March 17, 2020
Dear Green Hedges Families,
I hope you are enjoying the start to a restful Spring Break, spent in the company of your child(ren) and loved ones. As I continue to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) both locally and globally, I want you to know that I am thinking of every Green Hedges family and how this is impacting us as a community. I know that we will get through this time by always thinking about what is best for the Green Hedges community of students, parents, faculty, and staff.
We are aware that Fairfax County Public Schools are closed until further notice. This is a rapidly changing situation, and we are seeking guidance from local and U.S. Government and health organizations and our independent school associations to make the most informed decision as to when to reopen. I continue to assess the situation, and no decision has been made as yet about school reopening after Spring Break.
We are prepared to move to a Distance Learning Plan if the school needs to close for an extended period of time. Faculty spent last Friday preparing for distance learning and what that would entail at each grade level. They worked on their Haiku pages, practiced Zoom sessions, and continued to work in Google Classroom. It was a productive day and the faculty is set for the GHS Distance Learning Plan.
Next week, we’ll send you the details of the Distance Learning Plan, which includes expectations for a daily schedule, curriculum, and goals. Faculty sent home iPads and chargers as well as grade-specific classroom materials with students (K - Grade 8) on Thursday.
In preparation for Distance Learning:
- All school iPads have their internet traffic routed through the school’s “proxy filter” which filters websites, decrypts encrypted traffic (including login/password info) and ensures our students have a safe web browsing experience. There is no way to bypass this filter. iPads should only be used for school work/Apps and never for logging into any secure website (bank, e-commerce, etc.).
- Parents and students should take some time over spring break to be sure student iPads are connected to their home WIFI network. You may want to try a Zoom conference to be sure that connectivity is working. We have created a meeting that runs 24 hours a day for the next 14 days to test. Carl Hutzler, IT Administrator, is the host but will not be in the meeting. Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/287036837
While you are homebound with your children, I encourage you to take a look at
The Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) website
. It includes many online resources, including webinars, for parenting in general, but also in managing family life during this unique and challenging time.
Finally,
please remember to complete the Spring Break Reporting Form by March 20
. If we do not hear from you by Friday, a member of the Administrative Team will be calling you. The reason for this is that we need to do everything we can to ensure the well-being of the Green Hedges community. By knowing where students, faculty, staff, and families have traveled, we will be better prepared to make a fully informed decision in regards to a temporary closing and any further necessary measures. Please note that this information will be kept confidential.
