Rollercoaster of Regulations - Field Day Health Situation

Written by Kathryn Golding

COVID-19 has changed many parts of school, including Field Day. In the previous school year, a Field Day already adjusted to prevent the spread of the virus had to be canceled. Despite hard work, planning, and many quarantines, Field Day was canceled at the last minute to prioritize the safety and health of the students. This year, with a new venue, Field Day might look a bit different, but the TRHS spirit will be stronger than ever.

Earlier in August, an announcement was made that students would have to not only wear a mask during Field Day, but also show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Masks were made mandatory, but students still had the option when it came to what proof they would show. However, just a week after the collection of proof started, a second announcement was sent out, drastically changing these plans.

It was just announced that the first Field Day since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic will take place at Shea Stadium. The new location means that Field Day will be held outside this year. This will give students more space to social distance in fresh air, making it harder for them to get infected as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Douglas County.

A new location means that students will have to be able to get there. Field Day will start in the morning, and it’s recommended that students are dropped off at the stadium between 7:40 and 8:40, preferably through carpooling as there will not be enough parking for everyone. Only a limited amount of parking passes will be available for students, and a request can be placed during Seminar. For those who usually take a bus to school, a shuttle from Thunder Ridge will be provided. It will also be provided to bring students back to the school, where the day will continue with Access after Field Day.

Once students arrive at the venue, they will join their Seminars, where they will eat breakfast together, instead of the traditional Seminar lunch, and work on their face paint, cheer, and song. During this part of the morning, the designs for t-shirt, banner, trash can, and face paint will be presented to the judges.

Although Field Day is scheduled to take place from 9:30 to 12:30, it will start once all of the students have been moved to the bleachers. Once Field Day ends, students will slowly be released to return to their parents or cars. Shuttles will be there for those who use a bus. As students get back from Shea Stadium, there will be some lunch options and Access will go from 1:15 to the end of the day at 2:50. It’s recommended students still check in with their Access teachers.

In addition, students no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend because Field Day will be outside. Bowlero, the homecoming venue, also doesn’t require proof, so TRHS will no longer be collecting that information. Masks will not be required for Field Day, due to it taking place outside, but masks will remain mandatory in school like normal. Although they are not required for Field Day, they are still highly recommended while students attend the event. Holding Field Day outside will help reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19, but masks will provide additional protection for those who want it.

Students won’t be able to bring personal items like bags, backpacks, or water bottles, so water and sunscreen will be provided by the school. Students should also look ahead and prepare for different weather, as Field Day will go on regardless of weather conditions, provided it is still safe.

If a student can’t make it or doesn’t want to attend Field Day at Shea Stadium, a live-stream option in the auditorium will still be offered. However, if a student can’t make it to Shea Stadium or the auditorium for the live-stream, a parent must call in an excused absence.

As Field Day approaches, more information regarding the events and schedule for the day will be communicated through Seminar. Due to the continuous changes in the COVID-19 pandemic, information in this article is subject to change.