An Important Update from Interim Head of School Betty Winn

3/13/2020

Dear Parents,

As you just heard from the Sinai Temple and Sinai Akiba Academy communication that was sent out a few minutes ago, we, unfortunately, learned just this afternoon of an ECC teacher whose parent has been diagnosed with Coronavirus. The last time we believe the parent of the teacher was at School was Planet Purim on March 4. The teacher is now showing signs of possible infection and is going to be tested. We will provide you with more details as we have them. Please check with your personal physician for more specific health issues.

After much thought and consideration, we have decided to continue with a 100% online learning environment for our School until Pesach break. Students should not come to school during this time, and we encourage families to practice social distancing and avoid large crowds.

The virus is spreading very quickly and it was announced today that groups should be limited to no more than 15 people and people should stay in their homes as much as possible. Playdates and social outings should be very limited if at all. This is the only way the community will be able to flatten the curve and begin to gain some control over this virus. As was our decision yesterday to begin online learning next week, we have done so using the most current information available to us, an abundance of caution and a true desire to help slow the spread of this terrible virus; our goal is to be proactive and keep our students, families, and community safe and healthy.

In spite of all this, the morning started with a wonderful Facebook Live virtual Shabbat party for our youngest students. As I watched, I was reminded of the strength of our community in times of uncertainty. I watched the positive comments stream in as our Rabbis proved that we can maintain a sense of normalcy even in times of uncertainty.

Once again, today proved to be a productive day for our administrators and faculty as they prepared for classes to take place remotely. Online learning offers two opportunities for learning, that which happens in real-time, and that which happens any time that is convenient for you and your children; this is what we call synchronous and asynchronous learning.

Synchronous learning is when teachers will hold specific virtual instruction, such as a video conferencing using Zoom, live chatting, or live streaming a lecture. This type of learning provides dynamic engagement and the ability for students to have live interaction with their teachers. Students will have to adhere to a specific schedule, and it does mean there is the potential for technical difficulties, so we do ask for some patience as we work through the hiccups that may occur.
Asynchronous learning happens when teachers provide materials for reading, discussions for viewing, assignments to complete, or activities to be done, but at a time that is best for you. While the work doesn’t have to be done on a strict schedule, it still has to be done, so there’s more responsibility placed on you to ensure that your child is doing the work in a timely manner and not falling behind.

Online Learning Schedule & Resources

Middle School on-line classes will begin on Monday, Lower School and ECC on-line classes will begin on Tuesday. All divisions, including ECC and Parenting Center, will hear from their division heads and from their teachers shortly after you receive this letter. In addition, devices will be made available for families with children in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Pick-up times for the devices and materials will be on Sunday from 9-12. More details on how to pick up your devices and materials along, with the acceptable use policies for K-5 that will need to be signed will be in your division head email. Middle School students can come from 9-12 on Sunday and have access to their lockers to get any books and personal belongings.

We have also created an Online Learning Resource Board tile for families with information about how to best help students thrive during this period. We will continue to add information, tips, and helpful articles to this tile as we progress through the online learning period, so check back often.

Communication

During this time of operating in an Online Learning environment, we are suspending the Weekly eNews that typically comes out on Sundays, and will continue to have daily updates for you from me and/or your Division directors. You can find copies of all these communications on our Emergency webpage and our Coronavirus Resource Board tile in Jagnet.

All administrators and staff are working full days during this time. You can contact them through email and they will respond ASAP.

School Events

As a reminder, this move to online learning means that all school events from now until after Pesach Break have also been canceled. At this time, we are unable to determine if and when things will be rescheduled, but we will diligently look for ways to celebrate our students’ hard work and spend time together as a community.

If you have any questions about our move to online learning, please contact me. I sincerely appreciate the partnership and support of our entire community as we work together to keep each other safe and healthy.

Shabbat Shalom,

Betty Winn

Interim Head of School

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