We Stand Stronger When We Stand Together: How Windward Persevered to Launch Its Remote Learning Program

We Stand Stronger When We Stand Together

How Windward Persevered To Launch Its Remote Learning Program

By Stephanie Huie Associate Director of Digital Communications & Publications

In 2020, our collective vocabulary has grown to include new words and phrases that are now woven into our everyday conversations and actions—pandemic, Coronavirus, social distancing, Zoom, and flattening the curve, just to name a few. For educational institutions like The Windward School, remote learning has become the universal issue dominating the thoughts of educators and parents everywhere. What does a remote learning program look like for our school? How do we transition from an intentionally designed classroom setting to a virtual platform? How can we ensure our students, faculty, and staff are equipped with the tools they need to succeed? What needs to be done to protect the wellbeing of our community?

The Windward School began grappling with these overarching questions in February when Head of School Mr. Williamson led the administrative team in proactively developing remote learning plans. Then, once it became clear that all New York schools would be mandated to close for a prolonged period, the challenging and painstaking process of implementing the remote learning plans began. From creating a userfriendly learning management system for accessing daily classroom materials to building an online remote learning hub to training faculty in technical tools so they could conduct virtual lessons, administrators, faculty, and staff members worked tirelessly behind the scenes during 16hour days to prepare for the massive undertaking of recreating The Windward School online. Finally, after weeks of exhaustive efforts, Phase I of Windward’s Remote Learning Program launched on April 1. The technology adopted far surpassed anything the School had practiced before, so translating Windward’s academic offerings to a virtual format was a triumph and milestone for a historically pencilandpaperheavy school.

Nonetheless, like with anything new or unfamiliar, there were some hiccups with Phase I of remote learning. The first learning management system suffered from server issues that affected the entire east coast. The balance between synchronous (live and realtime) and asynchronous (prerecorded videos) classes did not adequately support student needs. The 20minute periods allocated for each subject were restrictive for the teachers. After receiving constructive feedback, Windward quickly rectified the Phase I schedule, and Phase II of the remote learning program launched on April 13, which remained in place until the end of the school year.

Happily, the Phase II program proved to be more successful, and students and teachers enjoyed a smoother learning experience as they adjusted to the new rhythm of a virtual school environment. Students in all divisions had a full weekly class schedule with seven periods a day, 30 minutes each, plus extra afternoon time dedicated to open teacher office hours and guidance counselor appointments. Research has always informed Windward’s multisensory direct instruction teaching model, and, although studies on K8 programs are slim, studies on online learning show

that students benefit from more face time with their instructor. Therefore, Windward’s remote learning program incorporated as much synchronous learning into students’ schedules as possible, while also being mindful of the amount of screen time that would be developmentally appropriate.

Windward’s Remote Learning Program Offerings

Lower School Middle School Synchronous Learning Offers live, real-time interaction with faculty Language Arts Math Social Studies

Asynchronous Learning Offers flexibility with Science Read Aloud Physical Education Art Music Library

pre-recorded videos Language Arts Math Social Studies Science Skills Computer Library

Physical Education Art Music Drama

Whether the classes were taught synchronously or asynchronously, the chief priority for the remote learning program was that Windward continue to deliver its program as faithfully as possible. That is why from day one of the remote learning program, all lessons retained Windward’s methodology of following the seven steps of direct instruction: Aim: beginning each lesson with an objective Motivation: encouraging student learning through teacher enthusiasm Review of prior learning: reminding students of prior building blocks New skill: introducing the daily lesson Practice: applying new skill taught Observation: providing individualized feedback Closure: reflecting on how students did in learning new skill

The academic leadership team is, and has always been, passionate about its responsibility to every Windward student’s education, so the researchbased curriculum and methodology never faltered, even though the classroom setting fundamentally changed.

