When we ended the 2019-2020 school year, distance-learning, Zoom extra-help, and isolation were the unlikely norm. However, throughout the summer, the Chaminade High School administration aimed to rethink possible and create a new normal by implementing a comprehensive reopening plan that allowed for in-person learning five days per week for all students.
Distance-Learning
While we never expected the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic to affect the state of New York to the extent that it did, we felt it was essential to plan ahead. According to Mr. Gregory Kay '98, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Technology, "anticipating the possibility of a lockdown, the administration began distance-learning conversations with the chairpeople and faculty back in February of 2020. When the official word came in March, we were well prepared."
Parents know that distance-learning can be a challenge. That's why our guiding principle during this period of time was to provide as much continuity and accessibility as possible to our young men in order to maintain the student/teacher connection from home. That meant constant communication with parents, students, and faculty. Luckily, we were ahead of the game when it came to technology. Chaminade High School has been utilizing distance-learning on a lesser scale for about five years through the use of a uniform learning management system known as CANVAS, as well as Google Classroom and G-Suite. This made the transition that much smoother. One parent said of distance-learning:
"Our son has become more independent and responsible by the day! Distance-learning was really up his alley, and I have never seen him more dedicated and focused on academics. Additionally, the religious aspect [of Chaminade High School] has brought him peace in his heart and made him a more appreciative and compassionate person. My husband and I are forever grateful that our son is enrolled in your school. I know this year has been challenging on both a personal and professional level. The evening extra help sessions via Zoom were incredible and appreciated. Your teachers are dedicated and amazing individuals. I am so thankful for everything that has been done for our son."
Going into this process, we knew that we would need to be agile as we adapted to full-time distance-learning. We continued to build on what we did well and what didn't go so smoothly; we adjusted until we got right. For example, early on, we realized the amount of work being assigned was a bit overwhelming for students and faculty alike, so we asked ourselves, how can we make this work for everyone involved? The solution: each student participated in one live Zoom class and two asynchronous classes with assigned work per day — five days per week. In addition, individualized extra help and virtual activities were made readily available.
Another thing you may have noticed on our website and social media channels is that we've adjusted our dress code for the year. Currently, students are not required to wear a jacket and tie. This is in an effort to give parents the ability to launder school clothes daily.
Our end-of-year comprehensive examinations looked a little different, as well. Rather than a traditional test, students put together highly structured capstone projects. This type of assessment matches what we do in our A.P. aligned courses. The projects that were submitted far exceeded our expectations when it came to content.
Mr. Robert Paul '92, encapsulated our efforts during this unusual period when he said, "while there is no replacement for in-person instruction, we took the time to cultivate a blended learning model that can take advantage of the most recent technology, as well as the creativeness and dedication of our faculty."
A Comprehensive Reopening Plan
Finally, after much consideration by both the state and the Chaminade High School administration, we were permitted to reopen. Part of this reopening plan meant making sure we took into consideration what parents wanted the 2020-2021 school year to look like.
This led us to conduct a large-scale survey of current parents, as well as faculty focus groups, so we had a clear picture of wants and needs. The Chaminade Family overwhelmingly called for five days per week of in-person
learning. In addition, students who opted not to return to the classroom are able to take their classes live from home — meaning their day looks like any other student's, except they are participating in class via Zoom.
Mr. Graham Otton '05, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, said, "Of course there were many challenges to bringing our students back to campus this fall. With social distancing requirements, we determined that we would have to use every bit of the campus to schedule classes. We also knew that it was essential to have students and faculty learning together as much as possible. Our faculty has adjusted admirably to provide students with a supportive, engaging learning environment. It's a clear manifestation of Chaminade's motto — Fortes in Unitate."
Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst
Of course, while things have been running smoothly, we don't know if or when schools may be required to close. This was a critical factor in creating our reopening plan. We wanted to be prepared to go remote without any interruption in learning should this be the case. Chaminade High School President, Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. '81, said, "when we developed our reopening plans, we did so with an eye on the possibility of having to switch to distance-learning at some point. The schedule and protocols that were developed allow us to pivot on a moment's notice to full distance-learning if circumstances warranted that. We are grateful that we have been able to successfully have on-campus classes each day for all students." Should we have to return to the distance-learning model due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in Mineola, our students' schedules will remain the same, and there will be no interruption in their day-to-day learning experience.
We must credit the hard work of all of our students, faculty, administrators, and staff in making this year possible. Though it is a year unlike any other, we couldn't have done it without the support of our Chaminade Family — because that's what families do.