While ABSS public schools remain closed for in-person instruction (and have been since March 2020), Blessed Sacrament School, a private Catholic school in Burlington, celebrated its 100th day of restored in-person instruction on Wednesday, January 27.
The school originally opened for the fall semester in August. Initially, about 39 of 196 students opted to remain with remote learning.
In the intervening months, the school’s overall enrollment has grown, as has the number of children coming for in-person instruction. Out of 222 now enrolled, 16 continue to do so remotely, while 206 of the pre-school through eighth graders are in the building.
Principal Maria Gomez credited “common sense, parent transparency, following protocols, and teacher dedication” as keys to the school’s success at being able to remain open and provide regular instruction. “The children have done a great job and we made sure it was not gloom and doom,” Gomez added.
The school’s growth over the past few months has come from two sources, according to Beth Fitzgerald, the school’s director of advancement. Some public school parents have enrolled their children in order to ensure access to in-person classroom instruction, she said. Another five or so of the 26 new students have moved to the area from states where they were accustomed to in-person instruction.
Among the protocols in effect are shields at every desk and a requirement that everyone wear their masks throughout the day – except for when eating or drinking.
Gomez and Fitzgerald credit teachers and staff with the school’s ability to maintain its operations for 100 days since August. “Our teachers and staff have gone above and beyond to keep our students safe. They have mastered synchronously teaching, in person and virtually, to all of our students.
“Our students have adapted to all the changes we’ve been forced to make in our building and classrooms. They show up excited to be here and eager to learn.
“Our parents have done their part to keep their children safe when they aren’t at school. They’ve been honest with us when situations have arisen.”
In addition to about 206 students on campus, the school has a combined staff of about 35 who also practice the school’s safety protocols throughout the day, according to Fitzgerald.
The average class size is 21 students, according to the school.
The school is located at 515 Hillcrest Avenue, Burlington.
See coverage of decision of ABSS public schools to offer only remote instruction: https://alamancenews.com/other-school-systems-have-in-person-classes-why-doesnt-abss/
And an editorial page opinion on that decision: https://alamancenews.com/its-high-time-for-abss-to-get-back-to-work/
