On September 8, Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy in Stamford threw open its doors and warmly welcomed students in pre-k through grade 12 back to the school’s sprawling 13-acre lush, green campus. Students were all smiles as they eagerly greeted friends and teachers in person for the first time since learning went online in mid-March, as the state and much of the country went into lock-down in an effort to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our number one priority is to safeguard the health and safety of students and staff,” said Bi-Cultural Head of School Jackie Herman, as she discussed the decision to re-open and the steps being taken to ensure the well-being of students and staff.

According to Herman, the in-school protocols currently in place—which were outlined in a comprehensive booklet sent out to parents in late March—are the product of extensive research by a Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy committee that considered every aspect of the reopening. Adhering to guidelines set forth by the State of Connecticut, and local and national health authorities, as well as the recommendations of educational organizations around the country, the committee constructed three different models designed to allow the school to quickly adapt to possible changes in public health conditions.

By the time the doors swung open the day after Labor Day, protocols in place, classrooms and hallways may have looked a bit different, but the feeling was the same. No hugs were exchanged, but a feeling of warmth and camaraderie pervaded the school. If you couldn’t see the smiles on the faces of students, who sported a slew of creative masks, you could certainly feel them shining through.

They were simply happy to be back.