Dear Upper School Families, SCHEDULE First, we will follow the same green/blue alternating week schedule we typically follow in the upper school. When we resume our classes via distance learning, it will be a "green" Thursday. Content will be posted daily by 8 a.m. through the school's Learning Management System, or LMS (Finalsite). Please help your daughter find a comfortable, distraction-free place in your home where she can work and establish a daily routine that works for your family. ATTENDANCE & ASSIGNMENTS Our teachers will do their best to make their classes as accessible as possible. We ask that you email Kelly Mangan (kmangan@stpaulsmd.org) if your daughter is sick or will not be able to "attend" that day. Students will be asked to submit a deliverable in each class that meets on a given day, and submission of that work (by 10 p.m.) will serve as proof of attendance. WORK TIME & EXPECTATIONS Students in grades 9 through 12 should plan to complete about 4.5 hours of work per day, or 45 minutes per class. During distance learning, there is no distinction between classwork and homework. Remind your daughters to follow the honor code and our standards of academic integrity, and emphasize that these grades do in fact "count." For additional information about expectations of students and families during distance learning, please refer to the educational continuity plan posted here. STUDENTS' WELLBEING While we are committed to moving the curriculum forward and making sure students are progressing, we also want to be mindful of how our students are feeling through this stressful time. Advisors will check in with students at least twice a week. Our school counselor, Laurie May (lmay@stpaulsmd.org), will continue to be a resource for families during the distance learning period. Amy Hassan (ahassan@stpaulsmd.org) and the learning services team will continue providing support as well. TECHNOLOGY Distance learning requires access to a computer and an internet connection. It is not a requirement to have a school-provided device, and families are welcome to use the computers you have at home. However, we do have loaner devices available. If you need to borrow a laptop, please complete this form. Technology Services will offer "curbside" pickup in front of the Brooklandwood mansion on the SP side of campus on Tuesday, March 24, from 12 to 3 p.m. and Wednesday, March 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. A member of the Technology Services team will meet families at their cars and provide a device and device agreement. If you have questions, contact helpdesk@stpaulsmd.org. Our Acceptable Use Policy for technology will continue to apply.
I feel confident that students and faculty are ready for this challenge of distance learning. Not only have our teachers used the LMS daily for years but they have had the opportunity to explore and learn new interactive, technology tools that can support curriculum delivery. That being said, we are likely to learn as we go and adapt our plans accordingly, so we thank you in advance for your flexibility. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, thoughts, or comments.
I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.
St. Paul's School for Girls P.O. Box 8000, Brooklandville, Maryland 21022 |