This past Tuesday, Feb. 16, Mr. Hagerty and Mr. Pituch held a virtual town hall meeting through Microsoft Teams to discuss the plan moving forward with the school year. Over the past month, the administration at Prep and Villa have sent out parent surveys regarding a new attendance plan for both buildings.

Mr. Hagerty and Mr. Pituch discussed the plan, which goes into effect March 1. Students have three options: hybrid learning, fully in-person learning; or fully remote learning. Previously, students were only permitted to be fully remote or hybrid, which meant they were only in school on their assigned alternating color-coded days (orange and black for Prep and blue and white for Villa).

Based on the survey data that they received from families and the latest information from the CDC, administration feels confident Prep and Villa can continue to maintain effective health and safety protocols in the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

One great thing about this announcement is that students at both campuses get the option of being in school full time, which many parents indicated they want. During the meeting they also announced that students need to decide and communicate their plan for attendance no later than Monday, Feb. 22. Whatever choice that student wants they have to stick with it for the rest of the third quarter, which ends March 26. This plan is a win/win for both sides, allowing administration to more easily record attendance, while allowing students to have a more diverse choice on how to finish the 2020-2021 school year.

This brings great excitement to students willing to be in the classroom day in and day out, and teachers who are missing having a sense of normalcy with a classroom full of students.

Prep senior Philip Pedano is among those who likes the options. “I think it’s a good thing they’re trying to get more students in the building at this point in the year,” he said, “especially for us seniors because it’s our last time we will all be in school together. We are trying to make the best out of the current situation to still have a great senior year.”

Sophomore Matthew Kalie said, “Personally I think it’s a great opportunity for both campuses because it opens up more opportunities for the students.”