Learning and Teaching During COVID-19
ESD continues to navigate the 2020-21 school year with care and caution.
As we remain in a global pandemic, we have three primary goals:
- Mitigate risk in our community as much as possible by implementing a thorough regimen of health and safety measures
- Deliver on our mission of academic rigor, daily worship, and experiences in community
- Communicate clearly, including training, expectations, and other protocols
Remote learning began in all three divisions on August 25. We started in-person activities on September 8.
- CURRENT ON-CAMPUS PLANS and PROTOCOLS
- COMMUNICATION: SUMMER 2020
- LEARNING AND TEACHING: SPRING 2020
- RESOURCES FOR YOUR FAMILY
CURRENT ON-CAMPUS PLANS and PROTOCOLS
Below you will find recent important communication from our Head of School, David Baad, as well as a glossary of helpful and common terms you may be seeing in such communication. There are also sections for division-specific details and all-school details relating to school operations during COVID-19.
Individual information can be found in your Veracross Portal.
Head of School Communication, 2020-21
- June 1 Update: On Campus Protocol Changes
- March 3 Update: Continued Guideline Adherence
- January 27 Update: Continued COVID Protocols
- December 17 Update: Returning from Winter Break
- November 15 Update: Remote Learning Transitions
- October 9 Update: Please Remain Vigilant
- October 5 Update: Changes to the Academic Calendar
- September 3 Update: Rapid Response Protocols
- August 27 Update: A Phased Return to Campus
June 1 Update: On Campus Protocol Changes
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March 3 Update: Continued Guideline Adherence
March 3, 2021
Dear ESD Community,
It is hard to believe that we are closing in on the one year anniversary of our response to this pandemic. It has been a difficult year in many ways, and I remain uplifted by our community’s cooperation in keeping in-person learning available to our students.
Yesterday, Governor Abbott made a statement in which he called for an elimination of the statewide mask mandate and the 100% opening of businesses across Texas. In his statement, he also made it clear that local authorities would continue to be responsible for establishing health policy in their jurisdictions. Throughout the pandemic, ESD has relied on guidance from both Dallas County Health Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control to determine our course of action, at times deviating from their protocols when we thought it was prudent.
Both the CDC and DCHHS recommend that, at this point, there should be no change in masking, social distancing, or quarantining guidelines. We agree with that view and will maintain our policies for now. As we have done throughout this year, we will continue to monitor local health conditions and leave open the possibility of modifications before the end of the school year.
Best wishes for a restful and restorative spring break and a fruitful Lenten season.
Sincerely,
Dave Baad
Head of School
January 27 Update: Continued COVID Protocols
January 27, 2021
Dear ESD Community,
Like many of you, we have been following the latest health news closely. While there are encouraging signs that many of our fellow Texans are getting vaccines, we remain in a tenuous position. COVID fatigue is real. We are seeing it in our faculty, students, and families. All of us wish this pandemic were over, and we could return to all the ESD activities we cherish in a more normal time. It is critical, however, that we push on just a bit longer. It is important that our community remain vigilant over the next few months to maximize our chances of staying in-person, enjoying all the academic, athletic, and artistic activities that are only possible when the teachers and students are here together on campus. While our current situation is not ideal, it is better than the extended remote learning period we experienced last spring. By cooperating with our health policies, our community can make the best of this challenging situation to benefit the students we love and serve. To help meet that goal, we have a few reminders and requests.
Travel and Testing
As we approach both winter break weekend and spring break, we ask that all families and employees follow these CDC guidelines for international and domestic travel. To summarize, we expect students and employees who travel internationally to quarantine and engage in remote teaching and learning for seven days upon their return. Further, we ask that they take a PCR test on Day 4 or 5 of their quarantine to ensure their safe return the following week.
For those who travel domestically, we ask that they consider their travel circumstances and, if prudent, follow these same guidelines. Because this could mean that some in our community may be operating remotely during the week after winter or spring break, for planning purposes, please alert the appropriate division head of your winter break plans immediately and your spring break plans by February 15. We understand that in these uncertain times, plans can change. Your information sharing is not binding and will simply help us make sure we are ready to provide the best possible teaching and learning experience. We only ask that you update us as soon as you know of any alterations to your travel.
Policy Reminders
During the school year, the approximately 90 COVID cases among our 1,450 students and faculty have almost exclusively been traced to contacts they have had either in their households or in social gatherings outside of their homes. We reiterate our policy, shared in a letter this fall, that it is highly likely we will quarantine all ESD students or employees who attend an off-campus social event or activity in which a COVID-19 positive case is reported. We do this because the process of determining who is considered a "close contact" is particularly challenging at these types of events. We face similar obstacles with contact tracing at athletic practices and will most likely quarantine entire teams when there is one positive team member. While we understand some may think this policy overly cautious, we believe this approach gives us the best chance to remain in-person.
We remind you that to reduce the chances of quarantine for other school community members, we ask anyone, student or employee, to remain at home if there is someone in their household who is awaiting the results of a PCR test taken because they are symptomatic. Please do NOT wait until the positive result is received. Be proactive. There is a high likelihood of transmission within the same household.
The daily presence and engagement of our parents on campus this year have been missed, and we know that this has been a particular hardship for many of you. Missing out on your child’s athletic contests or art performances and opportunities to volunteer or plan ESDPA events are special experiences that are meaningful to all of us. As indicated on the calendar communication sent on Monday, we continue to plan for opportunities for parents to come to campus, especially for our senior parents, and hope to expand those opportunities as health conditions allow. Please know the Health and Safety Committee re-evaluates our visitor policies weekly; however, at this time, we are maintaining our current visitor and spectator protocols.
Once again, thank you for your continued patience and support as we navigate this exceedingly challenging school year. Your partnership is valued and essential.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
The Ann and Lee Hobson Family
Head of School
December 17 Update: Returning from Winter Break
December 17, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
ESD will return to in-person learning on Tuesday, January 5, as scheduled. We have made this decision based on our experience during the post-Thanksgiving break week and our desire to maximize our face-to-face learning experiences. The entire ESD community reported just three cases that would have significantly impacted learning had we been on campus the week of November 30. The challenge remains in balancing the physical and emotional health needs of everyone. We feel that returning in-person while maintaining our strict health protocols strikes that balance.
This decision was not arrived at easily. Infection rates in Dallas remain high, and we want to maintain a healthy environment at ESD. Additionally, just a handful of cases can significantly impact our ability to remain on campus. With that in mind, we are making the following requests of all families and employees over the holiday and beyond:
- Continue to complete the Ascend questionnaire on a daily basis.
- Report a COVID positive test to our nurses immediately.
- If you travel or participate in gatherings that include people from outside your household, we strongly request that the child or employee take a PCR test between December 31 and January 3. Please remain remote until a negative test result is received.
- When we return from break, remain hyper-vigilant about monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms. We strongly urge everyone to be “better safe than sorry,” stay home, and get a PCR test if they are experiencing any symptoms.
- While these requests can cause inconvenience, everyone must do their part. These efforts will minimize the chances of community members bringing the infection to our campus. This in turn minimizes the number of remote learning days for everyone.
When we return in January, middle and upper school students will be operating under a new academic schedule. After using our modified COVID schedule in the first semester, we are making adjustments to more efficiently schedule classes while also giving teachers more time to work individually with students and engage in professional collaboration. The changes were possible because we have been able to implement our health protocols, such as lunch operations and hygiene breaks, in a more timely manner than originally anticipated. Mr. Heil and Mr. Chein will follow up with more detail in the next day or two, but here are some of the highlights:
- A later start to the school day in both divisions will allow for time in the morning for teachers to work individually with students and meet with each other. It will also give upper school sports teams the flexibility to practice in the morning, better spreading out facility use.
- No substantive change in the amount of weekly teaching and learning time.
- A proposed start of seventh and eighth-grade athletics.
- Parents will still be able to drop their children at school at their normal time, if desired.
As we approach the end of 2020 and celebrate many meaningful holidays, I would like to emphasize the gratitude I am feeling to all in our community. Your continued patience, grace, and cooperation have allowed us to serve well the children of ESD. Let us pray that the recent introduction of the vaccine is a signal that our continued vigilance toward this stubborn virus will not need to go on much longer.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
The Ann and Lee Hobson Family
Head of School
November 15 Update: Remote Learning Transitions
November 15, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
Over the last several days, five additional cases of COVID-19 have been reported in our community: two lower school students, one middle school student, one upper school student, and one upper school faculty member. The resulting quarantines - over 30 in the eighth grade and over 50 in the tenth grade - have dictated that we transition to remote learning immediately in both eighth and tenth grades and extend ninth grade's remote learning status through Friday, November 20. Additionally, the start of winter upper school athletics will be delayed until the Monday after Thanksgiving break. The mixing of students by grade level in large sports groups where social distancing is challenging puts our ability to maintain in-person learning at too much risk given current health conditions.
As we continue to navigate this fluid situation, we ask that all community members keep these thoughts in mind:
- If an ESD student, employee, or a member of their household has taken a COVID-19 test because they have been exposed to a COVID positive person or they are symptomatic, the student or employee MUST stay home from school until a negative test result is received. This does not apply in cases where the person is taking the test for preventive reasons, for instance in preparation for travel.
