The 2020-21 school year will be unlike any other due to COVID-19, and Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria is poised to take on the challenges it presents. Ireton developed a “Return to School” plan that details how the school will operate in any of the reopening phases in Virginia.
Since
the Commonwealth is currently in Phase 3 of its reopening, Ireton welcomed back
students in person to begin the year. Half of the student body will attend
class in person each day, with the other half attending virtually from home,
creating a concurrent classroom. With a new block schedule, students will be in
the building two consecutive days and then out two consecutive days, with the
rotation continuing according to the school calendar.
This
split of the student body allows for necessary health and safety protocols to
be in place on campus, including physical distancing and reduced movement in
the building for students and faculty. The school has been outfitted with new
signs throughout the space, reminding students, faculty and staff about proper
distancing, directions for moving through hallways and stairwells, and
reminders for using masks and washing hands.
Thermal
temperature scanners are at the main entrances, and hand sanitizer and wipe
dispensers have been installed throughout the building. Air filters have been
updated to recommended ratings throughout the school building and several new
heating, ventilation and air conditioning compressors have been installed.
Portable air filters have been added to classrooms without open windows and the
fresh-air intake has been increased to recommended levels throughout campus.
Several changes were made to move toward contactless transactions, including
the launch of an online school store and the use of the SchoolPass system and
app for daily health screenings, lunch card purchasing and student passes as
needed during the school day.
Should
Virginia move back to Phase 1 or 2 of its reopening, Ireton is well prepared to
move to virtual learning. The school’s class schedule and concurrent classroom
learning plan allow for a smooth transition to fully remote instruction. This
scenario was outlined for parents and students at the beginning of July.
Ireton
also is excited for a full year with its new spaces that opened earlier this
year, which include a 40,000-square-foot building that houses the new
cafeteria, Hellmuth Library, new science and engineering labs, classrooms, and
space for the school’s growing Academic Support Program. In addition to the new
building, students can access the new auxiliary gym, cardio-fitness room and
training center.
The
school is excited to have Dwayne Bryant in his first full year as Ireton’s
athletic director, Kieran Mitchell as Ireton’s second school nurse and Devan
Dixon filling the new instructional technology specialist position.
“The
2020-2021 school year will be a unique challenge for our students, faculty and
staff,” said Head of School Kathleen McNutt. “Despite those challenges, we
embrace the year ahead with hope and faith, and great confidence in the work we
have done to provide a safe and productive learning environment for the Ireton
community. I am grateful to our Cardinal families as we partner together to
create a healthy and successful year, focused on our mission to Advance Always
with Christ at the center.”
“This
year, we welcome a number of new faculty members to our team in addition to
several proctors who will be in person with our students while some of our
faculty teaches remotely,” said Principal Denise Tobin. “We know this year will
be different than most and we are blessed to have talented and enthusiastic new
faculty members join the Cardinal family.”
Ireton
has chosen a St. Francis de Sales quote as its guiding message for the school
year:
"Even
though everything turns and changes around us, our hearts must remain
unchanging and ever looking, striving and aspiring toward God.”
The
faculty welcomes Giuliana Bonnette (English), Ben Gerke (Permanent Sub and SAP
case worker), Lana Gonzalez (Religion), Brian Green (English Proctor), Brigid
Hanrahan (Social Studies), Michael Lewis (Science Proctor), Kimberly Morris
(English), Chelsea Powell (Library Media Specialist), Jonathan Pressimone
(Religion), Olivia Ray (Math), Kathryn Rice (Theater Director), Mary Anne
Robbet (Social Studies), Ahmad Sasso (PT Study Hall Proctor), Anneliese M.
Slaton (Options Special Ed), Jennifer Stackpole (Art Proctor), Kelly Strauch
(Math), Elizabeth Subsavage (DeSales Program Lead) and Patrick Young
(PE/Health) for the 2020-21 school year.