The Arrow Fall 2020

OHA and COVID-19 As we begin year 142 at Oak Hill Academy, we are cognizant that these are challenging times for schools across the country as we navigate a new “normal” in education in the midst of a global pandemic. But, these are not unprecedented times in the history of Oak Hill Academy. The school has weathered other pandemics, world wars, economic depressions, and national upheaval. We continue to do what we have always done - guide, mentor, educate, and challenge this generation to build a solid foundation and reach higher – right here in rural Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. After finishing the 2019-2020 school year remotely, we were determined to have students return this fall in person. So much of what Oak Hill is and has to offer happens here, on campus: face-to-face interac tions with peers, instructors, and staff, structured activities, daily routines, athletics, scheduled study time, and our close-knit community. So, our question (and mandate) was, how do we keep students and staff safe while remaining together on campus? In many ways, we believe Oak Hill is uniquely positioned to weather this pandemic, and thrive. We are 100% boarding. We are located in a remote, rural part of Virginia. We have structures in place to limit travel and outside exposure, and have a dedicated staff who live right here on campus. Students come from all over the country and world, but once they are here, we are a small, quiet community. And thus, our “family-like bubble” in the midst of COVID-19 was formed. We believed (and still believe) that if we could get students safely on campus, test them for COVID-19, take strong precautions early on, and limit exposure to persons outside our Oak Hill “bubble” we could gradually return to a more “nor mal” school experience for our students. We instituted our own “Phase” system over the first month of school, moving to the next phase only when we were confident it was safe. We tested all staff and contract workers just prior to our opening. Students arrived in August and entered “Phase 1.” We tested all students during the first few days, and until the test results were returned, all students were insulated in their rooms. After we received results, we did have one positive COVID-19 case on campus, but due to our phase approach, we were able to isolate the case and move everyone else into “Phase 2.” During Phase 2 students attended class wearing masks and social distancing, ate meals outside, and interacted from a safe 6 feet apart in activities and athletics. We conducted another round of testing after two weeks, and had zero positive cases, and our students moved into “Phase 3.” Faculty and staff remain in Phase 2 throughout the semester. Students now are able to hold full athletic practices, walk around the campus mask-less, eat in the cafeteria, and enjoy an almost completely “normal” Oak Hill experience – all within our “family-like bubble.” There are parts of our community we miss, and we look forward to their safe return – worship at Young’s Chapel Baptist Church, off-campus outings, daily morning assemblies. But there have been unexpected positives as well: more students outside and engaged in activities, outdoor meals together, an increased

sense of “togetherness.” Our theme last year was “Embrace the Opportunity.” Check. Our theme this year is “Together.” In progress. Our “family-like bubble” is a unique op portunity for our students – a safe haven in the midst of a chaotic world, a place for our students to grow, learn, socialize, compete, take risks, learn independence, and build self-confidence. In reality, we’ve always been that place, pandemic or not. We em brace this time together, and look forward to a great year 142. Aaron Butt, Chair of COVID Task Force