Virtual Learning

READY FOR IN-PERSON LEARNING? YOU BET! By Stephanie McLoughlin

As we entered the summer of 2020, we began to prepare our campus for students’ return in the fall. Not just for some students — for all students. While we knew that guidelines might require us to teach virtually or operate in a blended model, our goal was to be able to have our entire community back on campus, because, at our core, we are a community that thrives on being together.

Stephen Dubin ‘79 (Director of Facilities), Bill Ryan (Director of Safety and Security), and Wayne Cornish (Facilities Technical Specialist) spearheaded the efforts to prepare campus, assisted by their team of often unsung heroes Richard Howard, Flavio Reyes, Gil Rodgers, Randy Staines, and Darrin Tucker. The result of their months of hard work was nothing short of miraculous.

One of the biggest challenges was to de-densify classrooms and building spaces to ensure proper social distancing. Every classroom was measured, desks were rearranged, and our small classes became even smaller. Non-traditional areas were turned into classroom spaces. The lower school library now serves as the kindergarten. Areas in both the Gelston Athletic Center and the Iglehart Center, along with the wrestling room, are also being used as instructional spaces. Five oversized tents arrived on campus in late August to serve as additional classroom spaces and meeting areas, and 115 additional chairs and desk sets were purchased to accommodate new classrooms. Two modulars arrived on campus in September, with one serving as a classroom and the other as an additional health suite to separate students who become ill with COVID-like symptoms.

Traffic patterns within our buildings have been rerouted, and hallway dividers are being used to preserve social distancing. Throughout campus, signage reminds students to wash their hands and stay six feet apart, and student drop off has become a well-orchestrated ballet to safely bring students into buildings with separate entrances for each grade. A two-camera system has been installed in every classroom, allowing for the live streaming of classes so boys can engage in their lessons if they are unable to come to School, and to provide families with the option of an entirely virtual learning experience.

The table was set for the boys to return to campus, but the work had only begun. Throughout the day, high-touch spaces and classrooms are cleaned and sanitized, and on weekends, campus is closed for a thorough deep cleaning. All commmuniy members wear masks through the day and every classroom is equipped with sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer. Lunch is eaten in socially distant groups, and boys can either bring their own food or order a lunch that is delivered directly to their classrooms.

Hearing lower schoolers’ laughter, witnessing older boys engage in their lessons, and watching our campus come alive with our Laker spirit made it all worth it. Because, as we like to say, it’s always a great day to be a Laker!