Returning to School Safely Preserving the School Experience

RETURNING TO SCHOOL SAFELY: Preserving the School Experience in a Pandemic

By Allyson Guay

When the news first broke about the coronavirus in January of 2020, the Dunham administration and faculty reviewed and updated a distance learning plan already in place as a precaution, unaware that they would be called upon to execute that plan in March of 2020 and keep it in place for the remainder of the 2019–2020 school year. As a seven-time Apple Distinguished School, Dunham had the creativity, innovation, and proficiency to nimbly transition to distance learning. When the decision was made to reopen for face-to-face learning for the 2020–2021 school year, the school relied on those same qualities to create a safe learning environment where students could continue to experience all aspects of school life as fully as possible.

For Head of School Steven Eagleton

and his leadership team, the goal was always to reopen fully for the 2020–2021 school year. Thanks to a unique partnership with Ochsner Medical, Dunham was able to safely operate day camps and athletic practices over the summer and began planning in earnest for the start of school. Due to traditionally small class sizes, campus layout, and the dedication of the faculty, along with health and safety protocols developed in partnership with Ochsner, students returned for face-toface learning on August 6, 2020.

Almost every aspect of the school experience, from carpool and lunch procedures to classroom arrangement and traffic flow, had to be modified. The health and safety of students and staff were monitored daily, and COVID-19 testing and reporting protocols were put in place. Remaining in compliance with the CDC, AAP, LHSAA, and the Louisiana Department of Health, the school was able to create the best experience possible for each student, complete with athletic, fine arts, and extracurricular activities that keep them plugged in, connected, and supported all year.

Not only did students excel academically, but with modifications and a little creativity, they were able to bring live theatre back to the Brown-Holt Chapel Arts Center with an improv comedy show in January and A Night at the Movies later in the spring. In athletics, competition continued at the highest level with teams bringing home a record number of state championship titles this year.

Reflecting on the success of the 2020–2021 school year, Steve Eagleton says, “There was no instruction manual for operating school during a pandemic. The situation and restrictions seemed to change weekly, if not daily, so our teachers really had to be flexible, pivot, and keep on going.

It would have been easier to say ‘no’ to all extracurricular activities and events and keep our campus completely closed off, but wherever we could, we found ways to safely have those events, whether that meant going virtual, modifying in-person events for safety, or a combination of the two.”

While many schools and businesses struggled to remain open, Dunham actually grew during the pandemic, picking up a number of new students mid-year and announcing the launch of a new two-year-old program.

Easing of state and local restrictions and the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine allowed the school to hold many of the traditional end-of-the-year events in person.

“Knowing my girls could go back to school in August and to have been in school continuously since then has been such a blessing. As a mom, it was proving impossible to be all the things they needed during quarantine: teacher, guidance counselor, chef, PE teacher, art instructor, music teacher, and librarian. The administration and teachers deserve all the credit for believing a safe environment was possible and for delivering on it. They decided learning loss wasn’t an option and because of that, my girls have thrived educationally during what’s been an otherwise challenging year for all of their other activities.”

— Jenna Prather, parent

Keeping the Wheels Turning and Students Learning

COVID-19 protocols and procedures were put in place to keep all members of the Dunham community safe and healthy during the school year.

• Every family submitted a Parent Partnership &

Wellness Agreement.

• All students in grades 3-12, faculty, staff, and visitors wore approved face coverings while on campus.

• Temperature checks were implemented at before school each day. Students who manifested symptoms during the day were sent home.

• Deep cleaning and sanitation took place several times each day. Hand sanitizing stations were placed throughout campus, and students were required to bring their own hand sanitizer each day. • To promote social distancing, classroom desk arrangements and daily schedules were adjusted to meet safety guidelines.

• Lunch service continued with all meals served

“grab and go” style. Dining hall occupancy was reduced, and outside eating areas were created.

• Large group gatherings (such as chapel, morning meetings, and similar activities) were redesigned to allow students to experience these events in their classrooms.