Birthdays have long been a celebratory occasion – especially in lower school, where parents deliver special classroom treats and sugary sweets to mark their student’s special day.

But this year’s new physical distancing protocols and restrictions on parent visits to campus have compelled Bolles lower school leaders to make new arrangements for birthday celebrations during the pandemic.

“Birthdays are such a special time!” said Bolles Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach Campus Head Stacey Hendershot. “While we will not be allowing birthday treats to be sent to the classrooms at this time, we plan to make every child feel special on their big day.”

She said each class will recognize peer birthdays at the end of each month with a special treat prepared by FLIK campus Chefs Tony and Raphael. The treats will be delivered to the classrooms on the last day of each month for all to enjoy. Teachers also will continue to lead an in-class celebration of each student on his or her actual birthday.

Bolles Lower School Whitehurst Campus Head Christy Lusk said teachers on her campus are approaching birthdays the same way. Students also will be recognized on their actual birthday during the campus’ morning broadcast, which takes place each morning and is produced by peers in Grade 5. Each month, students will enjoy a bag of popcorn and special visit from Champ, the Bolles mascot, to celebrate students' birthdays.

Students on the Bolles Middle School Bartram and Upper School San Jose Campuses already are celebrated in more remote fashion. Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges sends each student a Happy Birthday card in the mail.