I hope you all are enjoying the last weeks of summer. I am writing to let you know that we have decided to begin the school year on August 24 in our Virtual Learning Model, with all courses and activities online. The level of several indicators of transmission rates of COVID-19 in Palm Beach County makes it currently unsafe to open the campus. We are optimistic regarding the last week of indicators and the recent downward trend and hope this continues so we can open campus in our Hybrid Learning Model as soon as it is safe. We plan to re-evaluate the situation in two-week planning intervals and keep you updated regularly.
The 2020-21 school year starts in just two weeks, and we look forward to reconnecting, catching up, and looking ahead. Our Virtual Learning Model contains many improvements from the online learning you may have experienced in the Spring. We have continued our professional development to enhance teaching, counseling, and student support. We have engaged with an online learning specialist, Dr. Philip Nichols of Baylor University's School of Education, to enhance our online learning capabilities. The Oxbridge teachers that you value so highly as part of the core Oxbridge experience are ready to deliver their courses in creative and innovative ways. As always, we are committed to providing high-quality learning experiences and engagement for our students.
In the coming days, you will receive an addendum to our Reopening Plan that provides more detail on the Virtual Learning Model. You also will receive emails regarding laptop and book pickup, orientation, athletics, and other topics. On-site health and safety training will be delayed until we return to campus in the Hybrid Model. You may send your questions and comments to covidquestions@oapb.org.
While we were looking forward to welcoming our students to campus and recognize that this decision may be disappointing to many, the health and safety of our Oxbridge community must remain our top priority. I thank you for our continued partnership and am confident that we have the collective strength, resilience, and spirit to make 2020-2021 a fantastic year at Oxbridge.
Sincerely,
Ralph E. Maurer, Ph.D.
Head of School
Oxbridge Academy
