The first season of After-School Activities is in full swing for WAB’s Middle and High School students.

It was not a typical start to this year’s extracurricular program, but students have shown up enthusiastically to take part in the 157 athletics, arts, and service activities available. The WABX Activities Department has adapted their programs to meet the needs of a hybrid model – offering students both on campus and abroad the chance to get involved. They plan to launch activities in the Elementary next month.

“I am pleased to say the registration is even stronger this year than they have been in the past,” Martin Halpin, WAB’s Activities Director said. “Students are trying out new activities, and we are grateful for our faculty and staff who are working so hard to help create great experiences.”

The WABX Activities Department has taken cues from the way WAB’s academics have adapted to a hybrid school model. Students who are not on campus tuned into the annual Activities Fair online, and nearly every activity in our program has included ways to bring the on-campus and online experiences together.

“The enthusiasm we are seeing from students and faculty is a testament to how important these activities are to our school community,” WABX Assistant Activities Director Caleb Liu said. “The atmosphere has been great. The kids are excited to be active and socializing together, and we are finding ways for everyone – no matter where they are in the world – to be included in the teams and clubs.”

In the last few weeks, Tiger Field and other spaces around campus are buzzing with activity. Despite some changes to the athletics schedule due to COVID, many sports are taking part in a full practice schedule on campus and at the same time finding ways to involve athletes who remain abroad through special training sessions, personal coaching, and interactive videos.

The successful and enthusiastic kick-off for the season’s activities was a bright spot for the community in our return to the school year. Looking ahead, the WABX team is hopeful for upcoming seasons of activities this school year and a return to competitions and festivals with other schools. In the meantime, however, the WABX team is continuing to work with coaches and faculty leaders to adapt the school’s technology, like Microsoft Teams, and other online resources to enhance the program for everyone.

“We want them to feel as much part of the group as possible,” Caleb said. “We know this is not an activities experience many of us could have ever imagined, but all of the WAB students, coaches, staff, and club leaders are putting in extra work to continue offering the best program we can for the students in the current situation. It's a great example of the WAB spirit and has been truly inspiring. Our community has come together to pull this off and has created momentum for us in building our plans for the future when are all reunite together on campus.

To learn more about the WABX Activities Department, visit our WABX page.