March 15, 2020

Dear NDB Students and Families,

I hope this message finds you all well! As you know, NDB initially introduced a simplified distance learning protocol on March 9, when we first closed the school building for a deep cleaning. We thank you for your patience and flexibility since that time, as teachers, administrators, and students have courageously worked together to navigate this new territory.

However, now that NDB’s school building will remain closed through April 20, we are transitioning to a more robust distance learning protocol, as outlined in Level 3 of our NDB Flexible Plan for Instructional Continuity, effective Monday, March 16. As mentioned in my earlier letter, this framework is based on best practices for online learning, as well as on the collective wisdom and experience of our colleagues in international schools, who have recently implemented a similar protocol. This protocol also aims to enhance student well-being with opportunities for teacher office hours, a more manageable workload and a consistent attendance procedure across all classes.

Please review the Revised Student Expectations for NDB Distance Learning, March 16-April 20 here, prior to Monday morning. In this rapidly changing situation, we are working to provide clear expectations and communications. With that in mind, we will communicate additional changes as they arise.

We are also in the process of creating additional support materials for students and families, which we will be sharing with you this week. In addition, our wonderful NDB teachers, including Science Teacher and Education Technology Specialist Rebecca Girard, and myself, are always here to answer any questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Sincerely,

Linda