Stratford Academy Dear Fellow Eagles: The Best-Laid Plans We began this school year with ambitious plans for learning, competing, performing, achieving, and growing as students and professionals. Nine months ago, we never could imagine that a virus could derail those plans and many more. Yet today, here we are socially distanced, sheltered in place with our Distance Learning Plan implemented, and the remainder of the school year uncertain. As we continue to fight this COVID-19 battle each day, one of the greatest lessons we have taken to heart is that the health and well being of our families is our top priority. It is during times like these that we are reminded what is most important in this precious life. With that in mind, Stratford will not move forward with our previously planned third annual Day of Giving scheduled for April 21-22. After nine months of successfully raising over $200,000 from our community, this was going to be the cornerstone event to help us reach our year-end goal of $300,000. As with our previous Day of Giving events, we had leadership and volunteers ready to generate excitement and critical annual fund dollars for our school. School closures and all of the implications have all institutions around the world evaluating what is best for their respective communities. With that in mind, Stratford's decision was made as a sensitivity to you and the stresses that have come with our new normal of remote learning and working, financial strains to individuals, business owners and employers, and even health and isolation issues. We continue to take heart knowing that once this situation ends our school still will be standing strong and ready to resume normal operations. Stratford's Temporary "New Normal" Our parent and faculty communities have been fully immersed in our Distance Learning Plan since March 16. For those of you a little more removed from "virtual" life on Peake Road, this plan has been expertly executed by Stratford's amazing faculty/staff. They have worked harder than ever in longer hours to make sure our students receive the education and experience they expect and deserve --- even in "crisis learning" mode. It is a fluid plan that is constantly being evaluated to make sure our students and families are supported as best possible. Even though this is the time of year that our Office of Admissions is typically bustling with shadow days and campus tours, school closure has not stopped the interest and work of our admissions team. They continue to field phone calls, answer emails, host Zoom appointments for prospective families, schedule "virtual" shadow days, test prospective students, and share all the great things happening with Stratford Academy. Please reach out if you have any questions regarding admissions for the fall of 2020. Stratford's social media platforms are typically robust with posts about school life --- that has not changed. We invite all of you to follow us on Twitter @stratfordeagles, Facebook.com/StratfordAcademy, and Instagram @stratfordacademy to experience all the ways we continue to engage and connect with our students and families. This is our weekly schedule, but there will also be other posts and virtual events hosted throughout this spring: * Mondays @ 10:30 AM - LIVE Monday Morning Assembly with Mr. Bowlds * Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM - Coaches in Quarantine - Stratford coaches give you some easy, at-home workouts to follow. * Wellness Wednesdays @ 11 AM - Megan Woodhall Carson '00 leads online yoga sessions meant to relax the mind, body, and soul. Also, our latest weekly blog post from an expert in the Stratford community will be available to read. * Thursdays @ 10:30 AM - Take-A-Peake Thursdays: Take a Glimpse of Stratford Faculty/Staff at Home for fun live and pre-recorded messages Also, please take a minute to read our most recent "Stratford Storied" about some of our Stratford faculty and how they are helping the medical community by providing masks. How Can You Help? In lieu of our Day of Giving, we are inviting the Stratford family across the country to make a difference in your local community by taking part in our Stratford Virtual Blood Drive. One of the most dire needs in the medical community right now is blood supply. Due to COVID-19, the American Red Cross has had to cancel more than 5,000 blood drive events leaving the organization with a loss of nearly 170,000 donations. This dangerous shortage impacts surgical patients, victims of car accidents, pregnancies, cancer patients, and other emergencies. Scheduling an individual appointment is safe and easy: visit www.redcross.org and type in your zip code to make an appointment at a local provider. Once you've signed up, throw on some Stratford spirit gear and go give blood! Take a photo of yourself, post on your own social media, and tag Stratford Academy using these hashtags #stratfordspirit #stratfordgivesback #stratfordvirtualblooddrive. Let's show our healthcare community how much Stratford appreciates them! Each day, I become more proud to be a part of the Stratford community. As I say to our staff in our weekly communications, "Courage and confidence, everyone!" Stay well! Logan Bowlds Head of School We have been overwhelmed by the number of families who have asked, "What can we do for Stratford?" If you feel led to make a gift to Stratford, we certainly do not want to discourage your support. Gifts can be made online or checks can be mailed to the school at 6010 Peake Road, Macon, GA 31220. Our fiscal year ends May 31. Again, thank you! © 2019 Stratford Academy, 6010 Peake Rd, Macon, Georgia, 31220, 478.477.8073
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