- While it is true that the majority of COVID cases - particularly in children - are mild, that is not always true, including so far in our community. Even if your family has little concern about the health impact of COVID, I ask that you follow our protocols for the sake of all 1,500 students and staff who want to keep coming to campus every day.
- Carefully filling out the Ascend questionnaire each day is a vital component of our health protocol. Please be particularly cautious about sending any child to school who is experiencing symptoms.
- We ask families to continue filling out Ascend during Thanksgiving Break. This data will be very helpful as we prepare for our return to campus.
Our goal remains to engage our students in as much in-person learning as possible while mitigating health risks. We are monitoring the health situation daily and are considering a variety of options for school over the next few weeks.
Let us all pray that we have seen the peak of our troubling issues.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
The Ann and Lee Hobson Family
Head of School
October 9 Update: Please Remain Vigilant
October 9, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
As we have developed health and safety protocols over the last several months, our priority has been to maximize our chances for continued in-person learning and allow for the phased-in return to athletics, arts, and other extracurricular activity. To achieve this goal, we have put the students' participation in school first, while at the same time keeping in mind that we must do everything else we can to limit the spread of COVID infection so that we can continue as we are now. These priorities informed Athletics Director Dan Gill's message yesterday about spectators at upcoming athletic events, and it is at the heart of what I share today.
On Wednesday, the Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services informed school heads and superintendents that COVID-19 cases in Dallas County are on the rise and are of great concern. The case increase is particularly evident in neighborhoods in which many in our ESD community live. This information is a stark reminder that we must continue to follow health and safety recommendations to meet our shared goals.
Since the start of school, we have had very few COVID-19 cases at ESD. However, we know that can change quickly. It is important to note that all of the cases we have had among students have been connected to off-campus social events and sports teams not sponsored or supervised by ESD. As we endeavor to limit the spread of infection, this has made the process of determining who is considered a "close contact" particularly challenging.
In recognition of our priority to take precaution and the increase in infections in the greater Dallas community, please know that except in very rare circumstances, we will quarantine all ESD students or employees who attend an off campus social event or activity in which a COVID-19 positive case is reported.
As we approach the weekend of the Texas-OU football game and the beginning of Halloween season, we know there will be the temptation to gather in large groups. When participating in these types of activities, community members are exposing themselves to a possible 14-day quarantine. If large-scale quarantines occur, this puts extraordinary pressure on our classroom teachers and jeopardizes our in-person teaching and learning status. While we do not think it is our place to mandate a cessation of these activities, we strongly urge you and your children not to participate in them for the overall well-being of our school community.
Our greatest hope is to preserve as much of a "normal" on-campus school experience as possible for our students. This message is not intended to preach or moralize; it is simply a request for what is very likely our best opportunity to remain on this path.
I remain grateful for the cooperation that students have shown with our health and safety protocols while on campus. I have been heartened by the care that student council leadership has taken to responsibly plan upcoming Homecoming activities. They are an example for us all.
Together we will continue to thrive.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
The Ann and Lee Hobson Family
Head of School
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM OUR NURSES REGARDING ASCEND REQUIREMENTS
October 5 Update: Changes to the Academic Calendar
October 5, 2020
Dear Parents and Upper School Students,
The start of this school year has been like no other. We are extremely proud of our students and teachers for the way they have responded and adjusted to our new, temporary, way of life on campus. As we head into our seventh week of school, we continue to learn and fine-tune our protocols, schedules, and processes. Your support has been, and will continue to be, a critical part of our work together.
Today, I am sharing a few adjustments to the school calendar. This year's daily schedule is structured to optimize learning and teaching while balancing protocols designed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. The schedule's impact is that many of our faculty are "on" before, during, and after school with few breaks, which results in very limited time for collaborative curricular planning and opportunities to recharge their energy. Gratitude for our faculty, who have been diligent in supervising their classes and advisories, while planning new lessons and juggling the needs of both in-person and remote learners, is immeasurable.
In light of this, the school's executive leadership team has decided to make a few changes in the academic calendar over the next three months to ensure faculty can best serve our teaching and learning goals while maintaining our health and safety protocols. In order to provide our faculty with more structured planning time and to offer them, and our students, a few well-deserved breaks, the following calendar adjustments have been made:
Friday, October 23 - Early Dismissal
- Early dismissal for all three divisions
- October 19-23 is Homecoming Week, more information to come!
Friday, November 6 - No School
- School holiday for all students, faculty, and staff
Friday, November 13 - Early Dismissal (middle and upper schools)
- Early dismissal for students in middle and upper schools
- A regular school day for lower school students
- Afternoon professional in-service for middle and uppers school faculty and staff
Monday, January 4 - Student Holiday
- A full day of professional in-service for faculty and staff
- No school for students
- Classes resume on Tuesday, January 5
We realize these are unexpected changes to your family calendar, yet feel these are important and welcomed adjustments for our faculty and students. Extended care on early dismissal days will be available for those currently enrolled. Details will be shared from your division's coordinator in the weeks to come. Please look for detailed times and schedules from your respective division head.
Also, please look for information coming soon regarding Homecoming week, which has been moved to October 19 - 23. Although the upper school dance has been postponed and the traditional pep rally is canceled, the Student Council is planning a fun and spirited week on campus.
Our continued diligence in following health and safety guidelines, on and off campus, is imperative. Being back on campus has been a joy, and we hope very much to remain on campus through the rest of the school year.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
The Ann and Lee Hobson Family
Head of School
September 3 Update: Rapid Response Protocols
September 3, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
A key driver of our ability to remain in-person will be our response when someone in our community has a test-confirmed case of COVID-19. I share with you now what we will expect of you and what you can expect of the school when this happens.
- Any parent whose child (the student-patient) has a test-confirmed case of COVID-19 should immediately contact Lower School Nurse Carla Thomas (214-353-5773 or thomasc@esdallas.org) or Middle and Upper School Nurse Marcia Biggs (214-353-5867 or biggsm@esdallas.org).
- Any employee (the employee-patient) who has a test-confirmed case of COVID-19 should immediately contact Nurse Biggs.
- Any student in a cohort with the student-patient or any employee who works closely with the employee-patient will be asked to stay home or be sent home, most likely for one school day, while the school conducts contact tracing.
- This could occur in the middle of the school day. Parents will be asked to pick up their child within 30-minutes should this happen. In these cases, you will be contacted by both email and text.
- CDC guidelines allow any person who has had a test-confirmed case of COVID-19 diagnosed within the last 90 days, has fully recovered, and continues to show no COVID-19 symptoms, to be exempt from quarantine. If a student or employee wishes to be placed on the quarantine exemption list, they must submit written documentation to Nurse Biggs by Friday, September 11, that proves when they tested positive previously for COVID-19. Documentation will not be accepted after a quarantine has been mandated.
- All areas where the patient has recently spent significant time will be closed until cleaned thoroughly.
- Our Assistant Athletic Trainer and trained contact tracer, Ms. Emily Gill, will call the patient's home to conduct a contact tracing interview using age-appropriate questions. She will also consult our seating charts and other information to determine who has been in close contact with the patient.
- More information from Ms. Gill can be found here.
- Close contact includes living in the same household with someone who has tested positive, coming in direct contact with fluids or discharge of a person sick with COVID-19, and or being within six feet of a person sick with COVID-19 for 15+ minutes and less than six feet apart.
- Once the contact tracing has been completed, the school will follow up by email to inform those who are not close contacts that they may return to campus.
- The school will follow up with those who were close contacts to place them on a CDC-mandated 14-day quarantine and provide follow up support.
- The school will post on the password-protected parent and employee portals about any test-confirmed positive cases among our students or employees. The patient will only be identified by function (student, faculty, staff) and division (lower, middle, upper). No names will be used.
When a patient or their parent is contacted by Ms. Gill for a contact tracing interview, it is imperative that they be completely honest about any contacts they have had since their likely infection. This includes any contact that the patient may have had with other community members after school hours or on the weekends. Bluntly, this is not the time to worry about "snitching" or "getting someone in trouble." In these conversations, we must be forthcoming to stop the spread of the virus on campus and remain in-person.
COVID shaming and recriminations will not be tolerated. Catching COVID-19 can happen in a variety of ways and a variety of venues. When a community member becomes ill, our only response should be one of empathy and support. I would expect nothing less from our community.
Lastly, I make a strong plea for all of us to closely follow public health protocols over the Labor Day weekend. This is typically a three-day period when we all enjoy one last bit of summer. This year is different. Dallas County Health metrics are trending in an excellent direction, giving us all hope that a return to normalcy is coming. The short-term sacrifice of limiting our social gatherings to ten people or less and wearing our masks can pay the long-term dividend of increased school activity in the coming months.
Let's all do our part.
Sincerely,
David L. Baad
The Ann and Lee Hobson Family
Head of School
August 27 Update: A Phased Return to Campus
August 27, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
After careful consideration and extensive collaboration with health officials, our executive team, and ESD's Board of Directors, ESD will begin a phased-in return to campus starting September 8, 2020. Our faculty, staff, and I are excited to welcome students back to Merrell Road after a long five months.
Yes, our plan diverts from the Dallas County Health Department's current guidance for schools to conduct remote learning only. Our decision to return included the following factors:
- Health metrics are showing clear and positive trends and are predicted to continue to improve over the next four weeks.
