How We Are MORE

How We Are

By Maeve Ryan

As you’ll learn throughout this issue, Stoneleigh-Burnham’s decision to go remote this fall demonstrated the strength we have as a school and as a community. While difficult, the bold move was necessary in order to ensure the greatest safety for our community. In March, when Governor Baker mandated that all schools in Massachusetts close due to the pandemic, SBS was prepared. Faculty and staff quickly began implementing new skills as they modified and altered their curriculum and approaches. The work was challenging but despite the crisis we faced collectively, we also discovered new ways of connecting with one another. An early example of this was SBS’s cookie giveaway to the local community in early May. Head of School Stephanie Luebbers’ idea to pay it forward with SBS Co-Directors of Dining Services Jeff VanIderstine’s and Carrie Holmes’ delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies was just one small way for the School to let our local friends and families know that we are here for them, no matter what the circumstances. SBS’ commitment to providing a consistent, equitable, and robust learning experience to our students – no matter where they are – helped inform the name of our new comprehensive distance learning program. We named it MORE (Meet Our Remote Experience) because it goes above and beyond the average distance learning program. As you will discover in Mark Luebbers’ article on page 5, the process of getting where we are today involved a great deal of time, energy, and innovation. This should come as no surprise; this kind of commitment to the School’s mission, values, and culture is always at the heart of our work.

Here are just some of the ways we are MORE:

Distance Learning Program

In June 2020, SBS began the transition to a new learning management system, Canvas, which is widely used at high schools and universities and, unlike Google Classroom, is accessible around the world. Over the summer, SBS faculty also participated in an intensive training program with One Schoolhouse, a leader in online education. This training provided teachers with the skills to deliver the distance learning program with consistency and effectively transition back to in-person instruction when the time comes. Additionally, we have developed formal co-curricular programs and class meetings, remote social events for students, wellness and physical activity programming, and strong student support systems including college counseling and academic support services. As part of our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work, we incorporated culturallyresponsive and trauma-aware teaching practices.

Admissions & Enrollment

Although the Admissions team at SBS is accustomed to welcoming families to campus for Revisit Day, the pandemic required the team to reimagine what this event could be remotely. The team worked quickly and closely with the technology department, faculty, and administrators to develop and provide a robust and connected program for potential students. Because of its online accessibility, SBS’ Virtual Revisit Day on April 3 welcomed not just local families, but families from all across the United States and from several international locations. The program was also recorded for those who could not attend. Kristen Mariotti, Assistant Head of School for Enrollment & Strategy said, “Although in-person connection is always best, we will be using what we have learned from this year to continue to provide an online option for most of our events moving forward. It is meaningful to be able to reach such a diverse group of families from every corner of the globe in new and exciting ways.”

Development & Alumnae Relations

Alumnae are now finding ways to stay involved through Stoneleigh-Burnham Connect, the new online community. It offers alumnae-to-alumnae networking, alumnae-tostudent mentoring, affinity groups, events, and an alumnae directory. The Development & Alumnae Relations team is also offering webinars to bring a little slice of school life to alumnae and keep them informed. Upcoming webinars are focused on the Equestrian Center, International Baccalaureate Program, and Teaching Music Through Distance Learning. This fall, Leadership Council Day and the 1869 Society recognition program are also slated to take place online. Director of Development & Alumnae Relations Susan Mattei commented, “Your amazing support – emotionally, financially, and virtually – has made us so grateful. We hope you enjoy Stoneleigh-Burnham Connect.”