During the influenza epidemic of 1918, The Bright School closed for three weeks to protect its students and families. In 2020, we closed the doors to the campus in March and continued with distance learning through the end of the school year. Teachers, students and parents made the most of online learning platforms and Zoom to maintain academics and activities.
"Out of adversity, however, also comes strength. Difficulties starkly reveal the depth of an institution’s fortitude and the soundness of its mission, and we are happy to say that Bright School has weathered the storm firmly intact and confidently poised for adjusting to the future,” wrote Board of Trustees Chair Austin Center ’85 and Head of School O.J. Morgan in an end of year message to parents, faculty and staff.
Every day our teachers engaged with students through Zoom meetings and video lessons. Third graders still had Colonial Day, fourth graders completed their state projects, and fifth graders met with their buddies for an online craft session.
We celebrated Bright Fit week with a challenge to be physically fit and healthy at home. We convened Bright Fest Fridays each Friday morning in an all-school virtual assembly led by fifth graders that ended with the singing of The Bright School song. Many of you supported our Drive Thru BBQ to benefit the Parents' Association. We sent off students on May 22 with a parking lot parade to see their teachers one last time and to pick up their belongings. Despite the rain, families decorated their cars and trucks. There were many waves, smiles and, of course, tears. We are planning graduation for July 19 and a Class of 2013 party on July 21.
Like many schools, we have already begun
preparations for the fall with the hope our doors will open and students and teachers will be together. But first, this summer we will hold a graduation ceremony for fifth graders in July, and we are offering a free
summer enrichment program for currently enrolled students.
Below are some highlights from spring 2020.
