REMOTE LEARNING DURING COVID-19
Kim Miles exploring the "rainforest" during her Sixth Age lesson on money.
I
n
mid - March,
when
the
Maryland
State
Superintendent of Schools, Karen B. Salmon, an-
nounced that schools would temporarily close due to COVID-19, Calvert raced ahead, prepared with an innovative plan for providing high-quality education without in-person instruction.
But that does not mean there were not bumps along the way. Students missed walking through Calvert School's halls and participating in their favorite after school clubs and sports teams. Sheltering at home, without the structure of a school schedule, made it difficult to stay motivated in their lessons. They were sad they could not see their teachers, and their teachers missed seeing them. “Although I get to talk to them virtually, I wish I could be in their classrooms, and I miss my whole class being together,” Caroline Niccolini ’20 said. “I really miss the routine of school, and little things like my locker, visiting my favorite teachers in their offices, and walking to class with my friends.”
16
|
REFLECTIONS 2019 - 2020
But in true Calvert spirit, these challenges were quickly overcome, replaced with the same enriching education and community support our families have come to know. As always, Calvert remains committed to providing all children with the foundation they need to succeed. “Overall, this experience could have been completely divided and unconnected, but Calvert completely changed that and has allowed for this amazing community to stay connected although very much separated,” Ryan McGonigle ’20 said. “This has truly opened my eyes and those around me to realize how truly lucky we are to attend such an amazing school and have an even better community through these unprecedented times.” Just before spring break, when the school initially closed, it wasn’t clear how much time would pass before classes could safely resume. At first, administrators planned to begin remote learning and re-evaluate after two weeks, when they hoped Calvert could reopen. However, as the news on COVID-19 continued to worsen, Calvert leaders quickly
