After months of planning, the doors of 247 South Street are finally open. 

Faculty, staff, students, and parents alike had a mix of emotions about returning to school: excitement, anticipation, anxiety, and fear. After a few short weeks, some things have gone as expected, but many more have surprised us. Here is a collection of things about the “new normal” at Peck that have delighted us. 

Faculty and Staff

“I am surprised that despite months of not being together, lots of new faces, strict social distancing measures, masks, face shields, and lots of new protocols and procedures, Peck still feels like the same warm, welcoming, and familiar Peck I've known over the years.” - Director of Technology, Innovation, & Design Kevin Grieshaber 

“I am delightfully surprised at how many museums and historical sites have risen to the occasion and reinvented themselves in these COVID-19 times. So many exciting places for my classes to visit virtually!” - Upper School History Teacher Sue Longenecker

“I am surprised about the benefits of the new schedule. I now have the opportunity to teach sixth and seventh grades in addition to my usual fifth and eighth graders. I also get an additional 15 minutes each period, which is big when doing projects. Furthermore, with the new Arts Intensives scheduling, I get the kids more often for a concentrated period of time.” - Director of the Osborn ID & Design Lab Bruce Schwartz

“I am surprised how flexible and attentive the kids have become with all of the new changes in place.” - Upper School Music Teacher Andrew Lyman

“The most surprising aspect for me has been the tenacity, flexibility, and patience of the students! Their willingness to adapt and take these measures seriously without complaint is inspiring.” Upper School English Teacher Megan Boyle

“I am most surprised by our students’ resilience and ability to transition to a new way of life with smiles on their faces and bounce in their steps. We can learn so much from children.” - Lower School Reading Specialist Melissa Sorge

“How quickly I learned to tell if my students are smiling under their masks!” - Kindergarten Teacher Maribel Mohr

“Even with masks on and desks physically distant, there is still happy chatter in the classroom and outside during morning recess as students navigate mini-campuses and cohorts.” Second Grade Teacher Jane Attah

“As a faculty member, in every interaction and observation I have had with kids thus far, they have been unphased by wearing a mask. They have been so joyful and happy to be here, learning with their teachers and playing with their friends, that the mask is a non-issue and has become second nature. As a mom, when I walk out the door in the morning on the way to school with my son, he says to me, 'Mom, I've got my mask!' and immediately puts it on for the car ride TO school!” - Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Erin Ceder

Students

“I thought wearing masks was going to be a lot worse!” - Gianna Piloto

“I am surprised by how much I am still able to talk to my friends, even though we aren’t in the same advisory.” - Hadley Rand

“I’m surprised school is even open!” - Ava DiPasquale

Parents

“The most surprising ‘new normal’ for me is when I pick up my fourth-grade daughter, Vivian, at the end of the school day, she happily hops in the car with her mask on and starts telling me all about her day without removing her mask. She keeps chatting until I say, ‘Vivian, you can take off your mask now.’ She just laughs and says, ‘You're right Mom, I completely forgot I had it on. It's like just part of the uniform, it's no big deal.’ Wow, never would have guessed that reaction!” - Julie Sheppard 

“The capacity for adaptation of our children and their continued positivity and resilience.”- Monica Valenzuela

“Children are incredibly resilient and can readily adapt to new situations with the guidance of adults.” - Carol Ouzounian

“I always knew I was missing some great moments in my kids' lives commuting to NYC for work every day. Now that I have been working from home, I am enjoying every minute of ‘extra’ time with my family that I can.” - Tony Marone

One thing is clear from these responses: our entire community has risen to the occasion. We have adapted, we are flexible, and we are excited to be back!