March Principal’s Chat Update
Lauren Larsen
On March 3, T.C. Principal Peter Balas hosted his monthly Principal’s Chat. His primary topic of discussion was what the return to school will look like for students who opted to transition to a hybrid schedule. Mark Eisenhour, Lead Administrator for Operations and Facilities, was also on the Zoom and gave updates on construction of Parker-Gray Stadium.
Under the hybrid model, Balas said the Minnie Howard Campus will have a 150-student cap and the King Street Campus will have approximately 300 students present each day. For the sophomores who will be coming to the King Street Campus for the first time, there will be staff members in the hallways to help direct them to the proper classrooms and answer any locational questions.
Students who have teachers who are returning for in-person teaching will be in a classroom with that teacher for instructional time; however, for students who have teachers that are still teaching virtually, they will be required to report to the Zoom call on time and will take those classes in rooms designated for the subject they are being taught. Students who have free periods will remain in the cafeteria until their next class.
The new semester schedule that Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) adopted for this unusual school year might, in one way or another, carry on into the 2021-2022 school year. Balas said that even if the COVID-19 pandemic is less of an issue in the fall, there might still be an eight-period semester schedule as well as a Titans Rising block that can truly be used for study hall as “Titan Time” once was. Even so, if circumstances get worse with the virus, this makes the transition to virtual learning easier. All of this is only in the discussion phase right now however.
Eisenhour offered an update on stadium construction. The press box came in last week and is already partially built. The main building for storage, restrooms, etc. is coming together as well. Concession stands will be perpendicular to that structure according to Eisenhour. Finally, the scoreboard will be on the opposite side of the field than it usually is. “It’s moving along,” he said, “They were slowed down by weather for a couple of weeks but they have picked it up again and people are working.”
For any parents who want to join future Principal’s Chats, check for the Zoom link in the T.C. Town Crier!
