And the cat came back.
For the years that Upper Head of School Craig Floyd lived with his family on campus, their pet cat Jack was like an honorary mascot for the Upper Campus. He roamed through morning meetings everyday, he hung out in the library, he lounged in the mailroom, and most importantly he spent lots of time receiving affection from the students.
But when the Thomas Fire hit the campus in 2017, Mr. Floyd, Mrs. Floyd, and Jack the cat were relocated to housing across the street from Lower Campus. And suddenly, without warning, Jack was absent, leaving a cat-sized hole in the OVS community.
At least until recently.
Earlier this year, Jack began to discover that Lower Campus across the street, first poking his head into the admissions office and eventually venturing into the classrooms.
“It’s only taken him a year to figure out that Lower Campus is right across the street,” said Mr. Floyd. Jack has now found himself wandering around Lower everyday and has become a part of the campus community.
“He makes his morning trek across the street and stays at school for the better part of the day,” said Mr. Floyd. “It reminds him of the Upper Campus so now he’s getting the Lower Campus experience.”
Jack brightened the days of many students at Upper and is now doing the same for students at the Lower. “A few days ago Jack walked into the Learning Center and just started purring,” said seventh grader Finn McDowell. “Jack is amazing and super cute.”
Along with being a companion for students, Jack is also a large presence in the admissions office.
“He comes in here every morning,” said Melissa Harris, a member of the admissions team. “I always look forward to when he walks in my office.”
Jack also loves spends to spend time with Wendy O’Brien, the executive assistant to President/CEO Michael J. Hall-Mounsey.
“Yesterday he wanted to jump on my desk,” said Ms. O’Brien, “He didn’t realize he didn’t have any footing so when he jumped, all the papers went flying and he landed on the floor. I mean, he’s just a hoot.”
Jack the Cat has not lost his spunky personality that he demonstrated at Upper. Jack is content, joyful, and the members of OVS are so happy to have him on campus.
“Jack is doing great and we’re all so happy to have him back at school,” said Mr. Floyd