I am writing at the end of Week 1 of remote learning, Wyvern-style! I am so amazed by the faculty and the students, and by the fact that not only is content being delivered and learning happening, but also that we’re managing to create community still. Advisors convened “advisee breakfasts” this morning (and one of our students invited the whole school to “breakfast” on Monday and Wednesday mornings!). Teachers are reporting that students are so happy to see one another online during class, and to see a glimpse into their teacher’s lives during class (pets, items from their past travels hanging on a wall, etc.). I have been sending out Morning Meeting emails complete with a Juan Ramirez poetry recitation at the end. We’ve even got remote Senior Project presentations this week, with classmates attending virtually to cheer their friends on!
While the High School students are functioning pretty independently with their technology and most parents don’t need to be especially involved, we are taking attendance and will be in touch with you about any class your student misses. The faculty take very seriously their obligation to continue giving students the level of education they deserve – in every single area, including art and music, which are meeting too – and we told the students before leaving school last week that we would need them to step up in order for it to work. Thus far, we could not be more proud of their response! Hopefully everyone is used to the structure by now: they need to be at every online class Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and asking teachers for help as needed during the set, scheduled Office Hours on Tuesday and Thursday. We designed this to provide them with some structure and routine, but to also not overburden them with sitting in front of a computer all day every day. We so appreciate your help and support.
We know this is a difficult time for our students, separated from friends in real life, and it is especially tough for our seniors. We will continue to do everything we can to keep them connected to us and to their fellow Wyverns. Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we can help.