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Who would have thought that in 2020 students would have online classes? Despite having clubs and school events cancelled because of Covid-19, despite students having to go through these dark times, Lawrence Woodmere Academy is able to find some light within this darkness.
The teachers, students and parents at LWA are finding new ways to keep spirits up during these desolate times. At LWA, teachers are able to keep morale high by putting a new spin on old traditions.
Director of Performing Arts Tasha Partee plans to incorporate the online and in-school students in the school’s annual spring musical. She will either project the on-line students onto the stage during the play or have everyone film their scenes independently and create a movie for the families. Despite the challenges she faces, Partee has a positive attitude.
“The show must go on is as true now as it has ever been,” she said. “While we face many challenges, we are embracing the opportunity to explore innovations in staging and technology. Rather than viewing the challenges we face as a deficit, we are asking ourselves how our theatre productions can be enhanced by Zoom, film, and our combination of remote and in-person performers and crew members. It’s an opportunity to think outside the box, make discoveries, and create solutions we otherwise might not have considered.”
Sports and physical education continue at LWA. Athletic Director David O’Keeffe has been finding new ways to get everyone involved and take part in physical education, even the students who are working remotely.
“One of the difficult tasks we face as teachers is how we blend our lessons to incorporate all students — both in-person and remote . . . I have been using technology,” O’Keeffe said. “I teach all my classes through Zoom. This platform allows me to share my screen with every student . . . For PE we have been focusing on fitness. I stream a workout via YouTube or
Sworkit and the students follow along with both myself and the online instructor. We have a 100-inch screen in our gym for every student to see. Remote students have been urged to download free fitness apps that allow them to track their workouts and post on Google Classroom for us all to see. These are unique times but every student is a huge part of the solution and not the problem.”
O’Keeffe said he planning to have a soccer season even though we cannot have games against other schools. He plans to still hold practices to keep the kids ready for next season.
From Oct. 26 to 30, Head of School Brian O’Connell planned a Covid-safe spirit week to keep spirits high within the LWA community. Each day students and teachers dressed up in fun and wacky outfits for Crazy Hat Day, Pajama Day, School Spirit Day and other fun activities, helping everyone enjoy this spooky season.
Teachers led Halloween-themed activities every day. O’Connell has also organized the Cultural Celebration and Understanding Club, composed of students, which helps the LWA community celebrate our multiculturalism. During these Spooky times, everyone in the Lawrence Woodmere Academy community has something to look forward to this school year.
