Bainbridge High School had an open house this week – virtually of course.
School is not even in session due to COVID-19 restrictions and likely won’t be until second semester. At least that is the plan of the school district as of now.
So, Principal Kristen Haizlip and her staff introduced themselves to parents via Zoom Tuesday.
It was dubbed, “The Open House like no other for a school year like no other.”
Haizlip said “Connection, Communication and Consistency” will be key to the school’s success in this challenging year.
Four other top administrators then introduced themselves and talked about how they got into teaching, how their direction had changed over the years and why they enjoy working in education so much. The four are: associate principals Joe Power and Warren Reed, athletic director Jim Corsetti and Sean Eaton, career and technical education director.
With the challenges of the coronavirus, Haizlip said social and emotional support will be extra important this year. Lauren D’Amico is one of five counselors at BHS. She explained how the counselors stay with their students all four years.
Bainbridge Youth Services also helps school students. Counselor Sarah Allbee talked about how counseling is free for students and parents. Free peer tutoring also is available, and Allbee said there is a huge need for more tutors. For more on those programs go to askbys.org.
Parents were then invited to watch videos made by their student’s teachers in what was to emulate the discussion that would take place during a regular school year.
Haizlip said then parents would have information to talk to their kids about regarding their classes and expectations.
Marilyn Tsolomitis, in one video on Algebra 2, said they are “bound to have bruises and bumps along the way” because not only is their way of teaching remotely, but there is also a new curriculum.
To her yoga students, Tsolomitis opened with “Hello Yogies.” She said it was a good year to practice and study yoga.
“It is certainly a great year to be enrolled in yoga as we’re all going to need to be practicing as many healthy habits as we can,” she said, adding they will reach a “sweet level of health – both in body and mind – this school year.”
