‘We are learning a new way of life’

*Editor’s note: This is the second part of a look at how Geary schools are closing out 2020.

Christa Burns is in her first year as the principal at Geary High School.

That by itself would be a tall job with the usual duties like getting to know the community, staff members, students and the ins and outs of Geary.

But throw in a global pandemic, and everything changes. Virtual classes, Zoom meetings, canceled or postponed events and facemasks.

Burns sat down recently for a virtual question-and-answer session detailing how the year has been at the high school, what she’s looking forward to in 2021 and how the school is dealing with COVID-19 issues.

How has the school been dealing with Covid-19?

The school has done really good dealing with COVID-19. We have policies and procedures that have all staff and students wearing masks and/ or face shields on campus. We also were able to split classes so that we do not have that many in a room at once. That has really helped with social distancing. We have provided all students with a Chromebook and internet access. Right now, due to the rise in cases, we are doing our virtual option. This means students stay home and join Zoom classes where they are taught by their teachers virtually.

Have the kids been good at wearing masks?

I cannot brag about the students enough. Wearing masks all day is a hard adjustment for all. However, at Geary most of our students have been so great at following the mask rules. I think it just took teachers explaining why we are doing it and what an impact wearing masks can have.

How are your seniors doing with the prospect of the pandemic changing/canceling a lot of the senior year traditions?

The senior class have been troopers. They have adjusted well to "different' ways of celebrating. We still try to do our best as a school to make sure that our seniors get the full experience while keeping our students safe.

What are some positive things that are going on in your school?

We have lots of great things going on at the middle school and high school. We just rolled out a new program we call the House System. This is where groups are formed throughout grade levels. We have meetings, competitions, work on our ICAP requirements, etc. This program has really helped our school become more of a family unit instead of students just sticking within their grade levels. I can't wait to see where it takes us.

Any students that are doing well you would like to highlight?

It is too hard to just pick a couple. This has been such a hard year on the students. We are learning a new way of life between the mask, distance learning, canceling of events. Throughout all of this most of the students have kept positive attitudes.

Any staff members you would like to highlight?

Just like the students our staff has had to learn a new way of teaching. We are blessed at Geary to have so many teachers who really care about our students. We are making lots of family connections. My staff has been going above and beyond. They have attended several optional virtual learning professional developments just to make sure they were prepared for virtual learning. They really are so great to roll with whatever is thrown at them and give it their best. I am so proud of them!

What specific things would you like to accomplish in the first half of 2021?

For the first half of 2021 I really want to accomplish a mindset of how important learning is even if it has to be virtual. I would like to see more students in attendance in the event we have to result in virtual learning.

What else should the community know about what's going on at your school?

I want to thank the community for their support throughout this year. We have lots of changes and new things we have thrown out and we are blessed by all the community support, cooperation, and involvement. GO BISON!!