By Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … Following three weeks at home after four residence hall students tested positive for COVID, Campion Academy students have once-again returned to campus.
While students were home, Campion administration met with public health officials to put a more comprehensive plan in place to avoid a shutdown even when positive cases occur.
All students and staff were given a PCR COVID test upon their return to campus on Monday, a test which can detect both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. After the test, students were isolated in residence halls with their roommates, continuing classes on Zoom until the results come back. In-person classes are expected to resume on Friday, February 12.
Students are happy to be back on campus. “It definitely feels weird being back and being stuck in your room, but there’s promise we’re gonna see everyone very soon. I’m very excited to be back and am hoping we can stay in-person and healthy for the rest of the year,” said Gwyn, one Campion student.
Sam, another student expressed his feelings on returning to campus by saying, “Being back on campus is a very strange feeling, especially when you can’t see your friends as much as you used to. I really do miss that. But I’m sure that it’s just a rough start to something that will be amazing for all of us.”
Students returned to new COVID precautions. Previously, in the event of a positive COVID case, it was impossible to completely separate the boys because of their shared residence hall bathrooms. Now, however, the administration has created a designated isolation room on the third floor of Hankins Hall. In addition, the administration has increased their efforts to keep track of close contacts, minimizing the effects of possible contamination on the bulk of the student body.
Finally, Campion’s nurse Jenny Gann has access to rapid COVID tests that give same-day results. Having these tests on hand will decrease the amount of time students spend in isolation when it is not COVID and allow quick isolation of close contacts when positive.
During this time of isolation, staff are delivering meals to the students’ rooms, and students have a designated class period for outdoor recreation. In the evening, Chaplain Meszaros hosts a daily worship on Zoom followed by light-hearted, interactive games online.
“I feel very happy to be back at Campion. The one thing I missed the most about being away was not having my friends around. Although I can’t see them just yet, just being on campus is enough,” enthused Poe, a just-returned Campion student.
–Jill Harlow is Campion Academy communication director; photos supplied
