February 1, 2021, Story and Photos submitted by Hingham Nursery School
If you were driving past the Bathing Beach over the weekend, you may have noticed an unusual sight… a polar bear swimming in the icy water!
This past Saturday, the Hingham Nursery School Board organized a fun (and frigid!) event in support of the school. “Pete the Polar Bear” plunged into Hingham Harbor on Saturday morning as part of a virtual fundraising effort for the school.
Sarah Murphy, President of the HNS Board, was thrilled with the enthusiasm around the event and was on site to lead spectators in a countdown to the plunge. "We are so happy with how many people tuned in and came down to support the Polar Bear Plunge. We are striving to find COVID-friendly ways for the HNS community to connect outside of school and different fun ways to have collective experiences. We normally host Touch-a-Truck at the Bathing Beach each fall, which we were unable to do, so this was another way to be back at the Bathing Beach and generate support for our school."
Prior to the plunge, HNS friends and family were able to purchase customized stuffed polar bears wearing Hingham Nursery School t-shirts. Proceeds from the polar bear sales went toward supporting the school. Students also geared up for the event by coloring polar bear worksheets distributed among the classes.
Many tuned in virtually via social media channels to spectate the plunge, and several spectators watched in-person at the Bathing Beach with their bears and creative posters while observing social distancing and masking guidelines. The plunge was thoroughly enjoyed by all!
Murnie Leary, Director of HNS, bundled up to take in the action on Saturday. “In our HNS tradition, clever, fun, and easy for all to enjoy! It was the perfect activity for a cold winter day!”
Be sure to check out Hingham Nursery School’s Facebook and Instagram pages (@hinghamnurseryschool) for more coverage of the plunge!
The Hingham Nursery School Board extends their sincere thanks for supporting the plunge and for the school community’s continuous support during a uniquely challenging time.