- We are fortunate to be in a well-resourced community that allows us to implement health and safety protocols that mitigate risk. Our smaller class sizes and larger physical plant relative to school size aid our efforts.
- Our plans may be accelerated or decelerated depending on our community's compliance with health and safety protocols and health conditions at ESD and the Dallas community at large.
- We trust that with strong community cooperation, personal accountability, and consistent adherence to mandatory health and safety regulations, we will be able to meet this schedule.
- The option for a parent to choose remote learning for their child remains.
Our Phased Approach
A one-week, phased approach allows us to better manage the transition to in-person learning. It provides the opportunity to ensure training and orientation for students takes place in masking, hygiene, pedestrian circulation procedures, and classroom, hallway, and lunch protocols and expectations.
We will welcome back grades in stages using the schedule below. Once a grade is on campus, those students in that grade will continue on campus. The distance learning program will continue for all students through Friday, September 4, as will already scheduled Lower School Eagle Camp activities. There is no school on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
A Word About Our Faculty and Staff
I want to take a moment here to express my gratitude and appreciation for our dedicated faculty. We recognize that their roles encompass much more than teaching, shepherding, and mentoring. In today's world, they must be multi-faceted and able to lead and educate our students through multiple learning platforms and challenging times in society, ever mindful of their students' social-emotional growth and well being. In regard to returning to campus, I am particularly mindful that teaching faculty, unlike families, do not have as much freedom of choice. Except in rare circumstances, my expectation is that faculty will be in their classrooms with their students upon our return. Discomfort exists for a variety of reasons, just as there are differing opinions about Coronavirus and its threat to public health.
I raise this point because I want to emphasize the importance of following health and safety guidelines, regardless of how we feel about the conflicting messages we have received on the pandemic. Our compliance and cooperation will give our faculty, and our community, comfort and will allow us to remain in-person.
Athletics and Outside of School Activities
We remain hopeful health conditions in the metroplex will continue to improve to the point that competitive athletics are deemed safe for our students. Beginning next week, upper school students participating in fall sports will have the option to attend strength and conditioning sessions on campus. These sessions will be closely monitored by athletic staff, and all safety measures followed. Please see updates for sports programs available to students in all three divisions here.
Questions regarding participation in the Sports Fellowship (PreK through sixth grade) and club sports continue to hit my inbox. The athletic department has remained involved in the Sports Fellowship program to ensure all interested students are included in the most equitable way should health conditions improve. However, our strong recommendation is that students do not participate in outside athletic programs at this time. This is a family choice, and it is not within my purview to dictate these decisions for ESD families. Please know that the more our community limits or eliminates activities outside of our school community, the better chance we have of achieving our shared goal of keeping students on campus.
Our Community's Crucial Role in Carrying Out Our Return Plan
The prospect of returning to campus is exciting. However, we must all understand that our experience on campus this fall will be impacted, for the time being, by COVID-19 conditions. With our faculty, staff, and all ESD families in mind, I want to reiterate the importance of adhering to health and safety protocols in our daily lives and when we are on campus.
- We must wear masks, be socially distant, and practice good hygiene at all times.
- We must not gather in large groups or at social events without masks or engage in activities that make physical distancing challenging, on or off campus.
- I particularly want to implore our students not to gather in large groups on the weekends. We have seen the effects at college campuses around the country - large social gatherings, indoors or out, lead to COVID outbreaks. Please also keep this in mind over the Labor Day holiday. All of us must think beyond ourselves and make sacrifices for one another and the larger community.
- I know many, especially our students, have had to endure disappointment in the last five months and want very much to be with and among friends. We all want that. We all want normalcy. However, please know that starting and maintaining our in-person learning and potential to return to athletics, performing arts, and other treasured school activities rely, in large part, on the choices we make.
This pandemic has tested us and will continue to do so. Let us unite toward a common purpose, be patient, support one another, and make the best of challenging circumstances. Together, we will.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
The Ann and Lee Hobson Family
Head of School
Common Terms
Learning and Teaching
Asynchronous Learning
Cohort
Hybrid Learning
In a hybrid learning environment, some children are in person and others are logging in from home.
Families choosing Hybrid Learning require a commitment to both synchronous (live) learning and asynchronous (recorded/independent) learning. Students will be required to log into their classroom each morning (Google Meet). The in-person student schedule and at-home student schedule are intentionally similar, so students are "live" for core academic classes and class meetings. Teachers will communicate with all students during lessons, and special times will be carved out for our students learning from home. In addition, we will have other faculty available to support students' learning needs at the end of the day.
Parents will need to commit to the following when choosing to learn from home when other students are on campus:
- Weekly school pick-ups for supplies and drop-offs (this will most likely be the Thursday before the next week.)
- Students will need a work space at home with minimal distractions for learning.
- Students should have necessary supplies and materials at home and be prepared for class when it starts.
- Attendance will be taken each day and noted for the classes.
- We do not currently allow parents, tutors or outside teachers in our classrooms. The same holds true for online learning. At-home support should happen during asynchronous times or if there's a technology glitch that needs immediate attention.
Remote (or Distance) Learning
Synchronous Learning
COVID-19
Close Contact
Exposure
Isolation
According to the CDC, "Isolation is used to separate people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from people who are not infected.
"People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. In the home, anyone sick or infected should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick room” or area and using a separate bathroom (if available)."
Read more about isolation guidelines on the CDC site.
Quarantine
According to the CDC, "Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Quarantine helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department."
Read more about quarantine guidelines on the CDC site.
For additional terms and information, please see the CDC's website.
All-School Details
Health and Safety Protocols
- Health and safety education and training for all faculty, staff, students, and parents started on the first day of in-person operations and will continue as needed.
- Masks or other safe and approved face coverings are worn by all adults and students.
- Two masks were supplied to each student (Beginners through grade 12) at the start of in-person learning. Additional masks are available for purchase in the Eagles Nest.
- Daily health screens using the Ascend application, including temperature checks, are required for all students, faculty, and staff. A temperature check will also be conducted on campus.
- Classroom spaces have been reorganized to allow physical distancing between students and teachers.
- Class schedules are now staggered and pedestrian circulation is in place to support physical distancing and to avoid crowding.
- Frequent handwashing is required and enforced.
- No large group gatherings are allowed to be hosted on campus.
- The delivery method and timing of lunch service has been adjusted to ensure safety.
On-Campus Protocols and Adjustments
- Prominent signage is placed throughout campus to encourage physical distancing and improve flow.
- Foot-openers were installed on doors throughout campus.
- Seven covered outdoor spaces were added and are utilized as classrooms and physically-distant student gathering spaces.
- The beginning and end of school days (carpool) operate under controlled and staggered ingress and egress.
- All carpool participants, both inside and outside of the vehicle, are required to wear face coverings.
- Access to campus is limited to faculty, staff, and students only, except during carpool.
- Parents and visitors have remote access to faculty and staff and may visit with special permission in unusual circumstances.
- All ESDPA and back-to-school meetings and events for parents take place virtually.
- Locker usage for Middle and Upper School students has been suspended until physical distancing requirements are scaled back.
Enhanced Cleaning and Sanitizing
- Temporary handwashing and hand-sanitizing stations were installed in multiple locations throughout the campus.
- Electrostatic sprayers are utilized throughout the day in high-touch areas.
- Enhanced air circulation units that include UV lighting filtration were installed where feasible, including the Dining Commons and auxiliary gymnasium.
- Students and faculty were trained on how to clean electronic touch surfaces and encouraged to wipe down frequently.
- Extra supplies of masks, face shields, sanitizer wipes, sanitizing spray, gloves, and soap was provided for each classroom.
Extracurricular Activities - Athletics, Arts, Clubs
- All student activities within and after the school day are guided by local and state health and education agencies.
- Competitive athletics are governed by the Southwest Preparatory Conference and USRowing. We began playing as guided by these governing bodies in conjunction with local and state health organizations. More information can be found here.
- Strength and conditioning coaches provide athletes at-home workouts in addition to on campus training to help ensure readiness to play.
- After school day performing arts activities continue to be informed by local and state health organizations and TEA guidelines.
- Club and other extracurriculars are a hybrid of small group in-person and virtual activities.
Emotional wellness
- We are preparing in-service work for faculty/staff on the effects of COVID-19 on the emotional and spiritual health of students, families, faculty, and staff through on-going participation in educator/counselor webinars, best practices, professional networks.
- Chaplains and counselors are available for support to our community members in person or virtually, as needed. Please reach out.
- Programming that supports the social-emotional wellness of our students has continued with focused attention on the effects of the pandemic.
- Work on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion continues with additional support available to all community members.
- While we are unable to gather in large groups, our Chaplains are developing new ways to honor ESD’s Founding Tenet of Daily Worship. Chapel will be offered via live stream or recordings with student leadership as a core element.
More division-specific information relating to COVID, including schedules, athletics, and more, can be found on the Getting Ready pages linked below.
Lower School
Getting Ready Page
COMMUNICATION: SUMMER 2020
How might we best deliver on ESD's mission during the global pandemic?
