Covid-19 Thoughts

I have never been more grateful to be part of the Chaminade community. This year, more than ever, I have been awestruck by the dedication and creativity of our faculty, the resilience and good nature of our students, and the trusting support of our school families. There are moments when it is truly overwhelming, in the best kind of way. - Ms. Elizabeth Dunlap, Administration

I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach the vast majority of students in person because there's no substitute for direct instruction in an educational environment. I'm especially pleased that extracurricular activities are taking place because high school sports, theater, clubs, gatherings, etc. add tremendous value to the overall experience of our students. All that being said, I have found it to be a tremendously challenging endeavor and at times overbearing. I definitely miss the interaction with colleagues (i.e. friends), in addition to the many enjoyable and wideranging social dynamics that “normally” occur within the CCP community while participating in school-related activities. - Mr. Mike Massa '83, Practical Arts Department

Everything that felt so weird at the beginning of the school year now seems strangely normal. - Mrs. Dolores Perlow

Being able to teach students in person has been a real gift. Seeing my students faces, even if it is only the top half, makes it easier to cope with the challenges of teaching in a digital world. - Dr. Tim Pendleton '89, Science Department

As the year began, there was a lot of nervous energy about how we would start the school year. Because of so much thoughtful planning of our administration and polite compliance by our students, being in person has been a successful endeavor. I couldn't be more proud to be part of such a great school community. - Dr. Andrew Schmitt '95, Social Studies Department

I love how the entire Chaminade community has come together to tackle the challenge of bringing in-person education back to our school. The boys have done a wonderful job of being responsible young men and following the protocols and major kudos to our administration for their leadership in making this possible. A true example of our school's motto in action - Esto Vir!” - Mr. Rob Grumich, Fine Arts Department

As a parent and a staff member I have the privilege of watching things from the inside. I am impressed with the amount of grace in which the administration and faculty have handled all the changes due to COVID. In such an unsure time, Chaminade has made things easier by being fully transparent and committed to providing an excellent education within the safety protocols. - Mrs. Susie Clark, Middle School Administrative Team

I can best describe this school year with a quote from a football referee during a game. “I have officiated six games this year, you are the only school who I've seen do this.” when referencing our socially distant sideline policy. It shows that Chaminade is a collective team that is doing its part to accomplish our mission. - Mr. Scott Kugler, Science Department

Early on, when half the class was virtual and the other half was in person, the zoom meeting took on an interesting twist. It's always fun when you're talking to a computer screen and the in person class thinks something is wrong with you! “What did you say Mr. C?” “Oh, I was talking to the virtual learners.” But on a serious note, it is great to be with the students again and building those relationships that are so vital to learning. - Mr. Chris Chiburis, Social Studies Department

If it's true that opportunity lies at the middle of difficulty, as Einstein put it, then we have certainly been given a big opportunity this year. I've been struck by my colleagues' willingness to reframe the limits of this “new normal” as an opportunity to challenge centuries-old assumptions about what teaching and learning can be. There's so much creativity and innovation in the building this year, and it's contagious. - Mr. John Hale '03, Counseling Department

What a crazy start to the school year. Hats off to the students for buying in to our safety protocols and helping keep our school community safe. They are the real reason we are able to continue with in-person learning. - Mr. Jack Twellman, Counseling Department

I think that this school year has been going way smoother than I imagined it would. All the teachers are extremely understanding and flexible with assignments. They know that technology can fail, however, they are still challenging me academically. - Jacob Scheller '23

Can you imagine how hard it is to get to know new students when you can only see their eyes? What facial expressions are they hiding behind their masks? Are they

yawning, sticking their tongues out at me, frowning in disappointment? I have noticed that my mind fills in the blanks as I try to picture what people really look like. Once every eight days, my students remove their masks and eat lunch in my classroom (the scariest time of my day). I am surprised to see what their faces really look like as my imagination does not do them justice. As they put their masks back on, the design on the mask becomes part of their personality that I associate with them in my mind. But like the different clothes we wear every day, students switch masks. It is difficult to get to know new students when you can only see their eyes. One of the benefits of zoom is that I can see everyone's face and the tile has everyone's name on it. Much easier to learn names that way. - Dr. Dan Karcher, English Department

It has been quite inspiring that the 10th/11th grade students in the Introduction to Engineering Design class are able to produce similar high quality deliverables; whether being a live in person student physically on campus, or as an at home remote virtual learner…anywhere in the world !! - Mr. Chris Salaveria, Practical Arts Department

Even though the times are different, the teachers and staff at Chaminade have found a way to teach and engage us while not losing the school spirit. They had a vision and a clear plan and they executed it. It is great to be back!

