At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Park School students, like many of their peers around the world, switched to an online, virtual learning format. By the summer of 2020, educators, parents, and students were looking for ways to return to in-person learning. The transition from virtual back to in-person schooling needed to be thoroughly planned in order to responsibly ensure the health and safety of the students, staff, families, and greater community.
Prior to the beginning of the 2020 school year, Utile worked with The Park School staff to devise a plan for keeping the students healthy while allowing for a safe level of socializing. The first stage of the plan was to divide the school into separate zones for each grade level. From pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, each grade or “cluster” was assigned an area of the school with their own dedicated entrance, stairwell, and color. The colors used for the entrances corresponded to the colors used inside to identify each clusters’ stairwell and corridors. In addition to cluster-specific signs, healthy behavior reminder signs were placed strategically throughout the school. With guidance from The Park School staff, I illustrated a cast of fun and friendly characters to remind students to wear masks, wash their hands, and socially distance where appropriate.
The Park School is home to students from grades pre-kindergarten through 8th grade.
Utile worked with The Park School staff to define zones within the school for each grade level, or "cluster."
Each cluster was assigned its own entrance to the school.
Each entrance was assigned a number and unique color.
The color on each clusters' entrance acted as a wayfinding device. Color-coded signs marked each clusters' stairwells...
corridors...
and cluster boundaries.
Universal signs reminding students to stay safe, wash their hands, and wear a mask were positioned throughout the school. Under The Park School's guidance, I illustrated a cast of new, friendly characters.