Establishing the academic piece of the remote learning program had been the foremost priority from the outset, yet the administrators and faculty understood that there was another highly important aspect of the daily school experience that needed to be addressed—students’ social and emotional needs. The student support team of guidance counselors and psychologists distributed numerous resources to parents and guardians to help them and their children navigate the anxiety and stress of a global pandemic. The support team was also available every day for oneonone appointments with students who sought guidance. Furthermore, the lower school psychologists created their own video series surrounding topics like managing feelings of uncertainty during challenging times and how to approach a problem.

In addition to the systems in place by the guidance counselors and psychologists, students also needed time simply to socialize with their friends. On April 27, Windward began incorporating supervised snack time into the weekly schedule so homeroom groups could gather informally to connect in a nonacademic setting. Offering a midmorning social break allowed an opportunity to recharge, as Windward recognized the demands that a full schedule of virtual classes had on students’ mental and emotional energy.

Windward’s remote learning program spanned just over ten weeks, from April 1 to June 15, to close the 2019–20 school year. However, due to the unprecedented circumstances, the School announced in May that a fourweek summer program would be made available exclusively for Windward families, at no additional cost, as a continuation of learning for students. In July, students who were enrolled during the 2019–20 school year will have the option to participate in a virtual halfday program focusing on language arts and math. Graduating students in eighth and ninth grade will also have study skills offered to them to prepare them for their next school. In order to offer a summer program for Windward families, the School canceled its typical summer program that is open to the public; this way, all efforts could be devoted to preventing any summer learning loss for the Windward students affected by the altered school year.

At the time of publication, no firm decisions have been made for what the next school year holds, but plans have been prepared to respond to many possible scenarios. Whatever may come, the past school year has proven that The Windward School is a capable, flexible, and unwavering community; that is thanks to the dedication of the young students to their own education, the parents who stepped in to provide athome encouragement, the staff behind the scenes who kept operations running at full capacity, and the teachers who bravely endured when navigating an unknown educational landscape.

As alumni, alumni parents, current families, grandparents, incoming families, trustees, faculty, or staff, we are all in this together as one community of The Windward School. As we look ahead to the next year and to the future, we know that we stand stronger when we stand together.

Head of School Mr. Williamson Hosts Weekly Read Alouds

Beginning on April 23, Mr. Williamson hosted a weekly picture book read aloud for all Windward students during the remote learning period. Although the book selections were primarily chosen with lower schoolers in mind, many middle schoolers tuned in every Thursday to listen too. Mr. Williamson was joined each week by his daughter, Etta, and their special friend, Steve, the monkey.

Mr. Williamson’s Read Aloud Book List

An exclusive for The Compass readers: The Williamsons’ special friend Steve was a puppet, expertly handled by Mr. Williamson’s son, Isaac!

Thank You Notes from Our Windward Families

“It is evident that every faculty and staff member at Windward is showing the usual unending Windward commitment to ensuring that remote learning goes as seamlessly and successfully as possible. This is our son’s fi rst year at Windward, and I respond to anyone inquiring about Windward that ‘It’s a magic school!’ Windward remains as magical as ever for our family.” —First Year Westchester Lower School Grade 4 Parent

“ Thank you for everything that you have done for my son. We are indebted to his Grade 8 teachers. You are all amazing.” — Westchester Middle School Grade 8 Parent

“ We are blown away with the educational program that Windward has put together. It is full, enriching, structured, and organized. It is as close to the kids being at school as it could be. I have been so impressed across all subject areas. Our son has been engaged, learning, and happy! We feel very lucky to be a part of such an amazing school!” —Westchester Lower School Grade 3 Parent

“ The remote learning program is intentional and rich, just like Windward always is, and we are so grateful for that. Windward teachers are the best!” — Manhattan Middle School Grade 8 Parent

“ Your collective efforts in supporting our daughter during these unusual circumstances is extraordinary. I can only imagine all that you’ve done behind the scenes to create an incredible online experience for the students.” — First Year Westchester Middle School Grade 7 Parent

