The students once again had to go through an intensive protocol both before coming back (14 day pre-arrival quarantine), as well as the Day 0, Day 4, Day 7 testing protocols once on campus. I worked many of those testing days and got to see several players during either the check-in or the medical observation stations the first few days, and again on Day 4/7 testing. I was able to choose Laney on her arrival day since she arrived when no one else was coming in, so I called her over to my station! On another day, Britt actually was assigned to my station (and there were 16 different stations, so that's pretty impressive!) I've seen most of the team at least in passing through the testing days so far, but I'm so excited to see everyone in the gym on Monday!
Here are some other welcome back photos from around campus. The returning students came at basically the same time as the new "Febs" this year so we could have everyone go through the testing protocols together. So, this "Welcoming" committee was dual purpose this year--welcoming NEW "Feb" students to MIDD, as well as welcoming back everyone else after an extended break this past winter!
Here's the iconic view of Mead Chapel with the Holiday lights on the big tree in the center of campus. It's so great to see people walking around campus again!
Right below that we have the newly placed fire pits in that same area for students to safely gather outside. The students all were given a canvas bag filled with various goodies when they returned, including a wool blanket with MIDD scenes on it, and a pair of fun wool mittens--both to help encourage all students to get outside in the cold and socialize safely in the fresh air!
These last two photos are of our dear Panther statue overlooking the Green Mountains and perched above the Football and Lacrosse Stadium near the Golf Course. Below, we have the outdoor ice rink made to help encourage outdoor recreation and skates were being provided this year as an added incentive to partake. In the old days, we actually held real games (now, that's really the "old" days!) outside but most years the college just floods this part of campus to help provide another venue to fun outdoor recreation. This year it just has an added bonus since many indoor social activities are limited due to the pandemic.
We've also got a few birthdays coming up, so we'll get some pictures of those for you also! Happy Winter...and since it's March and daylight savings is coming soon...Spring is on it's way...