During a year like no other, with anxiety at an all-time high and clarity at an all-time low, one school
went above and beyond not just to keep students and staff healthy but also to encourage safe
social interaction. At Saint Leo the Great School in Lincroft, students were welcomed back into the
building in September 2020 full time, with attendance largely uninterrupted by the pandemic. While
some parents choose to keep their kids at home, many relished the sense of normalcy being offered
home, kept up with curriculum and excelled intellectually and emotionally.
Students, parents, teachers and staff forged ahead guided by a fearless leader, Principal Cornelius
Begley, who never hesitated in preparing the school for all possibilities.
“Principal Begley has done a remarkable job keeping us open throughout the year,” said Mary
preparing teachers to teach remotely and what would be needed to reopen open in September.”
paid close attention to information coming through the news as well as research and guidance from the
CDC, state and local agencies. He then used this information to prepare his team members for a variety
“We started not only the conversations about virtual learning as the primary delivery method, but
we also started acquiring supplies that would be necessary to run the school in the event that supplies
became scarce,” he said. “We also created plans for other aspects of the pandemic that may have an
effect on our school community, including social emotional learning, what to do if we experienced
all-encompassing design proved to be a vital element to keeping our school operational and safe for our
Saint Leo community.”
Maintaining safety as the top priority, Saint Leo the Great School implemented several changes
within the building to keep everyone safe. Bathroom renovations were made, including the installation of
video streaming equipment for teachers to connect with those who opted to learn from home. Additional
computers and upgraded Promethean Board technology materials were introduced to classrooms. Air
Begley said these necessary accommodations were made possible “through the generosity of
parents and parishioners of Saint Leo the Great.” All in all, the school spent roughly $425,000 to upgrade
40 JUNE 2021 | TheJournalNJ.com
Saint Leo the
Great School
Principal
and Students
through
Unprecedented
School Year
BY SHANNA O’MARA
Executing this vision began with proper
planning, something Begley is familiar with
based on his past experiences.
response, in part, because of my background,”
response teams. Such experiences have made
My military experience enhanced my analytical
thinking and resourcefulness, both professionally
Great navigate these unprecedented times was
everything possible to empower my faculty and
staff to be the best they could be.”
Faculty and staff members rose to the
occasion, as Begley said they truly banded
together to do what was best for the students.
fortunate to lead a group of exceptionally talented
school staff who bring a variety of different
talents and skills to our student population. Each
and every day, everyone – including custodians,
cafeteria staff, school nurses, faculty, staff and
students – met the challenge. Because of my
faculty and staff’s bond as a family, they take
care of one another; this was no more evident
than during the pandemic. Before, during and
even after this pandemic, my staff continues to
humble me with various examples of how they
lend themselves to each other in times of need.”
Saint Leo the Great School, as well as all
others in the state, are expected to welcome all
students back onto campus this coming fall for
fully in-person instruction. With Begley at the
and
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