“ Thank you for all your hard work and expertise in keeping the students engaged via remote learning during this challenging time.” —Manhattan Lower School Grade 4 Parent

“ In this extremely di ffi cult time, the administrators and the amazing teachers have risen to the occasion to keep our schooling going. We are so grateful for everything you’re doing.” —Manhattan Middle School Grade 5 Parent

“ The leadership and teachers at Windward have done a truly remarkable job in connecting with its students and families. I am very grateful.” — Manhattan Lower School Grade 1 Parent

“ I am grateful for a lot of things in my life (especially now) but top of my list are my son’s Windward teachers. I am in awe of their grace, resourcefulness, calm, and pure engagement. They have created a safe and calm world for my little third grader. I simply cannot imagine any other third grade student getting the kind of experience my son is receiving.” — Westchester Lower School Grade 3 Parent

We have been grateful to many individuals who have dedicated countless hours and tremendous care to support our students, and we have just one more person to thank—YOU. This reflective mirror shows you, a valued member of our community, and we thank you for supporting The Windward School now and in our next chapter. To you, our reader, thank you for standing with us during this time. We stand stronger when we stand together.

Faculty/Staff News & Milestones

Thank You Viviane Goodwin for 22 Years of Service at Windward

By Jana Cook, Contributing Writer

Pictured is Ms. Goodwin (left) with Director of Admissions Beth Foltman and WLS Assistant Division Head Amanda Rathbun on the first day of school in 2019.

For students and faculty at Westchester Lower School, hearing Viviane Goodwin’s spontaneous songs ringing out through the halls has been a common occurrence; though Ms. Goodwin would be the first to admit that she won’t be starring on Broadway in this lifetime.

Ms. Goodwin discovered teaching as a second career, returning to school in her early 40s to pursue her master’s degree and special education certification. She was taking a professional development course at The Windward School, and someone suggested that she apply for a teaching position. Nearly 22 years later, her relaxed yet structured approach to teaching her fourthgrade students has left an indelible impression on the Windward community.

Ms. Pochna, Westchester Lower School Division Head, reflected on Ms. Goodwin's legacy and shared, “You cannot walk into Viviane’s classroom without being immediately struck by the fact that you are watching a master teacher at work. Her programmatic expertise and the environment of mutual respect that she fosters shines through in every aspect of her teaching. She inspires her students to challenge themselves each and every day, and she gives them the tools they need to feel confident and achieve success.”

Ms. Goodwin was known to approach her classes in a thoughtful manner, encouraging the students to have conversational discussions like book clubs. “More than anything, it’s not so much the knowledge that I’m [focusing on],” Ms. Goodwin noted. “It’s making [students] feel good about themselves, feeling comfortable taking risks, taking ownership of their learning.”

This view toward thinking critically has served Ms. Goodwin’s students well over the years, with many transitioning to mainstream schooling after being in her classroom. Ms. Goodwin explained, “I feel a responsibility to impart upon them as many skills as I can. I really believe in the writing program at Windward. You have to teach the basic skills and build a foundation from there.”

Her departure is bittersweet for colleagues who have grown accustomed to her positivity, infectious sense of humor, and unique outlook on life. Ms. Bauerle, a coordinator of language arts, added, “Viviane’s kept her colleagues laughing over the years. We will certainly miss her singing and laughter that brighten the Lower School hallways every day.”

As she moves on to her next chapter after retiring from Windward, Ms. Goodwin looks forward to getting to know her new granddaughter, as well as moving to a new home and traveling as much as possible. “We’re really looking forward to booking that first trip in October or May, or really any other month I wouldn’t have been able to during a school year,” she joked.

Celebrating Barb Drayer’s Legacy to The Windward School After 12 Years of Service

By Jana Cook, Contributing Writer

Pictured is Ms. Drayer (left) with alumni parent and former Windward Parents Association President Leslie Breck at Windward’s 2014 Benefit

It wouldn’t be surprising to those who know her to hear that most of the contacts in Barb Drayer’s personal phone are Windwardconnected in some way. As director of development, Barb forged strong, longterm bonds with donors, trustees, and parents, many of whom still count her as a friend. “Building relationships is my favorite part of the job,” she shared. “[While at Windward,] I also oversaw the Windward Parents Association (WPA), so that was really fun. The relationships I made have been truly special. There are former trustees and alumni parents who I still go out with.”

