Alexis Fuscaldo ‘22
Outward Bound and pre-season were both canceled this year due to the pandemic leaving freshmen with far fewer options for getting to know each other and acclimate to the Upper School. One of the few activities that was able to continue was the freshmen orientation before the start of the school year.
Courtesy of Ashley Kennedy
Rather than have Outward Bound this year, one day over the summer, both new and returning students signed up for a two and a half hour block of time with their advisory. Jack Riley ‘24 comments that “[he] is disappointed that Outward Bound was cancelled but felt that EA made the right decision with the health of their students in mind.” Instead, the freshmen class socially distanced in the Chapel and discussed ice breakers with members of their class and the seniors of the Esse Quam Videri Society (EQV)–a student leadership group. Though it was not mandatory, nearly every freshman attended. To aid the process, EQV members and student leaders of Vestry, specifically Aiden Chavis ‘21 and Bo Aldridge ‘21, created a video tour of Episcopal’s campus since the freshmen were unable to visit themselves. Rohith Tsundupalli ‘24 comments that “this experience was really beneficial in helping us get used to high school since we started off the year on Zoom and couldn’t be there in person.” Colin Schlitt ‘24 shares this sentiment, noting that “whether it was at the orientation or just helping throughout the school day, they have always been by our side.”
Freshmen also received their laptops on their individual orientation days. Tanuja Murray, dean of the Class of 2024, explains, “The main goal of Freshmen Orientation was to try to create a sense of unity between the freshmen and talk about the community rather than just focusing on school.” Cate Curatolo ‘24, who is new to EA this year, shares her thoughts, “I enjoyed freshman orientation. It was helpful to learn the names and faces of some of the members of my new class.” Schlitt additionally agrees that “the teachers are doing a fantastic job of easing the students back into the new workload.”
Courtesy of Ashley Kennedy
Faculty members, EQV, and Student Council worked together to make the freshman transition as smooth as possible. Andrea Yu, Upper and Middle School Librarian, and Jill McEntee ‘21, designed the Big Little Program. “Bigs,” upperclassmen, were sent surveys to pair them with “Littles,” new and returning freshmen. McEntee elaborates, “It was mandatory for the new freshmen but many returning freshmen participated as well. The goal of this program is to initiate a relationship between the underclassmen and the upperclassmen, which is often difficult to establish.” Curatolo describes the benefits of the Big Little Program, “Being a part of the Big Little Program allows you to ask questions and have a friendly and familiar face among the many upperclassmen.”
Although this school year may look a little different, students and faculty are committed to making the transition for freshmen as seamless as possible. Tsundupalli notes that “even though we ended middle school and started high school online, I feel comfortable in the Upper School and really appreciate what has been done to get the freshmen used to high school.” Schlitt agrees and thanks the EA teachers and staff who “have made an abnormal year feel so much more normal.”