A large task force examined the options and opportunities for returning to campus and how we will engage in delivering our mission in the fall. Chaired by executive team members, six subcommittees actively researched and thoughtfully deliberated health and safety; academic modeling; community and emotional wellness; activities; legal, human resource, and financial concerns; and communications and admission. We are reliant on the best practices and recommendations of local, state, and national organizations, and we will keep you apprised as this work continues.
For more information on the task forces, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
Return-to-Campus Protocols: All School and Division Specific
ESD’s plan for mitigating risk upon our return is rooted in scientific data and our commitment to do our part in keeping our community safe and healthy. It is informed by guidelines set forth by the State of Texas, CDC, and the Texas Education Agency as well as frequent and direct consultation with DCHHS and highly respected immunologists and doctors.
Updated August 27, 2020
A Phased Approach to Return-to-Campus
A one-week, phased approach allows us to better manage the transition to in-person learning. It provides the opportunity to ensure training and orientation for students takes place in masking, hygiene, pedestrian circulation procedures, and classroom, hallway, and lunch protocols and expectations.
We will welcome back grades in stages using the schedule below. Once a grade is on campus, those students in that grade will continue on campus. The distance learning program will continue for all students through Friday, September 4, as will already scheduled Lower School Eagle Camp activities. There is no school on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Tuesday, September 8 |
Wednesday, September 9 |
Thursday, September 10 |
Friday, September 11 |
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On-Campus: Virtual: |
On-Campus: All Lower School Students |
On-Campus: All Lower School Students |
On-Campus: All Lower School Students |
On-Campus: Virtual: |
On-Campus: Virtual: |
On-Campus: Virtual: |
On-Campus: All Middle School Students |
On-Campus: Virtual: |
On-Campus: Virtual: |
On-Campus: All Upper School Students |
On-Campus: All Upper School Students |
Archived Head of School Communication
August 21 Update
August 21, 2020
Dear ESD Families,
I have two important updates to share with you. I lead this message, though, with my earnest hope and optimism for the year ahead, no matter the hurdles we face together. The presence of many of our faculty and staff on campus for professional inservice this week has been uplifting and reassuring. Seeing lower and middle school students and their parents picking up school materials yesterday and today has reminded me of the joy we feel working with your children. I feel blessed to be part of this community.
Yesterday, Dallas County Health and Human Services Department published additional guidance from the School Public Health and Education Committee. Their guidance recommends that schools only offer virtual learning at this time. Furthermore, they advised that students do not engage in athletic and musical activities on or off campus. The communication is linked here for your review.
We do not know yet how this will impact ESD's return-to-campus plans for September 8. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed. Look for communication from me by the end of next week. The DCHHS committee's statement does not specify dates or new supporting data; however, a local health official has informed us that the DCHHS Department plans to share metrics soon that will offer schools more information and guidance as planning continues for returning to in-person learning. These metrics, in combination with the most recent and relevant data and consultations with medical professionals, will all be integral in our return-to-campus decision. Our goal remains to return to start in-person learning as soon as conditions permit.
Also, earlier today SPC Board of Directors announced the cancellation of the 2020 fall SPC athletic season. You can read more on SPCSports.org. This is very disappointing news for all of us. I feel for our student-athletes, especially those entering their senior year.
Please note that the SPC's decision does not eliminate the possibility of competition later in the fall season. We are in conversation with our colleagues at Hockaday, St. Mark's, and Greenhill and are discussing plans for our fall teams to compete in an abbreviated season should health conditions improve and restrictions loosen; other interested SPC schools in the Metroplex may also participate. Be assured we will keep you apprised of any developments in this direction.
Physically distanced strength and conditioning will be available for all fall sports athletes upon our return to in-person school and team practices may begin as conditions allow. Fall sport program directors will continue to meet with their teams and provide independent at-home workouts throughout distance learning. In addition, middle school athletics are postponed until further notice. Our new daily schedule allows all middle school students to have a 30-minute organized physical activity each day. We will continue to consult public health officials, along with our Health and Safety Committee, when making the decision to return to sport-specific instruction and interscholastic competition.
Tuesday marks the first day of school for 2020-21. Our teachers and students are ready. While we don't know exactly what lies ahead, we know our community and commitment to delivering on our mission are strong.
Thank you for your continued support.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
The Ann and Lee Hobson Family
Head of School
July 21 Update
July 21, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
As promised in my message Friday, please find below details on our plans forward for returning to school. All of our choices are rooted in three primary goals:
- Keep our community members as safe and healthy as possible
- Deliver on our mission of academic rigor, daily worship, and experiences in community
- Communicate clearly, including training, expectations, and other protocols
There is a lot of information here; thank you for taking the time to review and familiarize yourself. If you will, I invite you to start by viewing my brief video below.
Please join your child's division head, Dr. Boberg, and me for a webinar:
I hope you can join us tomorrow and Thursday for these info sessions. If you have a question, please submit it here so that Dr. Boberg, the division heads, and I can review ahead of time. We will do our best to answer and appreciate what's been submitted thus far. Questions specific to one child may be addressed outside of the webinar.
For those unable to join and those who would like to revisit the session, we will record and make the videos available later this month.
Campus-Wide Protocols, Calendar, and Division-Specific Information
These pages continue to be updated with the latest information. Please continue to check as we move towards the start of school.
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In closing, I want to thank you for your patience and support during this unprecedented time. Also, I want to acknowledge and thank the many faculty and staff who have worked tirelessly this summer. They have helped research best practices and develop ESD's path forward, innovated learning plans, engaged in online classes including topics of distance learning and diversity and inclusion, and so much more.
It is our collective partnership that ensures not only a successful return to campus but also an educational experience that ignites lives of purpose.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
July 17 Update
July 17 Update: Head of School Message
Dear ESD Community,
Throughout the COVID pandemic, it has been our goal to return to in-person learning as quickly as possible. In determining our plan of action, there have been two decision points: 1) determining when local health conditions will allow us to return to campus, and 2) developing an educational structure that creates a healthy and productive teaching and learning environment. Because we are educators and not medical experts, we have relied on state and local health officials to decide the first question. Yesterday, the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department issued an order which prohibits in-person learning and activities at public and private schools until September 8. We also are aware that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued guidance that religious schools are not bound by the DCHHS order. Our position is that we must follow our local health officials' advice in matters of health and safety. Therefore today we are announcing the following:
- We plan to start in-person activities on September 8. We will do so if allowed by local authorities.
- We will begin school with remote learning in all three divisions on August 25.
- By delaying school four academic days, we are hoping to trade remote learning for in-person classes by holding school on these four days that are currently school holidays: Friday, October 9, 2020, Monday, January 4, 2021, Friday, February 12, 2021, and Monday, April 5, 2021
- We ask all families to reserve until June 12, 2021, in case we need to make further adjustments to our academic calendar.
As part of our summer planning and led by our academic dean and division heads, teachers have been working hard to improve what was by most reports an already a strong remote learning experience. We appreciate the substantial parent and middle and upper school student feedback that helped inform our decisions. Some of the highlights of that work include the following:
- A robust remote-teaching training program for teachers in all three divisions.
- Modifications to the remote-teaching schedule that allow for more face-to-face teaching, smaller instructional groups, and a better pace to the day.
- A transition to a new technology platform, Seesaw, for Beginners-2nd grade that is more early childhood friendly.
- 1-1 technology for lower school students.
- The hiring of an additional Middle School Learning Specialist to support students and teachers.
This latest news mandating a period of distance learning comes as a disappointment to many of us. I remain confident though both in our remote learning platform and our ability to conduct safe and productive in-person classes and activities when health conditions allow it. We appreciate your patience and support in this fluid situation.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
June 26 Update
June 26, 2020
Dear Parents, Faculty, Staff, and Upper School Students,
You'll find today's update in two parts. Please take the time to review both.
- The video offers updates on:
- Immediate steps ESD is taking regarding racial injustice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and civil discourse. We have a foundation and there is essential work in process and ahead.
- Update on strength and conditioning workouts for upper school students and summer camps.
- Initial findings from the parent survey. We very much appreciate the tremendous support, praise, and trust you share in ESD faculty and staff, and we heard a few common concerns.
- Beneath the video, you will find a link to foundational information and the first layer of protocols for our return to school.
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FIRST LAYER OF PROTOCOLS FOR RETURN TO CAMPUS
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I hope this message finds you and your loved ones well. Our prayers of hope and healing continue for those impacted by these crises, including those who are ill and hurting, those providing care and support, and those working toward the solutions locally and globally. We must do our part.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
June 12 Update
June 12, 2020
Dear Parents, Faculty and Staff, and Upper School Students,
Please view the video message below regarding work underway, summer programming, and initial parent survey results.
As mentioned, please expect to hear from me biweekly. We are also actively maintaining the COVID-19 page and Getting Ready pages on our website. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to me, your division head, or the program director.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
May 21 Closing Message
May 21, 2020
Dear ESD Parents, Faculty, and Staff,
Below is my final video for the 2019-20 academic year. Please take a few moments to watch as I discuss topics ranging from end-of-year celebrations, Pass It On, and the Class of 2020, to the Task Force, its subcommittees, and what forms of communication to expect from me this summer as we prepare for 2020-21.
On behalf of all of us here, thank you for your continued support and excellence. I could not be prouder of how our community has come together to navigate the challenges of this year.
