NE WS DE S K
Adventist Schools Adapt for New School Year By Faith Hoyt, with contributions from Adventist educators in the Pacific Union
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hough the restrictions due to coronavirus have lasted longer than many anticipated, Adventist schools in the Pacific Southwest have adapted in order to continue providing quality education. Schools have prepared for a mix of both oncampus classes and virtual learning this school year and are addressing the needs of students for either option. In Northern California, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy pivoted their recruitment procedures for new students. When faced with travel limitations and access to campus, Rio launched a "Virtual Visitation" section on their website to welcome prospective families and give a taste of campus life. The Virtual Visit includes a school tour video and a chance to schedule a live information session with the enrollment team. At the time this article was written, Rio planned on opening with in-person instruction, but they are ready to do distance learning if needed in light of COVID restrictions for schools. "This moment in time is one of the most challenging seasons for many of our Adventist schools," says Rika Meyer, vice principal for marketing, enrollment, and development. "We have to be innovative and adaptable in the face of adversity, but this is also the time that we can find opportunities that we didn't even
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PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R
Students at the Ka Lama Iki campus of Hawaiian Mission Academy participate in STEM icebreakers with their class during their first day back to school on Aug. 3. “We couldn't be prouder of our students for tackling this big day safely!” the school shared on social media.
know were there." In Southeastern California, the local conference office of education equipped schools with a Swivl robot system that uses a tablet as a video camera. The Swivl robot senses an infrared marker that the teacher wears on a lanyard, and the robot “swivels” to follow the marker wherever it moves in the classroom. Additionally, microphones for the instructor and throughout the classroom ensure that every student is heard. The Swivl system will allow
teachers to interact simultaneously with both in-class and off-campus students. Additionally, Swivl posts recorded lessons to an on-demand online database where students can review them later. One of the schools to receive the Swivl robot system is La Sierra Academy. "We believe we can provide synchronous learning for our students who choose to remain home but still have an Adventist Christian education," shared Elizabeth Muñoz Beard, head