- Mack Yanagimoto '25

Through the end of last year and the beginning of this year, it has been such an incredible thing to see how the teachers AND students of Chaminade have evolved our teaching and learning styles. Education is fundamentally shifting, and I truly feel that Chaminade is at the forefront of changing how students learn and digest information. I am so honored to be part of a place where creativity, imagination, and outside the box thinking are uplifted and encouraged. - Mrs. Jessica Young, Practical Arts Department

This year was largely different to what it was last year. In my experience, Chaminade feels they want to protect us from this virus so our school year can go on. They take the right precautions and make sure everyone will be okay.

- Zach Tracy '26

Teaching in these challenging circumstances has been a wonderful reminder to me of the value of education— offering students a greater encounter with the truth and wisdom present in our world, a world permeated with the goodness of God. Amid the sometimes overwhelming demands of teaching this year, I find God real and present in our Chaminade community and in our world. We are blessed to be able to provide an education to our young men that allows for such a pursuit of meaning and truth in these weird times. - Mr. Chris Shaver, Theology and Mathematics Department

In the uniqueness of the 2020-2021 school year, learning is taking place in the classroom. Family spirit is still alive in new ways. New challenges and opportunities have emerged. We all have experienced joys and sorrows. Through it all, on a daily basis we are still given opportunities to love and support our brothers and sisters as Christ's hands, voice, ears, etc. May our actions speak louder than our words. - Mr. Rick Wibbenmeyer, Mathematics Department

It was so nice to see the young men we had not been in face to face, or mask to mask, contact with since midMarch! Great to see them cooperating with our mitigation protocols. - Mr. Vince Viviano '72, Counseling Department

I've been reminded time and time again of the amazing community that is Chaminade. The faculty, students, and families have faced the challenges of this year with a joyful attitude. The eagerness to adapt and change for the greater good is inspiring! - Dr. Todd Guidry, Administration

I would like to commend Chaminade's Resident Students for their dedication and hard work this year. Being away from home and family can be tough on a young man in a normal year, and is only compounded in this challenging time. While our school and dorm staff have worked hard to keep our residents healthy and safe, our students and families have sacrificed a lot to make sure they can take advantage of a Chaminade education. - Mr. Mark Baczynski '99, Admissions

It's been a strange year; the time is blowing by and Chaminade is staying safe. The COVID rules might seem tedious, but because of them the Chaminade family is healthy, and that's worth all the little hassles we have to put up with. - Tom Smith '22

I am just very happy to be here. It's wonderful to work with the boys in person, to see my fantastic colleagues every day and to feel the Chaminade family around me. I

am so thankful for the administration for making this work for us and our families! - Mrs. Laura Greise, Counseling Department

In 2020 the anxiety and stress levels seem to be elevated. PLEASE can MoDOT make the stoplight coming onto campus just a little bit longer!?!?! - Anonymous

I appreciate that Chaminade makes in-person teaching possible with flexibility offered to virtual learners. The administration thoroughly laid out the process/plan, the faculty/staff diligently helped out and the students respect the instructions. We all work together to make it possible. Thank you Chaminade! - Mrs. Chien, Classical & Modern Languages Department

As I sit back and reflect about the first few months of the 2020 school year, while certainly different, I would say more SPECIAL than DIFFERENT. To see how our school community (Faculty, Staff, Students, and Parents) came together is very special. The opportunity for our young men to be back in the classrooms and participating in extracurriculars is healthy on so many levels. - Mr. Tim Sartori '98, Counseling Department

This is a tough year, at times stressful and hard. I am trying new things in the classroom and sometimes they don't satisfy what I want and the constant use of the computer is a concern. I have managed to make most things work, but at times I am frustrated with the quality. I am spending more time outside the classroom trying to create and prepare my weekly lessons. - Mr. Eric Burdge '89, Mathematics Department

I am grateful for all Chaminade has done this year in efforts to keep us in school. We are fortunate enough to be in school every day and this has made this otherwise weird year somewhat normal. - Sean Cavanaugh '21

I was pleased to see that the students were adhering to the mask mandates in the buildings. I'm also happy that we've managed to keep the positive cases and quarantines to a minimum so my class isn't disrupted. The students are also cooperative in using hand sanitizer before using shared tools. - Mr. Jim Robert, Fine Arts Department

Even though it's not quite the same as usual, it is SO good to have the students back on campus. I am so impressed by the way they follow all of the new restrictions and seem to be embracing their time here on campus in the classroom 6 | Esto Vir Magazine, Fall 2020

and with their teams and activities. I am also amazed by the dedication of our faculty who have been willing to go above and beyond every day for us to be able to offer in-person and virtual classes. - Michelle Ostermueller, Business Office Staff

My 92 year old father shared this advice which I believe has much truth. “We all have limited sand in our hourglass. Wear a mask, wash your hands, but do not forget the people you love. We do not know what is around the next corner. Please visit us.” - Mrs. Robyn Pilliod, Advancement Department

I am very thankful that we are able to have in-person classes. Real chemistry labs with the guys are much more fun than virtual labs. - Mr. Todd McMenamy, Science Department