I wish you and your loved ones a joy-filled, restful, and healthy summer.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
Anticipated Summer Communication Schedule
Task Force Subcommittees and Contacts
Task Force Subcommittee | Team Lead |
---|---|
Health and Safety | Dave Baad, Head of School |
Academic Modeling and Schedules | Eric Boberg, Academic Dean, and the Division Heads, Tracey Shirey, Jonathan Chein, and Henry Heil |
Community and Emotional Wellness | Amy Heller, Senior Chaplain |
Activities and Extracurricular | Dan Gill, Director of Athletics |
Finance, Human Resources, Legal | Robert Buchholz, Chief Financial Officer |
Communication and Onboarding | Ruth Burke, Associate Head of School |
LEARNING AND TEACHING: SPRING 2020
Change in operations through the end of the school year
Due to COVID-19 and recommendations from local and national health organizations, we are changing how we operate as a school community. Distance learning and teaching will commence after spring break on Monday, March 23, and continue through the end of the year. There will be no in-person classes or co-curricular activities during this time and campus is also closed. We hope to return to normal operations as expeditiously as possible, and are heeding the advice of the experts, local and national health organizations, in our decisions. As we all know, this is a rapidly changing situation, please continue to monitor this page and your email.
Ongoing Communication While Distance Learning
From | When | How Will I Receive Communication? |
---|---|---|
Head of School | Weekly | Email with announcements archived here. |
Teachers | Daily | Schoology |
Division Heads | Weekly | |
One Community Worship | Wednesday (noon) | Twitter, Facebook, and ESD home page |
Daily Worship | Daily | Homily blog and on Schoology |
News You Can Use | Monday | |
Milestones Monday | Monday (7:00 p.m.) | Email and website |
#EaglesInAction | Daily | Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram |
ESD Updates Related to COVID-19
- May 21 | Thursday Message from HoS David Baad
- May 14 | Thursday Message from HoS David Baad
- May 7 | Thursday Message from HoS David Baad
- April 30 | Thursday Message from HoS David Baad
- Archive of Email Messages Regarding COVID-19
May 21 | Thursday Message from HoS David Baad
Dear ESD Parents, Faculty, and Staff,
Below is my final video for the 2019-20 academic year. Please take a few moments to watch as I discuss topics ranging from end-of-year celebrations, Pass It On, and the Class of 2020, to the Task Force, its subcommittees, and what forms of communication to expect from me this summer as we prepare for 2020-21.
On behalf of all of us here, thank you for your continued support and excellence. I could not be prouder of how our community has come together to navigate the challenges of this year.
I wish you and your loved ones a joy-filled, restful, and healthy summer.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
May 14 | Thursday Message from HoS David Baad
May 7 | Thursday Message from HoS David Baad
April 30 | Thursday Message from HoS David Baad
Dear ESD Community,
Astonishingly, we are six weeks into our change of operations. If you are seniors, you have just a handful of days left. Others have only weeks. I am proud of how we have come together as a learning community. More in my video message today:
I hope everyone finds time to disconnect and rejuvenate this weekend.
Archive of Email Messages Regarding COVID-19
- April 23 | Thursday Message from HoS David Baad
- April 17 | Friday Update and Information email from HoS David Baad
- April 9 | Thursday Update and Information email from HoS David Baad
- April 2 | Thursday Update and Information from HoS David Baad
- March 26 | Thursday Update and Information email from HoS David Baad
- March 19 | Distance Learning Update and Moving Forward email from HoS David Baad
- March 13 | Important School Operations Update, COVID-19 email from HoS David Baad
- March 12 | No Classes or Campus Events on March 13 email from HoS David Baad
- March 12 | March 12 COVID-19 Update email from HoS David Baad
- March 11 | March 11 COVID-19 Update email from HoS David Baad
- March 10 | COVID-19 Update email from HoS David Baad
- March 6 | COVID-19 Update and International Travel Information Request email from HoS David Baad
- February 27 | Follow Up on Coronavirus email from HoS David Baad
- January 27 | Stay Informed: Coronavirus email from ESD's Nurses
April 23 | Thursday Message from HoS David Baad
Dear ESD Community,
In thinking about today, I do not have any new news to share. Instead, my message is one of gratitude and hope. This video highlights the ESD Experience while we were together on campus. Many thanks to all of the roles that play a part in making this possible.
I look forward to when we can all see each other again.
I look forward to when we can all see each other again
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
April 17 | Friday Update and Information email from HoS David Baad
April 17, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
The letter below reiterates the video message for those who prefer to read through the details. The video is less than seven minutes. Thank you.
Based on the guidance issued by Governor Abbott today, our Executive Team extended our distance learning program through the end of the academic year. While many of us have been anticipating this possibility for several weeks, the certainty of not being together at all this spring is jarring. I am confident, though, that with our usual ESD spirit, we will continue to support each other. In recognition of the efforts being extended by all members of the community, I have decided to declare a Head of School Holiday on Friday, May 1. My hope is this three-day weekend coming at the midpoint between Easter and the end of the year will give everyone a chance to recharge themselves for the final academic push.
On Monday, you will be receiving a letter from Dr. Eric Boberg and our Division Heads, Henry Heil, Jon Chein, and Tracey Shirey, outlining our plans for grades and exams through the remainder of the spring. They, the Educational Technology Team, the Department Chairs, and Grade Level Deans have put a great deal of thought into how best to balance the different stresses of this usual academic atmosphere with honoring and assessing the work that our students and teachers have done. Disruptive situations such as this one are opportunities for innovation, as leaders search for new ways to do traditional things. We believe that we have developed a structure that will be academically meaningful and properly paced.
Although disappointed we will not be able to hold the graduation and related events on their original May dates, I am pleased to announce the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 will be held on July 18, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. Members of the Class of 2020 deserve to walk across the stage and receive their hard-earned diplomas with their families and friends in attendance, and we very much want that for them. The cooperative input that seniors and their parents have given us while investigating alternatives has been greatly appreciated. Additional July graduation week details will be shared with our seniors and their parents in early May.
We recognize that a sense of closure is always important for both employees and families. That is probably even more the case this year. Work continues on reimagining all our other milestone activities. We hope you can join us Monday at 7:00 p.m. for our Cum Laude Induction Service, where top academic students in the Class of 2020 will be recognized. We are honored to have Michelle Kinder as our guest speaker. She is an ESD Board Member and nationally recognized speaker and writer who offers a fresh perspective on emotional wellness.
Another milestone to be celebrated next week is Junior Ring Day. On Friday, April 24, at 10:00 a.m., juniors and their parents will receive a video message to mark the day. Later in the day, juniors will receive their ring and ring cards through home delivery. For juniors, this period has brought its own special anxiety as the beginning of their college process has been affected by the health situation. Our college guidance office has reached out to each member of the class to schedule individual meetings to answer questions and offer guidance. Juniors, please make sure you sign up.
In closing, I find gratitude to be an essential tool in difficult times. As Head of ESD, I have a lot to be grateful for, including:
- The teamwork and flexibility demonstrated by students, parents, and ESD employees, making this challenging change in operations as manageable as possible.
- The inspiring levels of creativity and innovation that are producing new lessons, assessments, and ceremonies, ideas that will improve our school for years to come.
- The multitude rallying to offer support and uplift our internal community, from our Chaplains and Emotional Wellness team, faculty and staff, parents, board members, alumni, and volunteers.
- Those serving on the front lines locally and globally to help eradicate this pandemic, assist those suffering, and keep all of us safe.
- My health and the health of my loved ones and our community.
Next week, we will hold Gratitude Week, an opportunity for all of us to express our thanks via social media for those in the community who have taken that extra step to be helpful. Look for details soon on how to participate. Please join me in that celebration.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
April 9 | Thursday Update and Information email from HoS David Baad
April 2 | Thursday Update and Information from HoS David Baad
April 2, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
The Executive Leadership Team has extended our distance learning program until at least May 4, 2020. This decision aligns with Governor Abbott's decree closing schools statewide until that date. As this situation evolves, it is becoming clear that it is likely we will not return to traditional operations before the end of the school year. We have directed all ESD employees to plan with that in mind. However, we have also decided not to extend our change in operations past May 4 because we wish to preserve the possibility of finishing the academic year together on campus.
Milestone ceremonies that take place at the end of the school year, like Field Day, Pass It On, and Graduation, are greatly anticipated and meaningful to all of us, particularly our seniors. While we remain hopeful a few of our beloved culminating experiences will occur normally, we must prepare for the eventuality that we may not have the opportunity to celebrate with one another on campus. To that end, I have asked Ruth Burke to gather input from representatives of all our constituencies, most importantly students, and begin planning ways to honor these treasured traditions. Please look for more information and next steps on this topic from Ruth over the weekend. Our goal is to make a decision about the format of Graduation at least one month prior to the event.
The school's finances have also been a point of review over the last several weeks. CFO Robert Buchholz and Director of Finance Mary Hernandez have carefully analyzed the impact our change in operations has had on the school's budget. Certain expenses have been reduced as a result of our change in operations, which will allow us to credit student accounts. We can offer an average refund of $200 to each student because we are no longer serving lunch. The total credit is slightly less than the prorated lunch fee because we elected to pay our SAGE workers through March 31, hoping to ensure that they would be available on short notice should we resume in-person operations. We have confirmed with SAGE that our SAGE employees will be fully compensated for the rest of the school year despite our cessation of payment. We will also be crediting the appropriate student accounts for this year's fifth grade Galveston trip fee and the prorated portion of Kids on Campus payments.
