Neither rain nor snow can prevent Calais School students from enjoying physical education classes outdoors thanks to a new tent.

Located behind the school next to the rear parking lot, the new tent is one of many additions and renovations to the school as part of the school’s extra preventative and safety measures to help protect students and staff and prevent the spread of the coronavirus, according to Calais Executive Director David Leitner and Principal John Cohrs.

“This is the time for us to pinpoint the most effective resources for bringing students together in the safest manner possible,” said Calais Principal John Cohrs. “Our new tent helps us bring a little bit of normalcy back to the students’ school life, while adhering to important safety measures. It’s a small step that helps us take a giant leap toward making schoolwork during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

On a recent day, physical education classes stretched under the tent and then passed a soccer ball to one another and to physical education teacher Vincent Femia.

Many of our specials have remained virtual to maintain the plan with our cohort model, Mr. Femia noted. “PE has been outdoors since the beginning of the school year, and it serves as an essential change of pace from the routine our students are in for the majority of their school day.”

On prior rainy days, physical education classes would take place virtually, Mr. Femia noted.  “As a result of a collaborative effort with our school administration, custodial staff, and pandemic response team, we discussed having an outdoor space to have PE if weather was not cooperating. The tent allows us to have PE outdoors on a day where the weather would not normally permit us to do so.  It provides safety and comfort to our program and allows us to continue to prioritize the overall wellness of our students.”