Jamie's Update for April 13: Distance Learning Plans
April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
Dear Friends,
I hope you all were able to enjoy “Spring Break” and a little down time. I also hope for those celebrating, that Passover and Easter were joyous occasions. In talking with friends and colleagues, it sounds as though some virtual get-togethers may not have happened if not for these special circumstances. I hope these silver linings made for a special time for your family. I know my daughters enjoyed the traditional Easter Egg hunt at our house and they are now both in their 20’s.
Thank you to all that were able to complete the Distance Learning survey. We received 107 responses. Your responses provided very helpful information about what was working well and where we can improve. All three divisions were equally represented in the feedback. The Division Heads and I have been processing your feedback and came away with several big takeaways:
1. Families would like to see more synchronous (live online interaction) learning at all Divisions.
2. Better coordination among teachers of the due dates throughout the week.
3. The amount of asynchronous (more independent, not live class time) learning for the majority of those responding was “just right”, but “too much” was also a significant response from some.
4. Depending on the family’s situation regarding: work, childcare, health, and number of family members vying for internet access, there are a number of variables that impact the school experience at home.
5. The desire for more group interactions (Community Building) among students.
6. There was a great deal of acknowledgement, gratitude, and appreciation for the efforts made by teachers and Administration over the first three weeks of Distance Learning. See a PDF with charts showing the overall survey results.
The Division Heads are working with teachers to define and clarify the Distance Learning expectations that will be in place over the next eight weeks. Prior to the survey, we had created a variety of fun interactive activities for students and are working with our specialists, counselor Meghan Kilgore and staff members to create additional community interactions among students. The divisional expectations will be shared with the families later this week by the Division Heads and the “special” events will be scheduled by division.
As I mentioned in my letter last week, Governor Inslee has closed in person school for the remainder of the academic year. The SGS school year will continue, utilizing a Distance Learning platform. This news was anticipated, but it didn’t lessen the loss of being together as a school community on a daily basis nor the loss of experiencing the traditions that occur across our K-12 curriculum. What it has allowed is for the Administration to make more defined plans for the next two months.
In addition to more coordination and defined expectations related to Distance Learning, the Division Heads and I have developed a schedule for the reminder of the year. We will not add days beyond the originally scheduled school year. The last three weeks of school typically include: culminating field experiences, May term, exams and end of year traditions that won’t take place this year and will be replaced with distance learning instruction. Distance Learning classes will be taught through June 5, 2020. There will be two days of break (no-school) on Friday, May 1 and Friday, May 22. We have left June 8, 9, and 10 available in case the Governor allows for a softening of the Stay at Home, Stay Safe order. In that case, families will be able to come to school to clean out lockers, pick up essential items and, if allowed, join in small gathering to celebrate traditions. The week of June 8 will be better defined for us in May.
Over the next eight weeks, the SGS team will continue to learn, adapt and innovate to provide the best experience possible. Please continue to communicate with your teachers, Division Heads and myself if you have questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Jamie Tender