Introduction Schools are closed in most countries, which does not mean that classes are canceled. According to UNESCO 1.3 billion children around the globe have been affected by school closure. We at Chapel School recognize the fact that the school environment is irreplaceable, but not getting together physically doesn’t mean relational distance. Throughout the Remote Learning season, we dedicate our time to create a virtual environment in which our primary vision “Engage. Challenge. Support. Care. Prepare students for life.” can be nourished. It’s admirable that we at Chapel School have remained strong as a community of learners. The Elementary School team has become learners again and together with students and parents we have been adjusting each day, adapting our curriculum, and rethinking our activities to fulfill our students’ needs during the season. Traditionally, schools have been known for delivering content knowledge. Most of us adults went to schools in which we sat at our desks, listened to a teacher lecture, took notes, and memorized them to score well on a test. Maybe we were lucky enough to sit with friends for group work, and likely most of us stared at the clock, following its hands and waiting for the bell to ring so that we could go outside and enjoy our little free time. Schools have evolved so much over the years, and we are no longer only deliverers of content knowledge. We teach and develop attitudes, dispositions, and life skills. The 21st-century skills are more important to students now than ever before. These skills will ensure students can thrive in a world where change is constant and learning never stops. Many of these skills are daily practiced during the Remote Learning season and with each assignment. Students continue to develop and learn foundational literacies, such as literacy, numeracy, scientific literacy, information, and communication technologies (ICT) literacy, to name a few. Students continue to develop competencies as they approach complex challenges through problem-solving/ critical thinking, using their creativity, communicating, and collaborating. They continue to learn and develop their self and character qualities through how they approach their changing environment. Qualities such as curiosity, initiative, persistence/ grit, adaptability, leadership, and social and cultural awareness are developed each day on and off campus. The goal of this handbook is to state the expectations and procedures during remote learning. It is important to highlight that this document is complementary to the “Elementary School Handbook for Parents and Students”, which has a more comprehensive description of Chapel’s Elementary School regular procedures and routines. The Elementary School remote learning structure developed in the second semester of the 2019-2020 academic school year will be maintained for any future school closures and/or lockdowns.
ES REMOTE LEARNING HANDBOOK 2020-2021
7
