A LOOK BACK
From World War II to COVID-19,
a History of Resilience at NCCS By Archivist Mark Macrides
orld events have indeed brought many challenges
contribute positively. Recent events have had a similar impact.
as well as many learning opportunities to our campus
In spite of the pandemic and the challenges of balancing our
during the school’s 105-year history. Country School
own needs and concerns with those of our students and families,
FRAME©MILANARES/AVS-IMAGES
has met each of these events with a focus on providing a safe
school has continued to thrive on campus. The world of COVID-19
and secure environment for our students and families, and
has brought hardship, fear and a sense of loss to the corner of
leveraged them with opportunities for personal growth and
Frogtown and Ponus, but it has also brought opportunities to
a greater understanding of our place in the world. As we
engage our students differently, chances to try new ideas and
navigate this extraordinary time in history, I have been
reasons to challenge our students to think beyond the norms.
thinking about the beginning of the 1940s, which stood
Our teachers have embraced these moments not necessarily by
out as a time, and in many ways seemed very similar to
choice but clearly by desire — desire to be present on campus,
these last several months on campus.
working with children and continuing to be the physical represen-
World War II was starting to engulf Europe, and Henry
tation of our mission and values. Challenge and uncertainty have
Welles had recently arrived in New Canaan. The proceeds from
inspired creativity and determination!
the March 1941 issue of the Frogtown Monthly supported
As I think more about the faculty and staff of the early
Greek War Relief, and by February 1942, student editors were
1940s, I applaud their courage, determination, selflessness and
calling for the entire community to work together for the war
dedication to their responsibility. Not unexpectedly, today we
effort. The fourth grade sold $1,400 worth of war bonds and
see the same care, compassion, determination and selflessness
stamps that contributed to the school raising enough money
from our current faculty and staff — characteristics that have
to purchase a “Quack” amphibian Jeep for the Army. By the
sustained NCCS during unexpected and unprecedented events.
mid-1940s, much of the school’s focus was on the war, including
My hope for this incredible group of educators is that 75 or
extensive plans for teachers and staff members to move
80 years from now, they continue to be honored and remem-
children out of buildings and into low-lying areas of the
bered for their vital role in the same vein as our amazing 1940s
grounds in the event of an air raid.
colleagues. Fortune Favors the Bold!
Through all of that fear, anxiety and uncertainty, due to the incredible efforts of the NCCS faculty and staff, school continued and students learned not only their lessons, but also a greater sense of their role in the world and their responsibility to
Above: During World War II, roller skating parties in the Assembly Hall were held to raise funds for British war relief. This photograph was taken in the fall of 1941, before the attack on Pearl Harbor.
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