This year has been tough but really rewarding. I did not realize how much I missed the small interactions until I got back into the classroom. While I maybe wouldn't have incorporated this much technology at this pace, I think it has pushed teachers to function and think in a way we might not have prior to this, and I think I will be glad to have all of these resources when it is all said and done. - Allison Justusson, English Department

I believe in every challenge or obstacle, there is an opportunity. While everyone would admit the circumstances presented to us in 2020 have not been ideal, it has given us an opportunity to explore new and innovative ways to effectively instruct and mold our students. This has pushed us to become even better educators for our students now and in the future! - Mr. Frank Bennett '01 Mathematics Department

During these unprecedented times we have all embodied our Marianist Characteristic of “Educating for Adaptation and Change”, as we continue to educate to adapt to an ever-changing world. - Antoine Torrey, Physical Education Department

I think this year the entire Chaminade community has increased in gratitude. We know that everyday we spend together, growing in relationship, learning from one another, is a blessing and a gift. Our sense of family and community has been on full display, as we have all taken on new challenges, stood in and stood up for one another, and supported one another through many changes. This year has revealed our creativity, has accelerated our innovation,

and has deepened our profound commitment to students and to the good work of education, but mostly the year has revealed our character and our commitment to Chaminade's most special school community. - Dr. Brett Desnoyer, Administration

I have been blown away by the faculty at Chaminade. Their willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure our students receive the best possible experience is inspiring. I'm grateful and humbled to have such a talented group of committed professionals as my colleagues. They are a true blessing to our community. - Tracy Bowler, Advancement Department

I believe that this school year has been different, but it has brought better things that replaced old ones. In mentor group, we have gotten to do more fun and small activities, instead of complex all house events once a month. We have even gotten to watch movies and create a fantasy football league. Before, every student stayed separate and hardly did anything. However, the lack of large activities has brought a more fun mentor group. - Caden Fernandez '25

I appreciate the support we have from our instructional specialist, Hannah Gage, and the variety of technological tools we have at our disposal. - Mrs. Cyndy Bishop, English Department

Teaching ceramics online certainly isn't ideal. I will say that is has gone much better than I had anticipated. It is a ton more work on my part in getting clay and keeping the studio prepared. The students have really stepped up and have taken more responsibility than they ever have. I think it has reminded me and my students what the gift of having and working in a real studio is. Once the studio and the oneon-one interaction is gone, the entire lesson, workflow and objective changes. It reminds us all to make the most of the time we have in the studio and get the most out of it that we can. It has also reaffirmed in me that the little things matter a lot! I also miss seeing my students confused looks, smiles and little facial expressions that make teaching kids so valuable to me. - Mark Laury, Fine Arts Department

The bond created between students and even the faculty - it's one of the things that I look forward to when going to school. Chaminade has helped me out so much making me evolve and change into a better person ultimately into a better man. - Damien Mayo '22

This school year has been quite unique for everyone both in-person and online. With all the confusion in the world, the Chaminade family has worked tirelessly, and continues to work in order to make this year as 'normal' as possible. We are all in this together, and having the true family spirit makes coming to school every day, even masked up, all the more worth it! - RJ Jackson '21

Dealing with change and new approaches to things is always challenging. The response of our students, faculty and staff and our families to our new reality has been a wonderful demonstration of courage and flexibility, the ability to prioritize and make good choices. In spite of everything we have, I think, become a stronger educational community and a better Chaminade Family. - Fr. Ralph

When we first started back in person, I thought that Chaminade didn't feel the same. The hallways, the atrium, and the cafeteria all felt different and hollow. Slowly but surely though, that Chaminade feeling has returned. As the weeks have gone by, the “new normal” is starting to just feel normal. So, while the protocols and routines are something new, the familiar faces are what continue to make CCP great. - Owen Boyette '21

I am so impressed with not only the dedication of our administration, teachers, and staff, but with that of our students and families in working with this year's pandemic challenges, keeping Chaminade safe and in session. - Mrs. Sue Rozier, RN Health Services

Our coaches and student athletes have done a remarkable job of following the Return to Play Plan. They have adapted to all of the changes and requirements that make this season different than any in previous years. Our coaches and student athletes should be commended for doing their best to keep Chaminade safe and for continuing to make our athletic department a model for other schools throughout the state. - Mr. Tom Fernandez, Administration

I have found this year especially difficult when expressing my love through physical touch, my primary love language as that is at least frowned upon. This disadvantage, however, has presented an opportunity to love others in new and more creative ways. Although I cannot speak to others receiving my new forms of love, I can attest to the impact others love has on me. - Joseph Donlin '21

I think that school is harder this year because of Covid-19, but the teachers are doing an AMAZING job of setting up virtual learning so that makes it easier. - Thomas

Longmeyer '27

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