Three weeks of distance learning is just enough to feel like I am beginning to understand the incredible strength, creativity and resilience of our Greene Hill community. When we started this process I remember asking what does hands-on learning look like from a distance? What does a community based school that values our daily connection feel like when we are separated? I think we are starting to answer these questions as we experience the full impact of this new approach, as our teachers continue to broaden our understandings of how to teach and communicate via the internet. Teachers and staff are not replicating the GHS experience in a distance learning format- they are re-creating it. This incredible deep and caring process is a triumphant response to our unexpected crisis. In our progressive school we value constructivism, building on previous knowledge together, and a holistic approach to education that is never static or recycled. Distant learning at GHS exemplifies our progressivism- we are learning by doing every day together. We are learning from one another, building on our new experiences and supporting our community as we strive to understand  our current world.

GHS is holding Spring Break (April 9-19) as originally planned. We went directly into distance learning mode and our faculty and staff have been involved for over three weeks in the tremendous work of conducting school from afar. It is important that we all have time to refresh and we also know that some families will look to us for curated activities.

We are also scheduling a non-instructional day on Monday April 20 (our first day back from break) for teacher planning and to help ensure that faculty and staff take some time away from school concerns to focus on themselves and their families. While there may be student or class meetings or some asynchronous activities on this day, regular  instruction will resume on Tuesday, April 21.

We are asking faculty to prepare optional fun and enrichment materials with Jaime and Laurie that can be used by families over the break. We are also planning a few community events. See the Upcoming Events section of Progressions and then more information will be shared with families/students on Wednesday, 4/8.

We continue to follow best practices for health and safety. Although the DOE has said school buildings will reopen on 4/20, I imagine we will have information about continued distance learning in the near future and will communicate with the GHS community as soon as possible about any changes.