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Happy Holidays From The Bertram Group 2020
Greetings:
For many reasons, the theme of this year is resilience. Throughout 2020, we at The Bertram Group have been so impressed by the fortitude and positivity of students, parents, and schools in the face of tremendous obstacles. The optimism that is inherent in education was borne out as students found success this fall through on-campus and remote learning. We are proud to hear anecdotes from candidates, parents, and colleagues that demonstrate our human potential to be compassionate toward each other and creative in pursuit of our educational goals.
In recent months independent schools and colleges nationwide have built confidence in their ability to keep students and faculty safe while furthering students’ intellectual, social-emotional, and physical growth. Their significant investment in infrastructure, testing, adjusted operations—and most importantly in community trust—have brought wonderful returns. While experts caution that public health protocols will remain important throughout 2021, the launch of a vaccine program suggests the prospect of even more students returning to campuses. This is promising news for all of our candidates, whether they are now wrapping up applications for next year or are planning further out.
To conclude our series from this fall, we bring you three articles to help weather winter storms:
- Deena offers tips for supporting this year’s seniors as they finalize their college applications;
- Jeremy outlines why COVID-19 protocols are particularly difficult for teens and how parents can help;
- Holly has a guest interview with AJ Yates from The Thacher School, as an excellent example of how boarding schools are prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
To pause and reflect back on 2020 is profound. We feel deep sadness for those who have lost loved ones or who face significant health and financial issues. We also feel infinite gratitude for the tireless efforts of frontline health care professionals and other essential workers. As we look ahead to 2021, we feel humble. This past year reminds us how each individual has the capacity to impact others, and of our shared responsibility to cherish each other. Thank you for letting us be a part of your family’s or school’s educational journey.
We wish you a healthy and hopeful holiday season and look forward to hearing from you.
Warmly,
Cammie
