DANBURY—The beginning of this school year may look different than those before it, but Immaculate High School, Danbury has taken the changes in stride, developing plans and strategies to navigate the new challenges. Through their cohort style learning approach, with half the student body in the classroom while the other half participates synchronously virtually using Microsoft Teams, students in both cohorts are receiving the same academic experience while also staying safe and healthy.
Student, faculty and staff safety and well-being have been the primary focus of all planning and reopening processes at Immaculate. With new protocols, such as signage throughout the school building to promote social distancing, wearing of masks by all in the building, three lunch waves instead of two, maintaining an average of 12 students in a classroom during each 55-minute session, Immaculate is doing their part to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Wednesdays are a deep cleaning day using UV and electrostatic cleaners at the school while all students learn virtually on a modified schedule that allows time for club meetings, counselor advisory sessions, other virtual programming such as health and wellness assemblies, and socially distanced PSAT, SAT and ACT testing. The Immaculate Reopening Task Force meets twice a week to track and assess implementation of their plans, sending updates regularly to the school community.
Parents have been noticing the efforts being made by Immaculate. “It is clear that a lot of time and work has been put into developing a plan to keep students and staff safe. I am very happy that safety is the number one priority, as it should be. Excellent work, everyone!”, says Lisa Pierce-Wirth, parent of Peter ‘21.
Immaculate students are thankful to be able to grow and learn in a comfortable environment. “At Immaculate, I have grown academically and socially because of the comfort the school provides through the support and understanding of the faculty and the kindness of peers. Immaculate has also allowed me to grow in my faith and encourages me to practice it freely and openly. The teachers’ compassion and the students’ inclusivity has made Immaculate feel like a family. I have met some of my closest friends here, and have not only expanded academically, have been able to figure out who I am and who I want to become.” —Amanda Tureaud ‘22.
Immaculate has adapted their annual fall admissions events to maintain personal safety. Open House, planned for October 18, will offer 30-minute tours by appointment only. The original six tour slots filled very quickly, so an additional four tours are being offered. For more information about scheduling a tour or learning more about Immaculate’s programs, please visit our website Immaculatehs.org/admissions or contact Denise Suarez, Director of Admissions at 203.744.1510 x148.
