In Person Learning

WELCOME BACK!

By Stephanie McLoughlin

As the school year wrapped up and summer began we focused on our goal for 2020-2021: providing an inperson experience, as safely as possible, for as many students as possible. If the past several months taught us anything, it’s that the situation is dynamic, and the need for adaptability is paramount. Given that truth, we constructed scenarios that would allow us to offer five-days a week in-person learning, blended learning, or distance learning as conditions required.

After months of strategizing and scenario planning, we recognized that the best opportunity to minimize potential exposure to COVID-19 and bring boys back to Lake Avenue was to implement a phased-in return to campus. We began the year by bringing our youngest learners back to campus, while older students learned virtually. Throughout September, students would gradually return to in-person learning with middle and upper school students in a blended learning model - spending a few days a week on campus and a few days distance learning. We also offered families the opportunity for an entirely virtual learning experience, and in preparation, equipped every classroom with two cameras for live streaming.

Orientation kicked off the week of August 31, with boys coming to campus in small groups to collect supplies and learn new protocols and procedures. The following week our students began their return to campus, joyful once again at being back on Lake Avenue and able to interact with classmates and teachers. On September 18, we officially opened the school year with Opening Convocation. Rather than gathering the student body in the Iglehart Center, this year’s outdoor convocation saw our kindergarteners seated on the field, while the senior class filled the bleachers and the rest of the students and faculty joined via live stream. Student Body President Jonathan Elliott ‘21 opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and the School’s Mission Statement, after which Headmaster Chris Post welcomed everyone “formally and finally” to the 177th school year.

Mr. Post went on to retell the story of the closing of Brevard Street 60 years ago and Boys’ Latin’s move to Lake Avenue. “When faced with insurmountable odds, everyone did his part.” said Headmaster Post as he spoke about the relocation from Brevard Street, and what it will mean for each one to do his part this year. Mr. Post concluded by saying, “We’re back! It’s a great day to be a Laker!”

The lower school was the first division to have boys back on campus five days a week. Lower school head, Greg Schnitzlein credits the entire community for the smooth return. “Our return to in-person learning at Boys’ Latin has truly been a group effort. It has taken dedication, compassion, patience and trust from the entire Boys’ Latin community. Our staff, teachers, students, and parents all share responsibility for the success we have experienced bringing our campus back to life. Throughout all of this, our students remain happy, engaged, and have demonstrated unparalleled resilience each and every day. No time in my fifteen years on Lake Avenue have I been more proud to be a Laker,” said Schnitzlein.

And, we couldn’t be any prouder of our boys for learning to do what’s difficult – and what’s right.