July 30, 2020
Hello Turtle Nation!
I have always valued that we have the opportunity each new school year to
begin again
. The aspect of a re-start, a fresh start, new beginnings, and new connections afford us some sense of peace, excitement, and even renewal. I feel all of those emotions as we lean into our upcoming school year -- as unusual as it might seem-- and I hope you do as well.
The benefit of athletics in the development, health, and wellness of our students cannot be overemphasized.
Throughout the summer we have collaborated with other state independent schools to work on potential logistics for interscholastic sports. We have also tracked the state recommendations and guidelines for COVID-19 safety protocols including the recent Blue Ridge Conference (BRC)
unanimous vote to forego conference play
, tournaments, and requirements for the fall of 2020.
As the health and safety of our students and community is our top priority, Chatham Hall has made the decision that we
will not
participate in athletic competitions with other schools in fall 2020. Instead, we are excited to announce that we will implement a robust intramural sports afternoon program, focusing on skill development, increased fitness levels, team strategies, competition, sportsmanship, and fun! Here are a few highlights of the program:
- We will still offer all fall sports and afternoon activities. Coaches are excited and motivated to build their teams and programs by maintaining high standards, developing skills, establishing team camaraderie, and preserving competition through intramural events. This preparation will ensure the strength of each program and the growth and development of our athletes.
- Athletes who desire to pursue college athletics will be supported. Our athletic department is prepared to use all key resources to highlight and promote our athletes’ talents to college coaches and programs. Last fall we purchased video equipment which can be used to create film clips and video examples of our athletes’ skills and potential. I will partner with our Chatham Hall coaches to communicate with the colleges that our athletes want to pursue for potential collegiate play.
- Delayed international students will be able to join their sport of choice upon campus arrival. We understand travel restrictions this fall may create an arrival delay for some students. Our coaches understand this is an uncontrollable variable and we will remain flexible and welcoming. Appropriate accommodations will be made for each student and they will be able to acclimate to each athletic team with ease.
- We will offer online athletic workouts, fitness strategies, personal goal setting, coaches tips (video inspiration!), and health and wellness suggestions for our students participating in remote learning. For our students who will be remote this fall, our commitment to health and wellness is equally important and a top priority for the athletic department. Through a series of online links and options, Zoom conferences, and one-on-one meetings, we will stay connected to our remote learners and support their personal goals.
Turtles, although earlier this summer you filled out a survey ranking your interest in a fall sport or afternoon activity, please take time to complete the survey again (use the links below). You will see all of your options listed, including a very exciting announcement: we will offer Ultimate Frisbee as a fall option,
just for the fun of it!
