— Nitya Raman, 4th Grader
“ I learned the importance of hygiene for keeping each other safe. If we don’t wash and keep things clean, more of this can happen and more people can get hurt. You have to do things that help yourself and help other people, too.”
“ Seeing my mom after not seeing her for 16 months made me realize how important it is to be in the presence of the people you love. Even though we’d been talking and FaceTiming, nothing comes close to being together in person, to hug, hold hands, and share space.”
— Bennett Rapaport, Kindergartener
“ I learned that you need a COVID-19 shot and you have to wear a mask. I learned the special things in my life are my parents and my sister and my brother. I hug them a lot and give them kisses to show them that I love them. I think other people should show love to their families.”
“ We learned that: (1) Different people react differently to similar stresses; (2) transitions toward old ‘normal’ can be challenging; (3) socializing is critically important; and (4) we need each other.”
“ COVID-19 made me learn that I could really focus myself—but I do better with in-person activities. It was lonely not being able to see people that weren’t just my family.” — Carmen Gitchell, Senior
— Lynn Klaiman, Lower School Learning Specialist
“ I’m stronger than I was led to believe. I get to choose my happiness. And humans are like plants: we need sunlight.” — Fatmata Koroma, Associate Director of College Counseling
— A Teacher
“ Online school is even worse than I ever could have imagined; the things that make a school great are actually in the building, a shared world. Pixels don’t do people justice. In a pandemic and always, we should arm ourselves against loneliness and boredom. Luckily, a school is a great fortress against loneliness and boredom.”
“ I learned to cherish the small social interactions. Conversations in the hall with old teachers, catch-ups with acquaintances in the library, introductions to friends of friends: all mean so much more to me than I knew.”
— Julia Fisher ’09, English Teacher
— Julian Galkin, Senior
“ We learned the important role that physical education and athletics play in the health and well-being of our students. The COVID-19 break from traditional athletics gave coaches and athletes a renewed appreciation for their teams and competition.” — David Gillespie, Athletic Director
“ In the past year, I have been reminded to have a deeper awareness of many things. I choose not to participate in anything that does not bring me joy or strengthen me. I have a right and a purpose in this world that needs no approval from anyone. I take a moment to reflect on my legacy and note how I can grow. I wake up with a purpose to mend the moments I was not my best self and do all things with love.” —Michelle Levy, PK Teacher
“ I have so many ‘What I have learned’ from last year. Be kind to people, because you have no idea what they are going through. Families trust us with their children every day; we are responsible for someone’s entire heart. Take time for yourself— all of the work will still be there when you return. And the days aren’t coming back: do what makes you happy and live in the moment.” —M eredith Chase-Mitchell, High School Learning Specialist
GEORGETOWN DAYS FALL/WINTER 2021—22
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