Danielle Alpert’s daughters aren’t doing the same Advent activities this Christmas season, and sitting through class with a mask on isn’t always the most comfortable thing to deal with. Still, the Barnegat mother is pleased with how her girls are progressing at St. Mary Academy so far this year.

“I’m a longtime parent with the school,” said Alpert, whose daughters are in first and fifth grades. “The social aspects of school aren’t the same, but I haven’t seen any drop-off with their academics.