This month, HBAS welcomed students and teachers back into classrooms for in-person instruction and learning. When visiting classrooms, Principal Steve Curiel “heard from a number of teachers that they didn’t realize how much they missed the energy from the in-person classroom setting.” He was also impressed with how ESL teachers “have gone beyond what I could have imagined in terms of leveraging technology in the classroom.”
ESL teacher Debbie Quintana shared that “students were excited to be back in the classroom. They said the best part of being back is being able to concentrate without having the distractions of being at home and seeing their teacher in person.”
While we’re excited to reopen classrooms, HBAS will also continue to provide online instruction for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, our staff is exploring new technology tools that could enhance instruction online and in the classroom. Each department is handling the reopening differently:
ESL
The ESL Department rolled out its new “hyflex” classes on November 10. This model offers students the option to study online or in person. These classes are all virtual on Mondays, and then on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays some students attend class in-person while others participate online.
Diploma/GED
Our Diploma and GED students primarily work online. Each week, they are required to complete at least 10 hours and check in with their teachers. Starting November 3, students have been allowed back at designated times at both the Westminster Mall Learning Center and the BESST Center. Walk-ins are also welcome if space is available.
Career Technical Education
The CTE Program plans to stay online for the time being. We will still be teaching virtually and are offering some amazing 30-50% discounts on upcoming classes.
We are so proud of how our students and staff have adapted and even thrived in these ever-changing conditions. Want to join us on this wild educational journey? Check out our new catalog, and find out how to enroll at HBAS.
As the situation with Covid-19 is fluid, keep an eye on the HBAS website and social media sites for any changes to instruction and office hours. Stay safe and keep learning and growing!