Aquinas Landmark Spring 2021

s potLiGHt o n . . . A Day In the Life Aquinas set the standard with its return to full-time, in-person learning and has had great success having students back on campus this school year. We know that the health and safety measures put in place are working with zero school-based transmissions to date. This is something we can all be proud of as it certainly has not happened by chance. Everyone, including the Board, the COVID Re-entry Task Force, administrators, faculty and staff, and students and families, has worked extremely hard to get to this point. The commitment and diligence of our entire Aquinas community has been instrumental in this historic endeavor. Over the past year we have experienced a lot of change as it pertains to this pandemic. With each new policy, procedure, and mandate, Aquinas has risen to the occasion and adapted as needed – always with the best interest of our students in mind. Well before the start of the school year, we knew that returning to campus would not mean returning to normal. So, what does a day in the life of an Aquinas student look like during a pandemic? There are many similarities to years past, of course, but there are some distinct differences as well. Here’s a look at some of the ways we’ve adjusted to ensure our students remain #AQTogether. ARRIVING AT AQ Prior to entering the school building, students, teachers, staff, and visitors are required to have their temperatures checked. To accurately and efficiently screen more than 700 people before 8:00 a.m., Aquinas utilizes temperature readers with the latest public safety technology developed by OMNI Security & Automation, a local company founded by AQ alumnus Ken Bianchi ‘94. As students approach the temperature readers at Door 7, an automated voice instructs them to“Please expose your wrist.” The screening is instant. The automated voice announces “normal temperature” and students are on their way. A student has her temperature read before entering the building. 8 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SPRING 2021 HOMEROOM Student schedules look a bit different this school year as homeroom is no longer a separate stop. Instead, first period is extended by 12 minutes to make time for morning prayer, pledge, and announcements, all of which are streamed through Aquinas’ student-run news program, Morning Update . After homeroom, students stay in their seats and move right into their first period class work. This change in the schedule prioritizes health and safety by helping to cut down on some of the time spent in passing. Students listen to morning announcements being streamed through Morning Update.