deference to the recommendations issued by the U.S. Government, World Health Organization, and in the best interests of the community, the School prohibits travel to China during its upcoming Spring Break. In addition to health concerns, it seems likely that international air travel would soon be restricted and potentially prevent students from returning.
MARCH 3 The School cancels all upcoming international travel for students, faculty, and school groups due to a Coronavirus outbreak in Italy. The decision is made to keep all international boarders on campus during Spring Break. Domestic trips take place as planned.
MARCH 26 All in-person activities and classes are suspended for three weeks. After one week of planning, training, and Zoom orientation, The Hun School transitions to all-virtual learning for the first time in its 106-year history. With a reimagined daily schedule, students and faculty attend classes via Zoom from 18 states and 26 countries. Alumni Weekend and all Admission tours are cancelled. All campus buildings are closed, except for essential employees. The world turns its focus to thorough hand-washing.
MARCH 12 Princeton, NJ reports its first positive case; the Governors of New Jersey and New York have declared states of emergency; and the President announces unprecedented global travel restrictions. Athletic teams are called home and the School asks International students to return home ahead of what are expected to be long-term travel restrictions. The School delays re-opening for one week following Spring Break.
MARCH 27
The School launches a series of virtual Admission events for newly accepted students.
MARCH 31 APRIL 2 Social distancing guidelines are extended nationally and remote learning at Hun is extended through May. Hun cancels its NextTerm and Senior Capstone programs and extends classes until May 29 to augment class time in core subjects. Departments throughout campus launch virtual programs, from college counseling webinars to athletic training videos. The Parents’ Association hosts its first virtual event: a Middle School Parent Virtual Wine and Cheese.
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Hun Today
Students and faculty work to support first responders. Community members deliver meals, sew masks and PPE, 3D print face shields, etc. Hunsung Heroes, a series highlighting alumni on the frontlines in the fight against Covid, begins.
