Bishop Stang moves classes online

Mar 24, 2020

Bishop Stang High School has moved online in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

According to a press release from the school, all of the students, staff, and families that usually create “Spartan Village” on Slocum Road are keeping the school community alive by other means during this period of social distancing. 

Online learning began on St. Patrick’s Day after a weekend of preparation.

Bridget Bourque, English teacher and Technology Integration Coordinator, helped prepare teachers to use teleconference platform Zoom for their classes.

“While the thought of moving online seemed daunting at first, our faculty and staff and students have been truly amazing at stepping out of their every day classrooms and into the world of online learning,” she said. “In the spirit of true community, our faculty members have assisted and encouraged one another in order to further Stang’s mission to provide the highest quality Catholic education even during these unprecedented times.”

The online school day lasts from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. following the regular schedule of classes.

Five 45-minute classes meet each day with plenty of break time.

Teachers take attendance, teach, and assess the students as normal, and stay online after the school day ends if students need additional help.

The school’s statement noted that both parents and teachers appreciate the structure and connection that this model brings.

Bishop Stang parent Sandy Thomas commented, “As we now navigate the uncertainties that accompany the Covid-19 pandemic, it is very encouraging to see how prepared and responsive Bishop Stang has been in the continued education of our children.”

While working from home, all members of the community are encouraged to maintain a “wellness inventory” that includes the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, social and creative dimensions of each person’s life. 

School Counselors are available to students throughout the school day for academic counseling, to assist with the college search and selection process and for social-emotional support.

“We are fully committed to continuing the Bishop Stang educational experience for our students during this time,” stated school President and Principal Peter Shaughnessy. “In addition to online learning, the health and well-being of our students is paramount and we are working hard to keep our school culture and sense of community alive and strong.”

The school community continues to pray together and engages in volunteer services, clubs, and organizations together.

The choir conducted an online performance and several online mini-concerts are being planned. An inaugural St. Patrick’s Day concert featured Bishop Stang history teacher and Irish musician Tom Kennedy on Facebook Live.

The school’s administrative offices also continue to be fully operational.