On Wednesday, Governor Baker of Massachusetts announced that the period of school closure due to the coronavirus pandemic would continue through May 4, at minimum. The announcement sent many school districts into action as administrators and teachers worked to create a plan to continue teaching and learning through April and into May. I received a notice from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education marked "Remote Learning Recommendations." The letter contained what was described as guidance for exploring remote learning models, and clearly indicated that the models were recommendations, and not requirements for public school districts.
As I read the note from DESE and reviewed the suggested models, the pride and love I felt for our Academy Hill family swelled to new heights. What we have created for our students and families would exceed all DESE expectations. And we have
already implemented our instructional continuity plan. By all accounts, our teachers and our students are learning together and achieving success.
The AHS faculty checks in regularly to report on our virtual days. We also continue to hold our Wednesday faculty meetings, although we have moved to the Google Hangout platform. I want to share a few anonymous quotes I have collected this week.
"...they were so happy to share pictures, toys, and their family pets on the camera. It was truly a sight to see the little ones all talking at once, giggling and waving."
"It was really good to see them all, and it was hard to end the call."
"It has been so good to see the kids, and I am amazed at how focused and hard working they are."
"I loved teaching today! Two of my students said they enjoy learning from home but most miss school."
"We're having show and tell tomorrow morning; I can't wait!"
"It was SO good to see them all again after so long! I was amazed at how eager and ready they each were to be back in class."
I would also like to share our virtual class schedules for the elementary and middle level grades. The Early Learners (Pre-Kindergarten) and Discoverers (Kindergarten) are continuing early education with our youngest students through a flexible hybrid. But even at those levels, our teachers are scheduling routine "face-to-face" time with their classes. It is so important for our students to understand that we are still here, their friends are still friends, and we are all in this together!
