March 22, 2020
Dear Middle School Parents,
I trust your spring break has been eventful, even though there's a good chance those events were not originally in the cards. The return to school from spring break has always represented the beginning of the last act of the school year. Routines already established, teachers and students dive right back into learning as they work towards meeting their objectives of the grade and year.
This year, we have been working hard to ensure our return to school from spring break follows the same goals of delivering on our mission, even if our methods of delivery have been adjusted. As we transition to distance learning, I wanted to provide an update on what to expect Tuesday when classes resume.
How will classes meet?
- Each day, students will follow a schedule, engaging in work from 4-5 of their classes. In each class, students will engage in work directed by the teacher. At times, this work will take the form of:
- Live video conferences with other members of the class led by the teacher
- Watching pre-recorded lessons then engaging in individual work
- Continuing work on assignments with opportunities for live check-ins with teachers via video and collaborative documents (Google Docs).
- Online discussions
- At the beginning of each scheduled class, students should check in the specific class on Schoology for the directions on where to meet and what to do. Note that some new classes have been created specifically for remote learning. Teachers will make sure to explain to students where to "report" in Schoology.
What is the class schedule?
Will students turn in homework? Will there still be quizzes and tests?
- Yes and yes. Students will complete assignments and submit them to their teachers. Some assignments and assessments will be completed entirely online. Others may be completed using traditional methods, then converted to a digital source (via photo) before being submitted.
What is the purpose of the different "Activity" periods in the schedule?
- Throughout the day are scheduled "Activity" periods to allow students a break from learning and a chance to eat, be physical, and take care of other needs.
- We are currently planning different advisory activities to occur in some of these blocks. Some will be individual advisor/advisee check-ins. Others will be whole-group advisory activities with a focus on providing organized social opportunities.
- While the intention is for the majority of work in a particular subject to be completed within the time of the scheduled period, there may be occasions where teachers offer optional drop-in help or review sessions. These optional sessions will be scheduled during the Activity and Homework windows.
What can I do as a parent to help support my child with remote learning?
- Print out class schedules.
- Establish a learning space for your child to engage in remote learning. Ideal space would include flat writing surface, area for Chromebook (with charger), and headphones if working in a shared space.
- When engaging in live videoconferences, students are asked to wear school-appropriate attire and refrain any distractions, including cell phone use.
How much of this has been shared with Middle School students?
- Before spring break, many teachers practiced using some of the remote learning features on Schoology, including videoconferencing (Conference). Many teachers also distributed materials for home use prior to the break.
- On Saturday, MS students received an Announcement on Schoology with initial guidelines and expectations for remote learning. Please take a moment to read that and check in with your child to ensure they have reviewed it as well.
Who can my child or I go to for help?
- For help understanding classwork or homework, email the teacher directly.
- For help accessing Schoology, or other tech platforms, contact our EdTech Coaches
- For general support, please feel free to contact any members of our Middle School administrative team:
- Middle School Office
- Middle School Counselors
- Middle School Chaplain
- Middle School Grade Deans
Thank you for your support as we transition to distance learning. Look for a Google Form in the next few days to collect feedback on the distance learning experience. Until then, please feel free to contact anyone listed above.
Sincerely yours,
Jonathan