As we start a new year, I can't help but already reflect on how 2020 went for me and us as a school. Certainly, there is a lot to consider with COVID-19, national and state elections, fires, recession, online meetings, online learning, and I could go on. All these issues have impacted our lives both personal and work-related.
For HBAS, we have had our share of challenges adapting and I will honestly say that we have made tremendous strides over the past six months that I believe have made us a far better program than the one we were back in March. And, without a doubt, many of our students have come along on with us on this journey.
Rather than focus on the negatives, I am choosing to focus on the positives for 2020. First of all, I am so proud of our students and staff and the technical skills they have learned. I have heard so many times from both staff and students that they never thought they'd be able to do what they are doing now in terms of online learning and online remote work.
Secondly, our teachers have done an amazing job adapting their instructional practices to an online and soon a hybrid instructional model. They have learned new software, adjusted their schedules to better connect with students, and worked with individual students to help them learn the technical skills to participate in online classes.
Lastly (but I could go on), our support staff has been on the front lines doing outstanding work by helping students enroll into classes, learn new technical skills, and answering their nervously asked questions both online and in-person.
So, come on 2021. We are ready for you!