Adelphi Welcomes Students ‘Home’
for Historic 158th Academic Year!
Lower Schoolers learn about social distancing on the first day of school.
BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn officially welcomed students, parents, faculty and staff back to school on Monday, September 14th, 2020, providing full in-person learning for the historic Bay Ridge private school’s 158th academic year.
“It feels so good to be home!” exclaimed Adelphi Head of School Ms. Iphigenia Romanos. “We waited a long time for this moment — and we’ve been through so much together as a family — so this year’s opening is extremely special and gratifying. We are pleased to be offering full in-person learning to all of our students and have taken appropriate measures to ensure a safe and healthy academic year for all Adelphians!”
The official theme for the year is “Give a Little Bit,” it was announced. It ties nicely into the Academy’s ongoing #GiveALittleBit campaign, which was launched amid the pandemic to recognize those who have gone above and beyond to help others in a time of need. As Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and the world continues to recover from the pandemic, Adelphi hopes to remain at the forefront of spreading positivity and assisting its neighbors and friends in need.
The first day of school was unlike any other, as parents and students were greeted by informational signage directing them to four different entrances to reduce congestion, and hundreds of customized floor decals throughout the grounds and inside the building promoting social distancing. The front of the school building was adorned with life-sized banners filled with photos and containing the hashtag #AdelphiIsHome to reiterate the feeling of comfort that exists within the walls of Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn.
“While Adelphians were literally at home receiving instruction during our period of distance learning, we are so excited that they were able to return to their academic home this September to receive instruction inside the classroom,” Ms. Romanos said. “The sense of family that exists at Adelphi is strong and transcends any period of separation or crisis. No matter where we are or where life takes us, one thing remains true: Adelphi is home!”
Some members of the Class of 2021 catch up before class!
Middle Schooler Emma checks out some social distancing signage on her way into the building.
During the first week of school, Adelphians of all ages participated in socially distant icebreakers and team-building exercises within their respective houses — Morrill, Lockwood, Ellinwood and Levermore — each named for some of Adelphi’s earliest leaders. Adelphi’s House System allows for each house to accumulate points throughout the year for individual and class-wide academic, extracurricular, social and service-related achievements, as well as demonstrations of good character, service and kindness. The house with the most points accumulated by year’s end has its name etched into the annals of Adelphi history, literally, in the form of a trophy — Adelphi’s majestic House Cup — that is displayed in the Academy’s Main Hall all year round. Last year’s repeat winners, members of House Morrill, are eager to defend their crown once again.
“Members of House Morrill have set a very high standard and have rightfully seen their House name etched in history as two-time winners of the Adelphi House Cup,” Director of Academy Operations Mr. Albert C. Corhan said. “There is no doubt that these proud Adelphians will do everything possible to keep the streak going and to live up the great legacy of the Academy’s founders.”
Head of School Ms. Iphigenia Romanos welcomes Lower Schoolers back to school!
Upper Schooler Reena organizes her locker!
As the world continues to adjust to evolving health and safety guidelines, Adelphi’s focus has been the safety and security of its students, families and staff. Sanitizing stations are located at every entrance and outside every room, daily temperature checks are made before entry to the building, students and staff are wearing masks and social distancing throughout the day, and classrooms are being sanitized in between each class.
“There were many new policies and procedures introduced at Adelphi in order to ensure a safe re-opening for all of our students and staff,” Ms. Romanos explained. “From expanding the number of entrances and exits to reduce congestion, to adding an additional lunch period to limit the number of students gathered in The Panther Café, to instituting daily temperature checks for all before entering the building, Adelphi has made it clear that its priority will always be the health and safety of our school community.”
Sanitizing stations are located throughout the building.
Upper Schooler Luana waves goodbye after the first day of classes!
As the oldest private, independent, continuing, coeducational, college-preparatory day school in the borough and one of the oldest in the nation, Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn, “the little school of big dreams” has been “effectively preparing young people for college, career, and life, one day at a time” for over 150 years. Founded in 1863 and located in the historic Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, Adelphi enrolls students from three years of age through twelfth grade. A strong emphasis is placed on small class size, individualized attention, self expression, critical thinking and challenging hands-on learning through Adelphi’s founding philosophy and dedication to the education of the “total child”. Adelphi students excel within a small, intimate, safe, caring, nurturing, and secure environment through Adelphi’s core values and founding principles of pride, tradition, spirit, and excellence. The student-teacher ratio is 8 to 1 and Adelphi is a New York State Regents Exempt Program with a 100% college application, acceptance and attendance rate. A founding member of the Coalition of Essential Schools, Adelphi receives its charter from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and has been a member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools since 1928. Ms. Iphigenia Romanos serves as Head of School.
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Photos courtesy of Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn