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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 19 taking a hike in Shenandoah National Park, visiting e Fralin Museum of Art, exploring Luray Caverns – these are just a few of the many occasions to travel off campus for fun and enriching experiences," said Jonathan Brand, Head of School. "e pandemic has meant that teachers are working harder and longer than ever before. We are also adapting to change very quickly. We are fortunate, however, to have a supportive community in which to work. We are also blessed to have strong leadership. So perhaps the most positive thing to come out of the pandemic is an understanding of our own resilience and the compassion of our community," observed McLeod. None of this would be possible without the close-knit, sup- portive Grymes community. Last year, parents were restrict- ed from entering school buildings and gathering on grounds before and after school. Kimber Keating, Assistant Head of School noted, "We missed the daily interaction with our par- ents and I think they've really missed that too. Having parents and families back on campus, visible, and allowed to participate again is wonderful!" After a year-long hiatus, class plays have returned in an outdoor or limited, in-person audience format. e Virgin- ia Commission of the Arts has awarded Grymes Memorial School two grants this year to support the drama program. ese Artists in Education grants provide students the opportunity to learn the arts through work with professional artists. Seventh and eighth grade students have the opportu- nity to work with Virginia Commission for the Arts Teach- ing Artists as they create and perform their productions. Parents have enjoyed attending beloved school events and traditions, like the opportunity to honor family veteran member in person at school. "Parents can also attend most events live, virtually, a direct benefit of pandemic safety measures, and this often allows extended family and friends who would otherwise likely be unable to attend to be with us," said Jill Solek-Giles, Direc- tor of Technology. e school's four pillars – honor, respect, responsibility, and kindness – continue to be the strong foundation ultimate- ly supporting the Grymes mission of nurturing character, building thinkers, cultivating creativity, fostering communi- ty, and launching joyful learners. "Anyone who has spent time on the Grymes campus knows Grymes to be a school where children can be children even as they grow and flourish as inquisitive, joyful learners. Although the past year tested our school's ability to carry out our mission, I am proud of the way our teachers, students, parents, and our entire community rallied together to meet the challenge of a global pandemic," noted Brand. Learn more about Grymes Memorial: grymesschool.org