As we plan for next year, ESD starts in a strong financial and enrollment position. We anticipate, though, that the recent economic disruption may impact some of our families' short-term ability to pay tuition. If your family can afford it during this difficult time, I hope you will consider helping support these families by donating the $200 lunch credit and any other credits you may receive to the tuition assistance fund. It could mean a great deal to a struggling community member. More details to follow soon.
This health crisis is difficult for students of all ages, their parents, teachers, and coaches. I remain grateful for the work being put in by so many. As I said in my Wednesday community homily, I do not expect things to get easier in the next several weeks. For some, feelings of frustration and isolation may only increase, and our courage and resilience as a community will continue to be tested. I am confident that, anchored in our shared strength, together, we will respond.
Please expect another communication from me in a week.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
March 26 | Thursday Update and Information email from HoS David Baad
March 26, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
Today is our third day of distance learning, and we hope that our students have found the lessons our teachers have provided and any synchronous contact they have had to be productive and engaging. As I receive reports from the academic leaders and even conduct my own history class, my impression is that ESD is once again bonding and excelling in what are trying circumstances. I thank every person, from our youngest Beginner to our most veteran faculty member, for their hard work, flexibility, and positive spirit. We are also appreciative of our parents, particularly those with Lower School children, who are adjusting schedules to support their children's learning.
At today's Executive Leadership Team's 8:00 a.m. briefing, we decided to extend our distance learning program for at least one more week. On the school's original calendar, Friday, April 10 (Good Friday) and Monday, April 13 (Easter Monday), are listed as school holidays. Keeping in the spirit of ESD's Episcopal Identity and the sacred nature of Good Friday for Christians, we will honor that day by not conducting our distance learning program. However, regardless of if we extend our change in operations into the next week or if we are able to return to normal operations, ESD's learning and teaching will resume on Monday, April 13. This decision was not easily reached given the Easter holiday. However, because we have missed school days both due to the virus and October's tornado, we thought it important to make up a day of learning when we could.
Our plan is to continue with weekly decisions as it relates to extending our distance learning. Please expect communication from me each Thursday with an update. Some have asked why we are not announcing a more extended timeline. My answer is that while we are preparing for an extended period of distance operations, we want to preserve the possibility that conditions could change and allow us to be reunited on short notice.
As next week unfolds, you will see our efforts to further our community-building activities. Many of you have already watched "virtual chapel" with Chaplains Heller and Kennedy. Your children will also have opportunities to connect through their advisories, clubs, and other extracurricular activities. Keeping ourselves happy and healthy during this trying period is based on maintaining a sense of purpose. This feeling comes from staying intellectually and physically active and staying connected. We hope you will agree with me that ESD is helping provide an effective, albeit new, forum to do so.
In the spirit of community, join me and our faculty and staff in an ESD spirit dress day tomorrow, Friday, March 27, and every Friday until the end of the school year. Share your photos on your favorite social media platform using #EaglesInAction.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
March 19 | Distance Learning Update and Moving Forward email from HoS David Baad
March 19, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
ESD's Executive Leadership Team has decided to extend the change in operations through Friday, April 3; therefore, we will be on our distance learning program for at least two weeks, starting this coming Monday. I want to thank Dr. Eric Boberg, Mary Hansell, and the EdTech Team for developing protocols that will allow us to continue work with our students. I am grateful, as well, for the flexibility and care of our faculty, staff, students, and families during this challenging time.
This situation remains dynamic, and we are endeavoring to balance our desire to return to normal operations expeditiously with our need to understand the scope and length of planning for operational change. While we hope our distance learning program will be short-lived, we are also preparing for an absence that could last several weeks or months. The decision to return to our normal routines will be based on guidance from federal and local agencies. I also remain in frequent contact with other heads of school in the Metroplex as we exchange ideas and information. Any further changes ESD makes will be communicated to you in a timely manner.
I do not presume to understand or predict what lays ahead of us as we move through this unprecedented situation. As ESD's Head of School, I can commit to you an effort on our part to be truthful and compassionate, realistic and decisive. This is, at its base, a human crisis. We need to take care of each other, and ESD will do its part. Following CDC and Dallas Health and Human Services guidelines concerning limiting in-person social activities to very small groups and engaging in good hygiene will be vital. We face an uncertainty bigger than any one of us; therefore, together we will endure and overcome.
HONORING OUR FOUNDING TENETS AND DELIVERING ON OUR MISSION
Throughout the Executive Leadership Team's planning process, developing a distance learning program that continues delivering on ESD's mission has been our goal. Staying true to our Founding Tenets of daily worship, academic rigor, and experiences in community is paramount. Starting next week, Chaplain Heller and Chaplain Kennedy will be in daily contact through online homilies and messages, including contributions from a variety of ESD faculty and staff. Through our distance learning program, we aim to continue to deliver our standard of academics. Our emotional wellness team, in conjunction with our division heads and advisors, are creating opportunities for advisories and other small groups to connect virtually in order for us to maintain a sense of community. Lastly, our community service department is researching ways that our students can be helpful to those in the Metroplex while remaining physically safe.
MOVING LEARNING AND TEACHING FORWARD
As we approach the beginning of our distance learning and telework, here are a few reminders. Materials, instructions, and assignments for Middle and Upper School students will be posted in Schoology classes on Monday by 5:00 p.m. for the week of March 23. Students will be expected to begin work at that time. Lower School families will receive an email from Head of Lower School, Tracey Shirey, on Saturday, March 21, at noon with specific guidelines for LS students and families.
Teachers in the MS and US will be using these schedules for the week of March 30 to provide time for students to work and to coordinate synchronous sessions. Schedules may be adjusted to improve the distance learning experience. Teachers will notify US students about specific accommodations for known conflicts.
CONTINUING ADMINISTRATIVE WORK
The Administration, Admission, Advancement, Business, Campus Safety, Communications, Facilities, and Human Resources departments will be working remotely where possible and otherwise with restricted access to campus. They will be transacting the business of the school, including processing payments and updating accounts, on a timely basis. Campus spaces will be thoroughly cleaned. We are minimizing all in-person contacts so long as there remains a credible threat of communicability.
ONGOING COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT
From this point forward, communication regarding distance learning and telework will come from the following people. Please expect to hear from them in the next few days:
- For teaching faculty: Dr. Boberg through email and Schoology with support from the appropriate division and department heads.
- For parents: the appropriate Division Head through email.
- For students: the appropriate Division Head through Schoology with support from their teachers and advisors.
- For staff: supervisor through email.
I will continue to update the community about operational matters and other school-wide issues through email and video as conditions evolve.
We anticipate that the first days of distance learning, faculty, students, and parents may require extra support. Please see the contacts and resources below.
Time-sensitive questions regarding distance learning or mass communication:
Access and sign-on to Schoology (classes.esdallas.org)
- ESD IT Support techrequest@esdallas.org
Question about specific assignments or course materials
- Classroom teacher
- Directly email the teacher's ESD account or leave a comment in the relevant Schoology class
- General questions about specific ESD learning tools
- ESD EDTech edtech@esdallas.org
- Not receiving division-wide or school-wide emails
- Communications clardyj@esdallas.org
Answers to previously asked questions related to technology
General questions, feedback, or suggestions for distance learning:
Submit general distance learning questions, feedback, or suggestions
SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER
We also know that this will be an emotionally difficult period for some members of our community. We encourage you to reach out to our chaplains and counselors should you need support.
- Chaplain Heller, Senior Chaplain and Lower School Chaplain
- Chaplain Kennedy, Middle and Upper School Chaplain
- Dr. Cara Holmes, Lower School Counselor
- Maricela Aquino, Middle School Emotional Wellness Counselor
- Amanda Sherman, Middle School Emotional Wellness Counselor
- Meredith Stuelpe, Upper School Emotional Wellness Counselor
As we move forward on this path, let's hold one another, our local and global communities, and our caregivers in prayer. We ask for your partnership and patience as we work together to ensure the best possible outcome.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
Resources for You and Your Family
- National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Nurses: Talking to Children About COVID-19, A Parent Resource
- NPR (Updated March 16, 2020) Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
- CDC page on COVID-19
- World Health Organization Official Coronavirus Webpage
- Johns Hopkins CSSE Map of Global Coronavirus Cases
- Dallas County Health and Human Services
March 13 | Important School Operations Update, COVID-19 email from HoS David Baad
March 13, 2020 Dear ESD Community, Due to the evolving conditions of COVID-19 in Dallas County, we will be changing how we operate as a school community effective tomorrow, March 14, through Sunday, March 29. Learning and teaching will resume starting March 23; however, there will be no in-person classes or co-curricular activities during this time. Gates will be locked, and access cards will be disabled. The purpose of the emergency declaration and change in operations is to provide an opportunity for social distancing to mitigate the spread of the virus. The Dallas County Health Department recommends that citizens limit their social contact. Closing our campus is imperative to ensure the health and safety of our entire community, especially while building operations and campus safety perform essential work on our community's behalf. We have received no information of anyone with a tie to our community who has tested positive to COVID-19. We urge our community members to continue to take reasonable precautions and preventive measures, including self-reporting if tested positive using this form. We will communicate to the community any reports we receive identifying the person only by relationship designation (student, parent, other family members, or employee) and grade. The Executive Leadership Team will evaluate conditions daily to determine the duration of this change in operation. Future change in operations decisions, if any, will be made on a week-by-week basis. Knowing that these changes impact your daily routines, we will let you know as early as we can should a change be imminent. Here are important information points for the week of March 23:
We strongly encourage all members of our community to remain informed of travel alerts and restrictions from the CDC and the State Department (see informative resources below). If you have not yet completed our community travel form, or if your plans have changed, please do so. We ask community members to carefully consider their plans, taking into account the frequent changes in federal guidelines. Community can be strengthened by adversity. This year, ours has been presented with unexpected and unusual challenges. We can all be proud of the ways we have united to overcome them. Let us pray that this health situation passes quickly. We will support each other the best we can while apart and look forward to the day soon when we are back together in our normal routines. Sincerely yours, David L. Baad Additional Program Cancellations or Postponements
Resources for You and Your Family
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March 12 | No Classes or Campus Events on March 13 email from HoS David Baad
March 12, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
Earlier tonight, Dallas County issued an emergency order prohibiting large gatherings due to concerns regarding the coronavirus. In light of these most recent developments and for the safety and health of our community, we must cancel classes, practices, employee meetings, and all other events Friday.
