Students are once again walking the footpaths of the Cheshire Academy campus, signifying a return to normalcy after 1.5 years of disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It’s a refreshing time seeing students filling the fields and indoor spaces for preseason activities; joining friends, faculty, and staff for meals in the Gideon Welles Dining Commons and at outside dining locations; and demonstrating an eagerness to learn and collaborate with their peers in person. 

On the Simosa Field and Track, the football, boys’ soccer, and girls’ soccer programs have been going over drills as part of preseason. Inside the Arthur Sheriff Field House, the volleyball program is doing the same, practicing bumps, sets, spikes, and serves. All student-athletes are learning teamwork, building relationships, and preparing for game days. New coaches and our first senior woman administrator are learning more about Cheshire Academy by the day, benefiting and growing the Athletics Department into a more competitive force. 

Meanwhile in Hurley Hall, students participating in the theater preseason are planning for the fall performance, “She Kills Monsters” by Qui Nguyen, and conducting various theatrical workshops before the start of the school year, including acting like monsters, knights, and other mythical creatures. 

Over the past couple of weeks, students from over 20 countries have been arriving on campus. Some received their COVID-19 vaccinations shortly upon arrival and have been following a quarantine period until they are fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, new students in all grade levels have been participating in a variety of orientation activities led by student leaders and faculty members, including games, meet-and-greets, and learning about campus life at Cheshire Academy. 

On Sunday, Convocation will serve as the culminating “preseason” event formally kicking off the start of the 2021-2022 academic year. Leading up to the evening program, more than 200 family members or new and returning students are expected on campus for a barbecue, student club fair, advisory meetings, and other programs. It’s sure to be a promising time filled with fun for all, with families able to attend in person or watch via livestream. 

To see more photos of activities taking place, view our Flickr albums by clicking here.