At the start of a traditional school year, elementary schools host “meet the teacher” events where students and their families can get acquainted with their new instructor and classroom. But many of those have been canceled due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.
That led one school in the Deer Valley Unified School District to make some changes. The Traditional Academy at Bellair held a drive-through version of its "meet the teacher" event Friday.
The academy has a brand-new school this year and teachers are just starting to move into their classrooms as construction wraps up. Principal Vivian Hunt said their first day of school is Monday, Aug. 3, but students won’t see the inside of a classroom for at least the first quarter.
“All the grade levels had Zoom meetings so kids could get an idea of what the expectations are for virtual learning," Hunt said. "But we thought it was just so important that our kids have a chance to connect with their teachers in a personal way as well.”
Each grade level was given a designated time to drive by, see their instructors face-to-face and pick up bags that included basic school supplies, whiteboards, workbooks and the technology necessary for online learning.
“Every student receives an iPad for kindergarten and first grade through sixth grade receives a Google Chromebook," Hunt said. "There’s been a lot of air hugs, smiles and tears. It’s been just a lot of fun for all of us.”
Students and teachers who felt comfortable taking pictures together did so in front of the school while wearing masks.