The campus will be open between 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for students and employees who need to collect their belongings, books, and other supplies. Staff will be available for teachers who need support with their distance learning programs.
Please expect another communication on Friday.
Sincerely yours,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
March 12 | March 12 COVID-19 Update email from HoS David Baad
March 12, 2020
Dear ESD Families,
As we head into spring break, I wanted to send (hopefully) one last message. Our plans for school operations tomorrow remain as outlined yesterday.
On Friday, we welcome students from all divisions to come to school at the usual time. Classes will be dismissed early; please click here for release and carpool information. Faculty and staff will remain for an afternoon of planning and preparations for the potential change in operations after our break. It has been my experience that keeping a sense of normalcy at school offers students comfort and better serves our community.
We remain in frequent contact with local health officials and are in full compliance with CDC and Dallas County Health and Human Services recommendations for schools that do not have COVID-19 identified in their community. The Executive Leadership Team will meet during the break to discuss developments and to determine further courses of action. We will communicate with you as we have decisions to report.
We urge all families to take into account the fluid nature of health and travel restrictions as they deliberate on their travel plans. The availability of health care services, the quality of information about the presence of the virus, and the potential for not being allowed to return home will vary widely by destination. As dynamic as the situation is here, it is easy to imagine that it could change much more rapidly abroad. There is also the risk that a country will have its status changed during or following the break in a way that could impact a traveler's ability to participate in school activities.
For community members who decide to travel over the break, we ask you to complete or update our Travel Information Form, including if your plans have changed. Please note that for the health and safety of our entire community, we are now asking for domestic travel to be reported as well.
These are challenging times. I appreciate your support and patience as we continue to navigate this uncharted territory. I am grateful to our faculty and staff whose efforts and dedication will ensure learning and teaching continues following spring break, whether on campus or at home. Please join me in holding all impacted by COVID-19 and those providing care in our thoughts and prayers.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
Resources for You and Your Family
- National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Nurses: Talking to Children About COVID-19, A Parent Resource
- NPR (Feb 28, 2020) Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
- CDC page on COVID-19
- World Health Organization Official Coronavirus Webpage
- Johns Hopkins CSSE Map of Global Coronavirus Cases
- Dallas County Health and Human Services
March 11 | March 11 COVID-19 Update email from HoS David Baad
March 11, 2020 Dear ESD Community, Since I wrote to you yesterday, the Executive Leadership Team and I have met several times to assess the COVID-19 situation and consult with local and national health resources. A few local schools have announced plans to suspend in-person activities for the next couple of days. Those schools have members of their communities who have either tested positive for the virus or been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. We have not received a report of any ESD community members with the virus. Although the situation remains dynamic, the plan for the next two days is as follows:
We have received several inquiries about our cleaning protocols. While our standard practices are excellent, we have enhanced them since becoming aware of the virus. We are following the CDC's recommendations for minimizing the risk of a community contact infection. Enhancements include increased disinfectant frequency of all common areas and commonly touched surfaces, such as door handles, desktops, restroom fixtures, water fountains, elevator call buttons, and handrails. Hand wipes, soap dispensers, and hand sanitizer dispensers are refilled frequently. Near the end of spring break, ESD will partner with MRP Facility Services to assist our facilities staff with disinfecting the campus. We will utilize an electrostatic spray surface cleaning process, involving sprayers that contain positively charged particles that adhere to surfaces for longer-lasting effectiveness. A decision regarding a change in school operations after spring break has not been made. Any changes will be communicated with you directly via email from me or your division head. Please also check the newly created COVID-19 page on our website periodically for updates and news and to report your travel as previously requested. I appreciate your patience as we navigate this dynamic situation. We extend our thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the coronavirus and encourage everyone to follow all guidelines issued by the CDC. Onward and upward, David L. Baad
Resources for You and Your Family
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March 10 | COVID-19 Update email from HoS David Baad
March 10, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
I write to update you on our community status and response to the COVID-19 virus. The Executive Leadership Team has been meeting frequently to stay up to date on the latest developments. We are relying on federal, state, and local agencies for information and are keeping in close contact with our Dallas peer schools.
As of today, we plan to operate the school as usual when we return from spring break and into the foreseeable future. We will continue to monitor the situation, and although we do not think a change in operations is imminent, we have a distance learning program in place should the need arise. Many teachers have been practicing such lessons in school this week. Please rest assured that should we decide to suspend in-person classes, I will inform the entire community at once and in a timely manner.
We will make a decision on operational changes based on the number of confirmed cases both in the Dallas community and ESD itself. We will continually evaluate both the health and safety risks to our students and faculty and ESD's role in the Dallas community in mitigating risk to the greater population.
Off-campus programming is being evaluated on a case-by-case basis to preserve opportunities when prudent and cancel when appropriate. This situation is dynamic, so we are waiting as long as possible to make decisions. Thursday's fourth grade trip to Austin has been postponed due to the distance and the geographic reach of the venues. However, we plan to go ahead with the four seventh grade activities on Wednesday and Thursday.
We are aware that many of you are interested in the status of student and parent activities scheduled for the rest of the spring, including events like prom, ESDPA gatherings, and the fifth-grade trip to Galveston, to name a few. The Executive Leadership Team will be making decisions and communicating in a timely manner as we move forward.
Please look for another update from me by the end of the week.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
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Resources for You and Your Family
- National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Nurses: Talking to Children About COVID-19, A Parent Resource
- NPR (Feb 28, 2020) Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
- CDC page on COVID-19
- World Health Organization Official Coronavirus Webpage
- Johns Hopkins CSSE Map of Global Coronavirus Cases
- Dallas County Health and Human Services
March 6 | COVID-19 Update and International Travel Information Request email from HoS David Baad
March 6, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
I write to update you on our preparations for addressing the COVID-19 health situation. Your partnership with us regarding the health and safety of our students is important. Thank you for taking the time to read this notice. We have developed this plan in consultation with health care experts and national independent school organizations in an effort to be prudent about our student and employee safety and to prepare for the possibility of an extended school closure. We strongly encourage everyone in our community to stay abreast of developments regarding COVID-19, safeguard their own well-being, and use the information provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other federal agencies.
Travel
Out of an abundance of caution, we ask ESD families, faculty, and staff traveling internationally over spring break to let us know by completing this International Travel Information Form.
Following CDC recommendations, additional safeguards will be in place for any community members who travel to CDC "warning" or "alert" level destinations.
- We are asking anyone who travels to an international destination to self-report via the International Travel Information Form.
- Anyone traveling internationally is asked to self-monitor their health daily for 14 days upon their return by taking their temperature twice a day and visiting the doctor immediately should any symptoms emerge.
- Additionally, any change in their medical condition should be reported to the school.
- Anyone traveling to a country that is on the CDC Level Three Travel Health Notice list will be asked to self-quarantine for fourteen days upon return and not come to campus.
- At the moment, we will not ask anything of those who travel domestically. However, this could change with little notice.
Preparing for Short and Long Term School Closure
As mentioned in my February 27 letter, we are making preparations for the possibility that the continued spread of COVID-19 may cause a short or long term school closure. While we consider and hope this to be unlikely to happen, it is still a possibility for which we must prepare. The notes below are "need to know" information regarding this eventuality:
- As students, faculty, and staff leave for spring break at the end of next week, they should be sure to take all necessary books, materials, and devices home in preparation to continue their learning and teaching through a digital platform in the event of an unexpected school closure.
- Our distance learning preparations are based on the premise that power and internet service will not be interrupted.
- ESD's website will be the primary source of news and general updates.
- Teachers will communicate to students through Schoology (groups) and email (individual).
Precautions for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
There are some simple preventative measures, like washing hands, not sharing drinks, and staying home when sick, which can be helpful in preventing the spread of the disease. Sick individuals should stay home until free from symptoms for at least 24 hours. The school will continue its work in sanitizing the campus and doing what we can to reduce surface bacteria during the course of campus cleaning. We are reviewing our procedures further to prevent the spread of this or any other virus. SAGE, our food service provider, has reviewed their cleaning, preparation, and serving procedures as well.
