Patient, flexible and understanding were three keys words from Badin High School Principal Brian Pendergest as the school held a Professional Development session Friday morning in advance of being out of the building for three weeks.

"This is an unprecedented situation, but we are still working,” Pendergest said in referencing the coronavirus running rampant throughout the country. “We need to keep in mind that students are the most important priority. We have to continue to address their education."

While Badin is out of school based on a directive from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, the school will continue with online coursework for the next three weeks.

Teachers first met Friday by departments to map out curriculum priorities, then met by grade level to stay on target with the 620 students in grades 9-12 at Badin High.

“We have to adjust as necessary,” Pendergest said, emphasizing, “This is not just a three-week break.”

All Badin students have iPads that will enable them to do online course work during this time away from the school.

Badin will be given a hospital-quality cleaning on Monday, March 16, and teachers will be allowed in the building for the next three weeks on Tuesday and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. if necessary. No students will be permitted in the building during these three weeks.

All school events scheduled during this period have been postponed indefinitely. Some – like Prom on April 4 – will likely be rescheduled, but some events will probably not happen.

In an email sent to parents and students today, Pendergest pointed out that the online lessons would be substantive material “that would have been covered in class if the students were in the building. Students will be expected to check their school email multiple times daily.”

“This is new for us and for all the schools around us,” Pendergest said. “There has already been a lot of cooperation between public and parochial schools as we navigate this period of uncertainty. We’re all in it together as we look after the interests of students.”

Construction work on Badin’s new $2 million Student Development Center will continue, and Badin’s Easter Break from April 10-19 will also remain intact on the calendar.