Including the number of inclement weather days Harford County has had, John Carroll has used all three of their days and is now continuing school with virtual days.

The first virtual day of the school year was on February 24 due to a water main break, and the second was held on February 6 due to weather. Additionally, a third virtual day was this past Wednesday.

Students had an asynchronous day on January 21 on the first day of second semester as no Semester 2 classes had the chance to meet yet. Harford County Public Schools had made the decision to close schools that day as a result of weather conditions.

Assistant Principal Danica Attanasio said, “It is always preferred to have in-person learning, but virtual days provide an opportunity for learning to continue on inclement weather days.”

Assistant Principal Jake Hollin commented, “We have gotten a lot of positive feedback about starting at 10 am as well as the overall class structure.  Our faculty continues to be professional and flexible, so we are really grateful.”

The virtual schedule entails a two-hour late bell with Advisory beginning the day at 10:00 am. This is followed by mod 1. Classes each meet for 35-minute mods, and the schedule follows the normal letter day.

Sophomore Jackson Lambie said, “I like that we start at 10:00 am because it allows for me to get a little more rest than usual and be more prepared for the school day.”

Jackson added that he does not enjoy having to wear his school uniform at home.

Students are required to have their cameras on with their faces in the frame while in the meeting. They also must have a John Carroll uniform top on.

“The virtual days allow for us to not to add multiple make up days towards the end of the school calendar,” said Mrs. Attanasio.

Junior Mia Anderson really enjoys that she is able to do her work at her house and to have shorter classes on virtual days.

“Our students have done a great job adjusting to on-line learning when it’s necessary.  The reality is most students will have at least one or more online classes in college, and it is becoming more and more commonplace to have on-line interviews or meeting with teams or speak to someone regarding a scholarship on-line,” said Mr. Hollin.

Meeting virtually allows classes to stay on pace and not require days to be added onto the scheduled last day of school on the calendar.

“We will continue with virtual days and make changes if necessary, in the future,” said Mrs. Attanasio.