HOLLISTON — Students at Holliston High School have taken remote learning and engagement one step further, and are continuing to meet remotely for various extracurricular activities and clubs.
On Tuesday, April 21, Gov. Charlie Baker extended the closure of school buildings through the end of the school year.
The extended closure of school buildings is an unprecedented step in limiting the potential spread of COVID-19 and continuing the practice of social distancing as more positive cases and deaths are announced in the state each day.
While the school buildings are closed, students are participating in remote learning during normal school hours.
Each day from 10 to 11 a.m., students participate in the directed study block, a time for optional activities outside of the scheduled classes. While students can use this time to meet with teachers, prepare their study materials or take a break, many use this time to remotely connect with their fellow classmates for extracurricular or clubs.
“A lot of students are still continuing their extracurricular interests, collaborating with their peers and showcasing their creative endeavors,” said Holliston High School Principal Nicole Bottomley. “I’m incredibly proud of the work students are doing and grateful for the teachers serving as club advisors who are working to keep these activities going while students are learning remotely.”
The Fine and Performing Arts Department is publishing student artwork of various mediums such as visual arts, videos and music performances on the Holliston Art Saves Lives website. Students are also able to meet with art teacher Zach Shiff to discuss different projects they’re working on as well as free online digital art and design software that works on their Chromebook.
Counselors have also posted a variety of meditation activities as well as other positivity and self-care resources to help support students’ mental health.
The school’s two chorus clubs — the T-Tones and the Harmonix — worked with chorus teacher Max Evrard to create videos of the a capella performances, which can be viewed here and here.
“These experiences are such a a vital part of a student’s experience throughout their academic career and this remote collaboration serves as an important placeholder for the time being,” Superintendent Brad Jackson said. “I’m incredibly proud of both the students and their teachers for their creative approaches in a desire to continually provide students with these opportunities.”
A full list of remote activities, as well as suggestions on how to create your own, can be found here.
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