Field trips, athletic events, community gatherings, and other school-related travel, including the fifth-grade trip to Galveston, are being evaluated to determine whether cancellations are appropriate. We have canceled our spring break varsity lacrosse trip to California. ISAS has canceled its annual arts festival in Tulsa scheduled for early April.
A few months from now, I very much hope we can all look back at the uncertainty of this time with thankfulness that our immediate community was not impacted by this virus. Until that time, we will continue to communicate and update you as often as is deemed necessary.
Thank you for your patience and support.
Onward and upward,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
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Resources for You and Your Family
- National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Nurses: Talking to Children About COVID-19, A Parent Resource
- NPR (Feb 28, 2020) Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
- CDC page on COVID-19
- World Health Organization Official Coronavirus Webpage
- Johns Hopkins CSSE Map of Global Coronavirus Cases
- Dallas County Health and Human Services
February 27 | Follow Up on Coronavirus email from HoS David Baad
February 27, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
We write to follow up on the January 27 letter and recent news regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). Both the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have issued regular updates to increase public awareness about lowering the potential risk of spreading the virus. The immediate risk of the coronavirus in the U.S. remains low, and the CDC, WHO, and U.S. Department of State have provided specific advice for international travel, enhanced entry screening procedures at airports nationwide, and detailed guidance to help minimize the spread of the virus in the general public.
Looking ahead to spring break, March 16–20, it is highly likely that travel advisories from the Centers for Disease Control will remain in place, making international travel difficult and plans uncertain. We encourage you to carefully consider any plans which would take you to or through affected areas identified in the travel advisories. Given the rapidly changing international public health situation, we urge you to take all necessary advance precautions with regard to your travel plans. If you are planning to travel, please read all updates and notices from the CDC and the Department of State.
In the unlikely event that this health situation escalates to the extent that requires an extended school closure, your children will have the opportunity to continue their learning at home under the guidance of their teachers. Eric Boberg, Academic Dean, and Mary Hansell, Director of Educational Technology, are reviewing and readying our distance learning protocols and plans.
Our nurses urge us to please continue to practice good personal hygiene and the following preventive measures to help reduce the spread of contagious diseases, such as COVID-19 or the flu:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
ESD will continue to work closely with health agencies as more information becomes available, and we are grateful for everyone's ongoing support. Should you have any questions regarding coronavirus, please reach out to our nursing staff, Marcia Biggs, RN, and Carla Thomas, RN.
Sincerely yours,
David L. Baad
Hobson Family Head of School
January 27 | Stay Informed: Coronavirus email from ESD's Nurses
January 27, 2020
Dear ESD Community,
The Episcopal School of Dallas is working closely with the Dallas County Health and Human Services to monitor the latest information concerning the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the World Health Organization, are closely monitoring the outbreak in Wuhan, China, and are giving updated guidance to federal, state, and local officials.
Based on current information, our local and state health officials deem the risk of local transmission in our community and the general public to be very low at this time. As of January 27, 2020, there are five confirmed cases identified in the U.S. (all travelers from Wuhan, China) and no confirmed cases in Texas. Health officials assure us that the immediate risk to our population is low at this time.
The 2019 novel coronavirus is believed to be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to the way the flu and other respiratory viruses are spread. Symptoms are believed to appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. At this time, persons considered at greatest risk for contracting the virus are those traveling specifically to Wuhan, China, or individuals in close contact with persons infected with the 2019 novel coronavirus.
In situations like this, it is best to rely on factual information from reliable sources. Here are links to information about the novel coronavirus from local, state, national, and international health organizations:
- Dallas County Health and Human Services
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- World Health Organization
Public health officials are cautioning that the flu and other common respiratory illnesses are circulating and recommending that everyone follow basic prevention guidelines, including:
- Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to get a flu shot.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick. Keeping a sick child at home prevents the spread of illness in the school community and allows the child an opportunity to rest and recover. Please refer to the ESD handbook for health attendance guidelines.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact one of the school nurses below.
Best regards,
Marcia Biggs, RN
Middle and Upper School Nurse
biggsm@esdallas.org
Carla Thomas, RN
Lower School Nurse
thomasc@esdallas.org
Help Desk and Frequently Asked Questions
- Help! My Schoology login doesn't seem to work.
- Schoology seems to be experiencing issues. Any idea why?
- Do you have any tips on how I can navigate Schoology better?
- Yikes, the household bandwidth as a whole seems slow. Any ideas on how to improve?
- Does ESD's "distance learning" mean tons of screen time?
- How is ESD helping families stay connected?
- I have an idea, question, or concern. Where do I submit feedback?
Help! My Schoology login doesn't seem to work.
No worries. We have folks standing by! All divisions, please reach out using the emails below:
- Login and Program Access: techrequest@esdallas.org
It is important to have your students login as themselves using their credentials.
Schoology seems to be experiencing issues. Any idea why?
Most online services are including unexpected traffic (even NetFlix!). As Schoology works to increase its capacity in this unprecedented time, you can check status.schoology.com for information about its status.
We know this can be inconvenient and hope for a resolution ASAP. Schoology posted on March 31 addressing the need to scale for increased demand.
Do you have any tips on how I can navigate Schoology better?
Sure! Please reach out to edtech@esdallas.org with specific questions.
These presentations may also be useful:
Please remember to select your child's account for student-specific information.
Yikes, the household bandwidth as a whole seems slow. Any ideas on how to improve?
Information Technology team has put together a list of ways you can help:
- Limit the number of simultaneous users when possible
- Make sure that your "classroom" isn't too far from the WiFi router.
- Keep video/music streaming to a minimum (Netflix, Spotify, etc.). Avoid during class time.
- Consider using audio-only conferencing when video isn't necessary.
- Change cell phones to use 4G/LTE instead of home WiFi during class.
- Reduce or disable some Smart IoT devices in home (smart speakers, plugs, toys, wearables, etc.).
- Upgrade home service speed. A 75mbps connection is a good start. (Test your speed here to see what you're actually getting)
- If your router supports 5Ghz WiFi, use that. It's usually less crowded than 2.4GHz WiFi, and doesn't get disrupted when you use the microwave. Here's more information.
- Consider upgrading home router to support AC for newer device connectivity.
- If your home router is more than five years old, consider replacing it to take advantage of higher WiFi speeds. You might also look into mesh routers if you have difficulty accessing WiFi in some areas of your house.
- If you do want to listen to music while studying, download the playlists to your device before class.
- Reduce your video streaming services down from 4K to standard.
Does ESD's "distance learning" mean tons of screen time?
We are relying heavily on our learning management system, Schoology, to communicate and aggregate a great deal of information. ZOOM and GoogleMeet are also common digital platforms. Our distance program, however, blends synchronous and asynchronous learning and teaching. Asynchronous assignments vary and are often "offline." Examples include our very youngest learners identifying "letters of the day," middle school artists exploring scale and perception using photography, and Upper School culinary scientists practicing their assignments in their kitchens.
Although Middle and Upper School schedules set aside an 1.5 hour block, students will generally work no more than one hour during that block for a particular class. Teachers are working on balancing time to most effectively. While six hours of classes are scheduled, Middle School students average about three hours of class a day; Upper Schoolers average four.
How is ESD helping families stay connected?
Community is essential to the ESD experience and we continue to employ meaningful ways to connect. Many of you have already watched "virtual chapel" with Chaplains Heller and Kennedy. Your children will also have opportunities through their advisories, clubs, and other extracurricular activities. We are looking into ways to celebrate milestones online, as well.
Keeping ourselves happy and healthy during this trying period is based on maintaining a sense of purpose. This feeling comes from staying intellectually and physically active and staying connected. We hope you will agree that ESD is helping provide an effective, albeit new, forum to do so.
I have an idea, question, or concern. Where do I submit feedback?
OVERALL: We want to hear from you! Submit your feedback here.
CLASS-SPECIFIC: Students should reach out to teachers directly with questions.
RESOURCES FOR YOUR FAMILY
Support for Families and Employees
In addition to the resources below, ESD's emotional wellness team is here to support our community. Please reach out if you or a family member is in need.
- The Reverend Amy Heller, Senior Chaplain and Lower School Chaplain
- The Reverend Tim Kennedy, Middle and Upper School Chaplain
- Dr. Cara Holmes, Emotional Wellness Director and Lower School Counselor
- Maricela Aquino, LMSW, Middle School Counselor
- Amanda Sherman, LPC, Middle School Counselor
- Merredith Stuelpe, LCSW-S, Upper School Counselor
Resources for You and Your Family
- National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Nurses: Talking to Children About COVID-19, A Parent Resource
- NPR (updated March 16, 2020) Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
- CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- CDC: Enfermedad del Coronavirus 2019 (COVID‑19)
- World Health Organization Official Coronavirus Webpage
- Johns Hopkins CSSE Map of Global Coronavirus Cases
- Dallas County Health and Human Services
Ways to Stay Healthy
According to the CDC, the following will help you and your family stay healthy:
Take everyday preventive actions to stay healthy.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Stay informed. CDC’s COVID-19 Situation Summary will be updated regularly as information becomes available.