Kathleen Gillin

Review of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy

My family has been associated with HTEA for over 5...

My family has been associated with HTEA for over 50 years - first with my four children and currently, three grandchildren. With the Covid-19 health crisis, we have been extremely impressed with the school's response. A formal Safety and Health Guidelines was developed and implemented at both campuses giving us a true sense that every possible avenue was being addressed to minimize the potential risk to our precious grandchildren. Strongly believing that in-person education is what is in the best interest for the development of the whole child, we have been able to send the children to school without undue fear or worry. A few of the many items implemented to endeavor to provide a safe environment for the students, faculty and staff include: new UV air filters installed in all air handlers on both campuses to reduce the risk of fungal and viral contamination, limiting visitors and volunteers, face mask policy in place including when entering, exiting and travelling on campus, three-sided clear acrylic desk shields in the lower school, water fountains closed but contactless water-bottle fillers installed, use of a Covid tracking app whereby the student's temperature is logged in each morning and a digital pass is assigned, hand sanitizers throughout, high touch areas are cleaned and sanitized throughout the day, some outdoor classrooms, limited class size to allow maximum spacing, dedicated entry and exit doors in the classrooms, split times for assembly, lunch, and chapel, increased time between class to alleviate hallway and restroom crowding, use of digital material when possible, and many others. For those families who chose remote learning as their best option, webcams and microphones were installed in all classrooms and training was provided to all the teachers enabling the remote learner to be part of the class and make live contributions. HTEA truly exemplifies caring for the whole child - mind, body and spirit - and we love this school!!