Supporting our Families through COVID-19

The Annie Wright Schools community is thinking of those around the world affected by the coronavirus, and we are abundantly grateful for the efforts of those who are on the front lines of prevention and treatment. Several of these individuals, including medical personnel, first responders, military service members, humanitarian aid workers, civil servants, and more are part of our community, and we thank you all for your service. In addition, we thank parents and teachers, whose lives just got a lot harder.

Before school closed on Thursday, March 12, Assistant Head of Schools Sandra Bush led a faculty-wide effort to develop a comprehensive Online Academic Continuation plan. The following Monday, classes resumed virtually. Teachers approached the transition with Annie Wright Schools’ characteristic pioneering spirit: with creativity, determination, warmth and a continuing standard of excellence. Read on to see what virtual learning looks like at Annie Wright.

NOT JUST ONLINE LEARNING

Across all grades, and especially for younger students, experiential aspects of learning extend beyond the screen, with teachers encouraging students to read, communicate and engage in authentic learning experiences, while continuing to be physically active. The goal for virtual school content is 1-2 hours per day for Preschool-Grade 2, 2-3 hours for Grades 3-5, and 4 hours for Grades 6-12. Some online experiences are in real time, for example group work and class discussions using video conferencing software, while others are available at any time, for example prerecorded teacher videos and learning apps.

IN A NUTSHELL

For Lower School, email and class blogs provide lessons, resources, ideas, activities, games, challenges and assignments in literacy, numeracy and multidisciplinary areas. In addition, music, PE, Spanish and library teachers provide a range of activities that continue to support their current programs. A range of technology resources which they already know well supports learners in Grades 1-5.

Some ways they’re staying connected:

• Morning meetings and video greetings of each student by name • Video story time with the classroom teacher • Virtual lunches with the whole class

In Middle and Upper Schools, both off- and on-screen learning activities engage learners, and all teachers continue to deliver their curricula on set class schedules. Classes continue to meet through video conferencing, as do advisories, tutorials, activities and other community groups. In addition, PE teachers provide resources for staying active, and counselors and advisors are available to support students with academic, social and emotional needs.

Some ways they’re staying connected:

• One-on-one check-ins with students • Collaborative projects using video conferencing • Engaging videos and fun challenges • Daily emails and videos from the Directors and Deans

Students have responded well to the new normal, and teachers are working harder than ever to deliver their expertise, passion and love even as their own circumstances are challenging. And it is heartening and inspiring to witness how everyone in this community is continuing to put students at the heart of all we do, from strength to strength.

Ms. Woolf greets Preschool 3-4 students on Vidigami

Students in the Upper School for Boys are still wearing uniforms.

Creative ways to practice handwriting

Kitchen tables have transformed into classrooms.

Baking makes for engaging math and science lessons.