Thursday, March 19, 2020
Dear Maret Alumni,
This is an immensely challenging time at Maret, as it is for the nation and around the globe. It is my deepest hope that you and your family are well – and keep safe. Even as the School does its part to curb the spread of COVID-19 by suspending on-campus learning, promoting social distancing, and implementing other preventive measures, it remains important that we stay connected with one another.
In that spirit, I would like to share a few updates.
Friday was the last day of regular classes on Maret’s campus. Consistent with the decision to move to distance learning, we also canceled planned events and activities, including spring trips for our sports teams. We began preparations for distance learning in February; this week, students and faculty are taking that program for a “test-drive” ahead of full implementation upon return from Spring Break on March 31. (We do not expect to return to campus until at least the middle of April.) I continue to be deeply impressed by our teachers and academic leaders, who have jumped in wholeheartedly to implement Maret’s plan for continuity of learning.
This week, we used the power of the Internet to stage a robust virtual meeting of the Alumni Council, with 18 participants. We also turned a planned event for California alumni into a virtual gathering. Our graduates now in college are also making the adjustment to distance learning – certainly a big change and a disruption to the fuller experience of education in a college community. Still, it is always heartening “to visit” with alumni across the country – keeping them abreast of happenings at Maret and getting their input as our school navigates through new territory.
This week, we decided to postpone until fall the traditional spring Reunion Weekend and Alumni Panels, given the current uncertainty. We will miss these important gatherings and ask that you please stay tuned for news about rescheduling them as events further unfold.
The past few weeks have taught us to stay informed and use sound judgment to filter good information from bad. As I advised our families, we should all look to guidance issued by trusted experts and public health authorities, such as the CDC. Maret keeps its community informed by frequently updating the Coronavirus Updates page on its website; please check it out for some helpful tips and resources.
We had a full February at Maret with many traditional highlights – our Upper School musical (the beautiful Once on This Island); the ever-popular ISW week; successful basketball seasons for both teams; our 43rd annual Middle School Science Fair; and national student recognition from both Harvard’s Model Congress and the Scholastic Arts Awards. Maret’s annual Scholarship Auction – whose theme was “The Roaring Twenties” – netted a record-breaking amount. The Auction provides more than 20% of a financial aid budget that supports 25% of all students. Such success is more important than ever, as we are sure to see a rise in financial aid need for next year.
As we all persevere through this trying and challenging spring, I hope you will join me in being grateful to belong to such a strong and supportive community. Please stay connected with one another by visiting Maret’s website and participating in social media. I also encourage you to feel free to reach out to me or others here at Maret anytime. We will continue to stay in touch with you and keep you all in our thoughts.
Take care,
Marjo