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Article: “The Show Must Go On” Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

“The Show Must Go On” Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Unprecedented. Challenging. New normal. We have all heard these buzz words mentioned numerous times over the last seven months. But the truth of the matter is whichever words you choose, we have all been experiencing a vastly different world than we were last March.
 
Very suddenly we were tasked with the seemingly impossible: how to come together while remaining apart. Immediately teachers and staff members began planning for remote learning, hybrid learning, and everything in between.
 
Health safety protocols, while always important, became vital practices for school and social gatherings. All students and staff must wear masks throughout the school day and keep a safe social distance from one another – a difficult task for children who love to be together with their classmates.
 
And on top of everything else, learning needs to continue.
 
The phrase “the show must go on” is a common show business term meaning that, regardless of what is happening backstage, there are still waiting patrons expecting a show. I think this is very applicable to education today. Because, despite the “unprecedented,” the “challenging” and the “new normal,” our students still need to grow academically and deserve the best experience we can give them. The show must go on -- whether in person, hybrid or online.
 
And go on it has! Even through a global pandemic, our students and staff have risen to the occasion. Our classrooms are full of energy and our students are excelling. And there has been so much to celebrate already this school year.
 
Four students at Mariemont High School were named National Merit Scholars with three advancing to compete for national scholarships. The boys and girls soccer teams are both undefeated on the season and ranked among the top programs in the state and the football team won its first playoff match in over a decade. And many high school students are getting their first experience in a future career path with the Broadcasting course bringing these sporting events to fans who may not be able to attend this year.
 
At Mariemont Junior High School, the fall athletes are entering their tournaments while student clubs and extracurricular activities such as Science Club, Climate Council, Model U.N., Math Club and Project LIT are all meeting routinely with either in-class or virtual meeting options. 
 
And at the elementary schools, Builders Club is in full swing while a few virtual Warriors BEyond after school enrichment options like ukulele and babysitting courses are available as well.
 
I am just so proud of all of our students, staff and families for continuing to make this a great school year, despite the circumstances. Because in Mariemont City Schools, the show will always go on.

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