HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS
Education
Delivering a Villa Education During a Global Pandemic
St . Ursula Villa ’ s 2020-21 school year proved to be a positive story of planning , preparation , creativity , and dedication resulting in successful in-person learning from August 19 through the last scheduled day of school on May 27 . The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated many changes to routines and programs ranging from carline procedures to academic scheduling blocks as the Villa pivoted to accommodate safety considerations for students and faculty while delivering strong , quality educational experiences .
Villa administration and key team members researched Ohio Department of Health guidelines throughout the summer of 2020 , revising and adjusting those guidelines weekly in response to updates of Hamilton County COVID-19 cases . Countless hours were spent diagramming student traffic into the school buildings , measuring classrooms and spacing desks , and purchasing needed supplies such as Plexiglas shields , disinfectant cleaners , and masks . In preparation for a possible move to remote learning , Chrome Books for grades K-8 , Google Classroom as a learning management system for grades 3-8 , and increased Seesaw functionality for preschool-2 nd grade were all integrated into classroom routines . Student schedules were reconfigured to minimize interaction between students during class changes , including block schedules for some grades and specialty teachers coming to classrooms in lieu of students traveling through hallways . Lunch arrangements were changed , temperature check areas were designated , bins were placed next to desks to store school supplies , and arrival and dismissal procedures were modified . The school ’ s HVAC system was optimized and regular air quality monitoring was established .
Specialty class instruction moved into student classrooms .
Masses and other school events were livestreamed for viewing .
The Villa ’ s large campus was an especially valuable asset during the pandemic , offering many spaces for teachers to conduct out-of-the classroom lessons , including the outdoor deck , courtyard , Villa Way , lower parking lot , and soccer field , as well as the Manor House portico , lawns , and patio .
Safety guidelines restricted Villa parents and other visitors from the school buildings while children were in session . The school implemented a process of live-streaming masses and prayer services for classroom viewing and opportunities to “ virtually ” worship together , as well as live-streaming the annual awards ceremony , spelling bee , and other school events .
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