This week was an eventful one with academics, sports, arts, and students in multiple grades coming together. During this first full week of October, the weather was beautiful, and the campus colors suggested just a hint of autumn. Everything felt . . .  well, normal.

 

First, on Monday we continued a long-standing tradition of matching up Seniors with Kindergarten buddies. We have been doing this pairing for more than two decades, and we know both sides benefit from the relationship. Because we have around 100 Seniors and about 40 Kindergartners, the younger student gains two or three buddies to do activities with throughout the year. On this first occasion, the students spread out around the Quad and read books together (keeping the appropriate distancing). They established a connection and rapport that will take them through several other fun activities during the school year.

 

In addition, students in arts classes this week were outside participating in the annual tradition known as the Big Draw. Students in all grades go outside with their teachers and get inspired by the natural world. They can draw what they see around them or use their own imaginations. The skills of the students and their colorful creations brightened up the campus. Thankfully, the weather cooperated fully!

 

On Monday and Tuesday, our four Boys Varsity Golfers played on a beautiful course in Gunnison, Colorado. Vying for the 3A State Championship, these boys competed at the highest level and eventually prevailed over other teams from all over the state, bringing home the first-ever state title for our boys team. Congratulations to Head Coach Beth Folsom and the four Varsity competitors: J.T. Timmers, Jack Pashel, Bo Turnage, and T.J. Giordano. In the midst of a mostly interrupted or cancelled fall sports season, it was great fun to hear about this group’s success.

 

On Wednesday night the Admission Office hosted a major Preview event, welcoming hundreds of families and students from all over the metro area who wanted to know more about the school. Visitors learning about CA is certainly an annual part of any fall trimester, and the Preview helps formally launch a months-long admissions process. Our student and faculty panel represented the school well, and the guests learned a lot about what makes the school a special place.

 

Yes, these and many more experiences reminded the community of the best aspects of life at Colorado Academy this week.

 

Of course, there were a few pieces of the week that were decidedly different from normal. Most of the activities described above happened while people were social distancing and/or wearing masks, and some of our togetherness happened via Zoom and not in person. We also continued to monitor everyone’s health symptoms and temperatures. These are the ongoing realities of life during a pandemic.

 

But for this week at least, the normalcy pushed through the unpredictability and made it a week to remember.