Xavier adapting to academic life during the pandemic

MIDDLETOWN — The Xavier High School admissions office recently held two virtual information sessions, as well as a self- guided tour with the assistance of faculty and staff — new measures amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The second in- person entrance exam Nov. 14 at 8: 30 a. m. preceded a new virtual test held Nov. 4, according to a press release.

A popular way for a prospective students to experience the school and the community is going on a “shadow day,” which are still being conducted in a reduced time frame during the morning and afternoons.

“Thank you for allowing me to do a shadow day at the school to see what the classes and the community were like. Everyone was very nice and made me feel welcome. Hopefully I will be able to become part of the Xavier community next year,” one visitor to the school said in a press release.

Teachers have both in- person and online students. Each classroom is set up with laptops up front, as teachers are able to accommodate those learning in school or from their home. “Everyone has to be a lot more flexible,” English teacher Kelly Summa said in a prepared statement.

Xavier still holds monthly Masses with a limited number of students in the gym as they are live streamed into the classrooms. The National Honor Society inductions, as well as inductions into all the other honor societies that exist at Xavier, honoring hundreds of students, were virtual, with a small group in the school in attendance, the release said.

There is no 11- on- 11 football, but Xavier is playing the 7on- 7 game. The cross- country and soccer seasons, while abbreviated, are going on. The Falcons just finished their regular season in cross- country unbeaten for the fifth consecutive season. The crew and sailing teams could not compete this fall but have been practicing for the spring season, according to the high school.

Various clubs are meeting, some virtually. The robotics team is getting prepared for virtual competition. The pingpong club took its table outside; the band practiced in the back parking lot.

The advancement office just launched an online drive to raise $ 100,000 for financial aid, something that has become even more crucial during COVID- 19 times, the release said. Those interested in helping support the drive can visit XavierHighSchool.org.