The hallways are packed with people, full of the faces and footsteps of students, some who feel as though they haven’t seen each other for a million years. Shouts of “ohmygodhi” fill the air as peers inexplicably discover their desks are next to each other despite not even knowing they shared a class.
Many students and staff are enthusiastic as they find their footing in the new 75% capacity schedule, which began on March 1. However, others in the Staples community feel there are some kinks to work out during the adjustment period.
The new schedule brings students into school for in-person learning three days a week. Hybrid students are now split into four cohorts A, B, C and F as well as two cohorts for full distance and full in-person learners D and E respectively. Each day, three hybrid cohorts attend in-person, allowing students to see their friends from each of the other three cohorts over the week.
Never before have I seen so many people, from toddlers to old-timers, flocking to a bookstore. On Feb. 24, when the new downtown Barnes & Noble opened its doors, there we all were, ready to explore what was once the town’s Restoration Hardware.
Inside, I was delighted by the smell of paper and fresh planks of wood. The old Barnes & Noble was dim and cramped with ugly shelves despite its spacious interior. Even with its smaller floorspace, the new location is airy and light, a rainbow of book covers adorning every wall.
As a bibliophile, I am overjoyed with our new Barnes & Noble and believe it will become just as beloved, if not more so, than the old. The new store gets a thumbs up.
COVID-19 vaccines may now be administered by certain Connecticut licensed health care professionals, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH).
“The Department is interested in gathering information regarding individuals who are interested in volunteer or paid opportunities,” the CT DPH wrote in an email sent to health care professionals. “This information will be shared with providers who are hoping to expand their workforce to participate in mass vaccination efforts.”
Permitted professionals now include all physicians as well as physician’s assistants, nurses, nurse midwives, pharmacists, podiatrists, dentists, dental hygienists trained to administer anaesthesia, veterinarians, and some EMTs with specific training.