Jamie's Update: Planning Scenarios

May 4, 2020

Dear SGS Parents,

Each passing day provides some insight into what the new “normal” might look like for schools and the Spokane community.  I stress “might” because, since the beginning of the pandemic, we have all been operating in unknowns and best guess scenarios.  As a school steeped in tradition, we mourn each special event as it unceremoniously passes with the other cancellations.  Navigating the loss, creating the present and planning for the future are all part the current quandary.  I am sure many of you have seen stories regarding plans for universities and schools in the fall.  For the 2020-21 academic year, Saint George’s is creating multiple plans to address a variety of situations as well. 

 

1. Our optimistic, best-case scenario has school operating on campus with students and teachers interacting in classrooms.  This will, of course, include many additional planning considerations that will need to be identified and addressed over the next 3-4 months.

 

2. A Distance Learning start to the year scenario: Taking what we have learned this year, and devoting time and resources to establish a more coordinated Distance Learning platform and essential learning experience.  This in many ways is the worst-case scenario, but a necessary action based on what we know related to the virus and to the educational experience of our students. This will also include implementing new elements from the best-case scenario.

 

3. A hybrid model scenario:  This would include a combination of Distance Learning and in-person instruction.  This will require planning for both the best-case scenario and a Distance Learning platform to build a plan that could be used to start the school year or for an emergency closure during the year.  

 

The three aforementioned scenarios provide a structure of the basic considerations.  There are multiple layers of complexity that will be addressed during the planning and will need to be addressed in each scenario.  We will be sending out the next parent survey later this week to help us gather more information for the current situation’s progress and experience, as well as for future planning.

 

Class of 2020 Graduation Update: The Graduation and Commencement Ceremony at Saint George’s is the capstone tradition for our seniors each year.  This year’s ceremony was scheduled for May 31st and we have now postponed it until Thursday, July 30th.  Working with representatives from the Class of 2020, we have developed a plan of action for graduation.  Not unlike other planning recently, we have two plans, Plan-A and a contingency Plan-B.  Plan-A is an in-person ceremony for the senior class and immediate family members on the SGS campus.  An in-person gathering will occur as long as we are able to follow and abide by the safety guidelines set forth by the Governor and Spokane Regional Health District.  Plan B is an online Graduation to be held on the same day with a reception to follow at a later date.

 

I am privy to the K-12 scope of Distance Learning at SGS and am proud of so much of what our students and teachers are creating in their virtual classrooms in each division. I have been a part of many conversations with colleagues in other Washington private & public schools and independent schools across the country to know we are providing a strong DL program covering the spectrum of needs to be addressed. 

 

SGS is offering online instruction through flipped classrooms, direct instruction, lecture, self-produced videos, and activities; social/emotional resources; direct calls/emails/teleconferences; porch drops and deliveries when needed.  Our teachers know their students and we build on the relationships we have created in person to leverage the DL program.  Calling upon our core values of Respect and Best Efforts, our team continues to grow and offer our very best for our students.   

 

Enjoy the week and stay tuned for the next parent survey.

 

Go Dragons! #WeAreSG!

 

Sincerely,

 

Jamie Tender

Head of School