Dear Elementary Families,
I hope you are all well. I wanted to follow up on Landis' letter with a specific update for elementary families as we transition to a period of remote learning. Earlier today, teachers shared the news with students that we will be closing the campus for two weeks, beginning Monday. We had conversations about online learning and what that looks like, and discussed the reasons behind this transition. We also expressed our hope to be back together again after spring break.
As of now, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within our community, but as we look for ways to reduce the potential spread of this virus, we unfortunately must also cancel several events where we would normally gather in a group setting, which we also shared with students today. Most immediately, All School Meeting is cancelled tomorrow, and we have also cancelled the enrichment class production of Willy Wonka, Jr. that was scheduled for Friday afternoon and Saturday. Looking beyond this week, we must also cancel enrichment classes during this time, as well as the vacation program scheduled during spring break. I know this news is both disappointing and presents difficult situations for families, but in making these hard decisions, my colleagues and I have to consider what's best for our community and the greater public at this moment.
Beginning Monday, March 16, we will shift to an online learning platform. I want to thank Sarah Simon for steering this work and coordinating with teachers to develop course programming and materials as thoroughly and age appropriately as possible. With the support of our tech team, here is the Remote Learning Manual that she has put together for you to use. Teachers have started to show your children what this will look like when they are using technology.
For those families that have already taken their children out of school, please note that after the end of the day tomorrow, no students or parents will be allowed back on campus for any reason until we reopen. Therefore, if you need to pick up materials or iPads, please make arrangements to do so before 3 p.m. tomorrow.
Although our physical campus may be closed to students and parents, and all events prior to spring break are cancelled, please know that all of us will be working for the next two weeks and we will be available to answer questions or help troubleshoot any technological questions that may arise.
It is important that young children remain occupied and continue learning during this time, and we want to support you by providing them with a schedule to follow. In addition, although this is an online learning platform, children need to be doing activities and should not remain exclusively online. Reading, writing, designing, and creating centered around their individual interests are highly encouraged during this time.
As unique as your children are, so are their reactions to this public health situation. Our school counselor, Chris McKenna, has assembled these resources that may support you in your conversations with children.
This is a highly publicized and concerning situation. I want to stress the importance of limiting children's exposure to the constantly changing news. They are young and some are still very concrete in their thinking. Use the guidelines in the above articles when discussing the virus, and as always, be aware of adult conversations when children are nearby.
That being said, conveying the seriousness of this virus to children and the actions we all must take, at an age-appropriate level, is essential for curbing its spread. It's important to teach the lesson of "social distancing," while also practicing it ourselves. As Landis wrote earlier, children's in-person interactions with others should be severely limited during this time, "...as play dates, sleepovers, mall visits, movies, etc. will all expand, rather than contain, the risk of spreading the virus."
Please feel free to be in touch with any questions or wonderings about supporting your children.
I look forward to seeing you as soon as possible. Until then, be well and take good care.
Katie Wildwood School |