What does it take to be called a “model for schools across the country”? Or to be recognized as a school that is typically ahead of the curve when it came to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic? It means not taking “no” for an answer, staying focused on what is best for our students, and being bold.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, BG had been at the forefront. Whether it was going from a brick and mortar school to completely online in 72 hours, or reinventing the way traditional school wide events were done, or ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, and staff with significant facility and technology upgrades, we have made it to the other side stronger than ever. In the end, while meeting 100% face-to-face, we were able to spend three quarters of class time in-person, experienced few transmissions of COVID within the school community, and held many performances, ceremonies, and athletic events using cutting-edge technology and generous facilities. Our Cardinals created these opportunities one adjustment and sacrifice at a time by investing in the idea that COVID STOPS WITH A CARDINAL.
“COVID Stops with a Cardinal. Ultimately, it’s a statement of optimism about the power of individuals who make up our community. If COVID can stop with a Cardinal, what can start? Maybe compassion starts with a Cardinal, maybe critical thinking starts with a Cardinal, maybe personal responsibility starts with a Cardinal, maybe a scientific breakthrough starts with a Cardinal, maybe justice, freedom, liberty, or opportunity for others starts with a Cardinal, maybe the solution to any challenge we face starts with a Cardinal. You’ll never know if you don’t start to see yourself as the subject and verb of the sentence, not the direct object. If not you, then who?”
-Jason Strniste, Principal
BG was called a "model for schools across the country" for its response to COVID-19.
"Bishop Guertin stands as a model nationally for schools seeking to survive the pandemic - educationally and emotionally."
“When we started this journey as a BG Family, I could never have imagined how truly exceptional our experience as parent and student would be. Bishop Guertin stands as a model nationally for schools seeking to survive the pandemic – educationally and emotionally. The past months have highlighted the level of excellence, in all aspects of the Bishop Guertin experience. Bishop Guertin has met the pandemic head on, the results of which will be felt in the lives of its students for years to come.”
–Jenn Robichaud, parent of Jordan ’21
"We had our daughter transfer to Bishop Guertin specifically because of the administration’s response to COVID-19...."
“We had our daughter transfer to Bishop Guertin specifically because of the administration’s response to COVID-19 and their commitment to offer in-person learning. The staff, faculty and most importantly the students welcomed her into their community without any hesitation. She feels valued and very much a part of Bishop Guertin. I can honestly say that having our daughter transfer to Bishop Guertin as a senior is one of my top two parenting decisions.”
-Karen Perry, parent of Ashley ’21
"We have full confidence that when we send our kids to school they are safe, nurtured, and supported."
“As parents, we feel the response to COVID-19 has been outstanding. We have full confidence that when we send our kids to school they are safe, nurtured, and supported. When forced to go online it feels like a real school day beginning with homeroom and real classes throughout the day. The faculty support has been a tremendous asset to the students. …It is our belief that when you give your child to the BG community they will come out a better person. It has been a wonderful investment for us.”
-Chris and Kerry Hughes, parents of Ryan ’21 and Connor ’23
“The academic success of BG’s Covid-19 education model is founded in strong pedagogy, technological planning, flexibility and intentional, concise communication. By living their mission, Bishop Guertin modeled for their students how to overcome adversity by promoting ‘lifelong learning that is not only about success for today, but also about formation for tomorrow’.”
-Kim Peicker parent of Mark ’15, Matthew ’21, and Andrew ’23