One close friend, Ellen Bowman, President of the Board of Trustees, shared praise for Barb’s natural skill at relationshipbuilding. She said, “Barb’s devotion and passion for The Windward School will be eternally missed. She has this ability to make everyone she meets feel comfortable and at ease because she connects us as one Windward family. Her care for all Windward families is evident, and Barb has always ensured that every family really enjoys our incredible program at Windward.”

Ms. Drayer’s impact during her 12year tenure at Windward has been far reaching, extending as far as the name itself. When she joined the team in 2007, the name of the school was Windward School. She explained, “There was a Windward School in Los Angeles, and the two schools often got confused. Plus, the LA school has a completely different mission.” Barb suggested the name The Windward School to help differentiate the two, and it stuck. That example highlights the leadership style that not only grew the annual fund by 120%, but also successfully managed a $25 million capital campaign for the NYC campus, among other initiatives.

In fact, some of these initiatives have now become an integral part of Windward, with others growing into annual traditions. During her second year at Windward, along with former Head of School Dr. John J. Russell, Barb envisioned a magazine, The Compass, to inform constituents about community happenings. It has become hugely popular and is now a biannual publication. She also introduced the Platinum Circle, which recognizes faculty and staff with 20+ years of service. Each May, both current and former longterm employees gather for a dinner to celebrate each other. “It’s so fun to have what I call the ‘founding mothers’ there as well as current employees, some of whom have been here for two decades, four decades,” Barb noted. “It’s such a hoot—you hear the old stories and all the laughter. It’s one of my favorite nights each year.”

Ms. Drayer has been a frequent presenter at both the NYSAIS and NAIS conferences, covering topics such as supporting advancement goals throughout a leadership transition and guidance for development professionals after receiving a major gift. PostWindward, Barb intends to fundraise for small and midsized organizations through her firm Drayer Scott Consulting.

Moving forward, the director of development for The Windward School will be Angel Francis, who brings over 14 years of development experience, most recently as Director of Major Philanthropy at St. Francis College in Brooklyn.

Faculty/Staff News & Milestones

Diane Kessler and Karen Ralph Present at STANYS Conference On November 2, Westchester Lower School Science Teacher Diane Kessler and Westchester Middle School Teacher Karen Ralph presented at the 124th Annual Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS) Conference in Rochester, NY. Their workshop, “Making Science Accessible for ALL Students,” focused on meeting the diverse needs of all students, but with an emphasis on leveling the language playing field for science vocabulary and concepts for students with languagebased learning disabilities.

Emily Frawley Creates Face Masks Using Windward’s 3D Printers Westchester Middle School Science and Social Studies Teacher Emily Frawley found an innovative way to use her skills, as well as Windward’s 3D printers, to give back to the community. After witnessing firsthand the challenges that first responders were facing in New York City, Ms. Frawley received permission to use Windward’s 3D printers to create face masks to donate to local hospitals. Erik Bennett Earns PhD in Education In the spring, Financial Aid Director Erik Bennett earned his PhD in education from City University of New York (CUNY). His thesis, Jumping Into The Cloud: Privacy, Security and Trust of Cloud-based Computing within K-12 American Public Education, was successfully defended in April. Prior to his doctorate, Dr. Bennett received a master’s in education from CUNY and a master’s in HISTEM (history of technology, environment, and technology).

12 Members of Windward Community Attend 2019 NAIS PoCC From December 47, Windward was proud to send 12 members of the community to attend the National Association of Independent Schools People of Color Conference (PoCC) in Seattle, including members of the diversity office, teachers and staff members from each campus, and administrators. