St. Scholastica Academy adapts to online learning

By Madeleine Bechac
Contributing writer

In response to restrictions on the number of people that can gather at one site due to COVID-19, St. Scholastica Academy has put its academics and events online in order to protect the community. Upcoming events such as Falaya Fling, the alumnae luncheon, Alumnae Easter Egg Hunt and Grandparents’ Day have either been postponed, canceled or taken virtual. 

The first online-centric event planned is the Falaya Fling March 21. Kicking off at 5:30 p.m. will be a live post on the St. Scholastica Academy Facebook page, which will lead into a virtual bidding gala. “Snag the Bag” tickets will be available to purchase on the Falaya Fling Facebook page. More information regarding this important fundraising event will be announced via social media or email.

Online learning

As far as school is concerned, students started distance-learning March 17 and will continue this way until further notice. 

Students are required to follow a 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. schedule Monday through Friday. Every hour, they check in with their teachers, depending on their personal block schedules, by logging onto their class page website. The coursework required for each class differs, depending on the difficulty and common work of the class.

Teachers and students had a practice day on March 16 whereby students had to sign in, and teachers practiced using a learning software such as Google Classroom to create and check assignments and also a video-conferencing platform such as Zoom to create an online collaboration to bring the classes to life.

St. Scholastica’s campus stayed open so teachers had the option of working from home or from their classrooms.

Teachers are having a very positive experience thus far. 

“Periods A and B worked great with Zoom this morning,” geometry teacher John Glorioso said. “The girls seemed to be upbeat and happy to see each other on their computers.”  

Sociology teacher, Joe Adragna agreed.

“Girls really enjoyed the discussion board, and it was clear that they all missed each other,” Adragna said.  “Got some good substantive discussion happening.” 

Chemistry teacher Kim Bartlett, instructing from home, said, “We are doing great. I did a lab in my kitchen with my chemistry girls through Zoom.”

My personal experience with distance-learning has been positive thus far, and the teachers and faculty have been understanding and patient in this trying time of transition.

Madeline Bechac is a senior at St. Scholastica Academy in Covington.