Overjoyed at the news in early July, providing us with a plan to return to the Hill School for in-person learning, students also had to prepare for the 2020-2021 school year to look completely different compared to previous years. Staying six feet apart, wearing a mask, no seated lunches, the list goes on. With regard to the COVID-19 safety measures, the Hill School faculty as well as students have developed new ways to spend time with friends. 

Director of Student Enrichment David Hoffman ‘01 said, “our biggest challenge is: how do you run a program that does not feel recycled?” Restricting group sizes, taking precautions to avoid close contact and not having the ability to take students off campus is certainly not ideal. In addition to this, conducting events with shared objects proved to be very difficult, especially at the beginning of the year. 

However, the Student Life Association has discovered solutions over the past few months, as Hoffman explained, “We are using pool noodles to tag people in manhunt so there is no physical contact.” According to Hoffman, some of the safest activities on campus include: NFL games, college football games, matinee evening movies and the NFL playoffs in the CFTA. Hanging out with friends in the headmaster’s garden and watching the movie on the Quad also follow all COVID guidelines. 

Thankfully, “we have been blessed with great weather almost every single weekend, making it easier to keep as many students outside as possible” Hoffman explained. 

That being said, students from all grades have come up with their own forms of entertainment. Below are a few ways to spend time with friends in a COVID-friendly manner: 

Sports

Whether it is going to the far fields to play hockey and lacrosse, running around the indoor track or playing basketball at the Sweeney Gym, playing sports is an efficient way to occupy extra time as long as students remain six feet apart from others. “My friends and I enjoy going to the farfields. I love going to the far fields because we are all just together and we don’t have to wear masks if we stay physically distant from each other,” MaryKate Barnhart ‘24 said.

The Headmaster’s Garden

In contrast to recent years, the Headmaster’s Garden has definitely become a popular spot for students to safely spend time together on campus. While sitting around the cozy fire in adirondack chairs, students communicate with each other and laugh all night long. “It is a good place to sit around and talk while staying properly physically distanced,” Tess Mcardle ‘21 remarked. How can blasting music and roasting marshmallows with fondue on the side not make for a perfect, germ-free Saturday night? 

Bingo and Trivia

With the introduction of bingo and trivia games, students have gladly taken this opportunity to embrace their competitive spirit, knowing they have a chance to win a variety of cool prizes.  “Getting to go to bingo and trivia has been a lot of fun because this is something I have not done in past years,” Tess Mcardle ‘21 stated. Remaining six feet apart on the seal patio, the faculty provides students with a pencil and paper to write down the trivia answers to avoid collecting germs on reusable boards. The students enjoy this time to laugh with friends and guess who will be the champion at the end of the game. 

Netflix 

Watching television shows on Netflix accompanied by friends in the common room of the dorm is always enjoyable. “My friends and I love watching the Vampire Diaries and Criminal Minds together in the common room,” Maddy Timbrook ‘23 said. By staying physically distanced and keeping their masks on, students can lounge around on a rainy day and watch a variety of their favorite shows.