Webb Students Return to Campus for Study Groups

The Webb Schools are bustling with educational activities with 150 students back on campus to participate in study groups and athletics as part of a phased return-to-school plan.

“It feels like the campus is coming to life again,” said Dr Theresa Smith, associate head of schools. “Everyone is so excited to see each other. It’s been wonderful.”

Students began returning March 1, with freshmen and sophomores engaged on Mondays and Tuesdays and juniors and seniors participating on Thursdays and Fridays. About 135 students are back for study groups and athletics; 15 more have returned for athletics.

“The study groups allow our students to get needed support and interact with each other safely while following COVID-19 protocols, which combats the extreme isolation many have experienced during the pandemic,” Smith said. “They also show how well our safety protocols are working as we prepare for the eventual return to more complete on-campus instruction.”

Before arriving on campus, students and staff check temperatures and answer a series of health-related questions, reporting the results electronically to Webb health officials. Once on campus, students are assigned individual spaces for Zoom-based classes and may engage in safe outdoor interactions and school activities, including sports practices.

The school’s safety protocols are reviewed by Webb’s Medical Advisory Board, which was established in March 2020 to guide the response to COVID-19 and eventual plans for reopening.

“It’s going very well,” Smith said. “Now we must focus on maintaining our protocols to ensure the ongoing safety of the Webb community.”

Webb Schools closed the campus to day students on March 12, 2020 due to pandemic concerns, with boarding students departing for homes by March 19, 2020.