Finding Joy in a Pandemic at The Avery Coonley School

There is something special to be found at the top of The Avery Coonley School’s sledding hill. It’s filled with smiling faces, cheerful belly laughs, and chatter between friends old and new navigating COVID-19 with the knowledge that together they’re joy. They’re drive. They’re more.

Since its founding in 1906, The Avery Coonley School has created collaborative learning opportunities for creative, curious, critical thinkers and independent, lifelong learners. While The Avery Coonley School is best known for serving gifted learners, those who are a part of their community will tell you it’s the unique traditions that set them apart from the rest. This includes the long-standing tradition of winters at The Avery Coonley School.

“I fondly remember all the great "snow days" we had during recess. The school had a toboggan slide (the school-owned toboggans) and many kids, including me, also stored our sleds at the school. All of this is to say that I have many memories of "snow days" during my decade at ACS.” - Chip Fry, The Avery Coonley School Alum.

With plenty of outdoor learning spaces, The Avery Coonley School has a history of embracing the cold Illinois winters with plenty of puffy coats, sleds, and large smiles. This year was no exception. Students eagerly await outdoor activities and physical education during the winter months, as its playfulness and unique traditions create a fun and joyful learning experience for all Avery Coonley students.

“I started in 4th grade (1961/1962) and graduated in 1966. Winter was always fun when there was snow. The hill for sledding and the toboggan slide was something we really loved. We'd spend our physical education time up and down - who could go the farthest? When the rock pond was frozen, Mr. Ray would let us skate. It was so much fun!” - Cathleen Fitzgerald Schultz, The Avery Coonley School Class of ‘66.

Last year, when COVID-19 hit, classroom routines were changed across the nation. Unprecedented adjustments and new ways to deliver and receive class instruction were developed for students and teachers alike. However, the community at The Avery Coonley School navigated the changes together with wisdom and thoughtfulness. As the winter months began to approach, the school’s Physical Education Teachers Adam Metcalf, and Joe Schallmoser, wanted to do something special. That is when Mr. Metcalf entered and received The Northeastern District of IAHPERD grant for the school, which would allow them to purchase quality plastic sleds for current and future students to use while social-distancing on The Avery Coonley School sledding hill.

In a year of confusion and change, students needed a simple way to spend time with their peers and have fun while also releasing the pandemic’s stresses at a safe distance. While investing in proper sledding equipment was essential, its impact on students is far more significant. The Avery Coonley School’s Physical Education teachers knew that continuing winter traditions would be a perfect way to cheer up students of all ages.

“Having a unique outlet to get exercise and socialize while sledding gives our students a much-needed boost during this difficult school year.” - Adam Metcalf, Physical Education Teacher at The Avery Coonley School.

In addition to being a fun activity, sledding is connected to The Avery Coonley curriculum in several ways. It strengthens core muscles while targeting three gross motor skills: proprioception, motor planning, and balance. It also impacts a student’s social-emotional element, encouraging them to take turns, read social cues, and engage in teamwork. These are all inherent parts of an outdoor sledding experience, but there is something special about the community at The Avery Coonley School that reaches beyond this. It’s more than just sledding. It’s about bringing joy into the lives of their students.

This year especially, the community is embracing the cold weather and continuing to uphold its winter traditions. Including last week when Paul Druzinsky, Head of The Avery Coonley School, sent out an email that included the two words every student and parent long to hear, “Snow Day.”

“I believe now, more than ever, that snow days, which are generally rare, are times for children to have fun and create lifetime memories. Our students and staff work tremendously hard, and the rare snow day is something all children should experience, especially in these unprecedented times. Life is too short! If we ever do close, see it as a chance for sledding, hot chocolate, extra sleep, and a special moment for your children.” - Paul Druzinsky, Head of The Avery Coonley School.

These winter months provide an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. The Avery Coonley School thrives on its uniquely collaborative environment and student’s drive to learn. Deeply involved parents and highly committed faculty support this community of motivated, high-ability children, who learn together and learn by doing. They welcome, include, and support each other in their diversity.

Driven by the motivation to serve its students, The Avery Coonley School confidently opened its doors for in-person learning on August 27, 2020. It has continued to remain open safely, with no outbreaks or transmissions. The Avery Coonley School is a dynamic and diverse independent day school serving academically bright and gifted students from preschool - 8th grade in Downers Grove, IL. Find more information here:https://www.averycoonley.org/.