Saint Viator High School Reaches 100 Days of In-Person Learning

Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights was one of the few schools in the area to commit to full-time in-person learning this year, and March 11 marks 100 days of students being in the classroom. With the exception of two brief eLearning periods caused by rising COVID-19 cases, and the proactive transition to eLearning during the weeks before and after Christmas break, students have been attending classes at the school since the start of the school year.

"We have been able to remain in the classroom thanks to the commitment of our faculty, staff and administration to in-person learning," said Saint Viator Principal Karen Love. "They have been working hard to adopt safe protocols and develop creative solutions that allow students to experience a school year consistent with the rigorous academic standards for which Saint Viator is known."

Holding extracurricular activities in the pandemic has been difficult, but in the fall, the school hosted a number of theater and music events outdoors and even held a drive-thru open house for prospective students. Athletic programs are starting up at the school and Athletic Director Jason Kuffel is being lauded as a leader in the ESCC conference with schools calling to learn from what he's doing to safely hold practices and games.

"Across the board, faculty and staff have been working hard to create a safe in-school learning environment for our students," said Saint Viator President Brian Liedlich.

Liedlich and Love acknowledged the work of the counseling department and the school's campus ministry team for helping students with a difficult year and mentioned several others who have played a key role in the school's success this year.

"Steve Burks, Director of Building and Grounds, and his staff have been working hard every day to keep our facility safe and clean, and school nurse Pamela Kelly has been instrumental in putting together our meticulous contact-tracing program and has been in constant communication with Saint Viator parents," Liedlich said.

The school plans to finish the year with in-person learning, but students also have the option of eLearning, something roughly 10 percent of students have chosen.

For more information on Saint Viator High School and the school's commitment to students' academic, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being, visit www.saintviator.com.

Saint Viator High School is a Catholic, college-preparatory school committed to providing religious formation and an academic program of excellence to young men and women. Led by the Clerics of Saint Viator, teachers and staff are dedicated to the intellectual, physical, spiritual, and emotional growth of each student. In recent years, Saint Viator High School has twice been selected as a National Blue Ribbon School, the highest national award a school can receive. Saint Viator High School has also been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School from 2015 through 2022 for its ongoing commitment to innovation and use of technology to enhance student learning and was named a Top STEM High School by Newsweek.