‘Eagle flybys’ let Calvary Chapel students, teachers reconnect through parades
Students at Calvary Chapel schools have been thriving academically since the campus transitioned to distance learning at the onset of the pandemic — in fact, grades logged before and after the campus closed show a slight increase, officials report.
But while instruction is solid, it’s the strong connections Calvary Eagles tend to enjoy with instructors and administrators on a daily basis that is most keenly missed by all, according to junior high Principal Mark Allen.
“One of the advantages of having a private school environment that is lower in population is the connection factor parents and students have,” Allen said. “As much as we Zoom, and as much as we email and make personal phone calls, there’s still a missing piece.”
To help relieve some of the separation anxiety school families may face as in-person lessons, conferences and campus events segue to virtual venues, school officials have begun hosting vehicle parades in the Calvary Chapel parking lots — called “Eagle Flybys.”
Families decorate their vehicles or don costumes and then meet up at the Santa Ana campus, where teachers are staked out at distanced parking lot stalls, for a drive-through parade.
Allen said the first parking lot celebration took place in late April, when teachers and staff at the preschool decided to hold a vehicle parade as a means of distributing instructional packets to young learners.
Since then, “Eagle Flybys” have allowed students of several grade levels to reconnect with their school community during what, for some, might be a stressful time.
Students in grades K-6 enjoyed their own flyby on May 8. Teachers tossed candy into vehicles while children waved, called our hellos and even serenaded staff with backseat song and guitar playing.
“Mostly, it’s just a way to say, ‘Hi, I love you, I miss you and hang in there,’” Allen said of the parking lot parades. “It’s a morale boost and a connection.”
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A second, similar event was held for junior high students one week later. Allen said socially sensitive preteens can be especially impacted by prolonged periods of separation.
“I know sometimes junior high students don’t act like they like you very much,” the principal added. “But this has been a time that has really proven where they’re at in their mental and emotional development — they’re longing to see their teachers.”
School administrators are making similarly styled plans for promoting sixth- and eighth-grade students to attend drive-in ceremonies in June. On June 13, the campus is planning a drive-through graduation commencement for high school seniors, Allen said.
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