VIENNA — The COVID-19 global pandemic has turned the world upside down and caused everyone to find new ways of doing things. At the recent Maries R-1 School Board meeting, in his report to the board, Vienna High School Principal Ian Murray said with school activities they are “trying to make the best of a bad situation.”

He said with district basketball play this season, teams will play at the higher seed’s gym and it is possible for Vienna to host a district game. However, because of COVID, the seating capacity will be limited. Murray said they’ve been in contact with the Phelps-Maries Health Department about its recommendation of the maximum number of people allowed in the gym at one time and they found out about 60 home and 60 visitors from the away team. “It’s unfortunate, but at least the kids get to play,” Murray said.

The school planned to follow health department recommendations at the basketball homecoming and the event was not open to the general public. Attendance was limited to the family of the players, cheerleaders, band, and homecoming court members. The high school student body also was allowed to attend. The away team was limited to immediate family only. 

Also in his principal’s report, Murray said finals were that week and the first semester of the 2020-2021 school year was almost over. He said its been “a year of ups and downs and we were fortunate to only be out for two weeks. I look forward to the rest of the year.”

He had good news to report on the Covid-19 numbers. Since Maries R-1 began its mask mandate for all staff and students grades 3-12, the school district has only had one student test positive for the coronavirus. Because of the mask mandate and the new rules which allows those who were around the student who tested positive, to not have to quarantine because they all were wearing masks. Murray said there were 11 students who previously would have needed to quarantine for two weeks but who did not have to because of the new rules. None of them tested positive for the virus. Murray said the mask mandate and new rules are helping the kids stay in school.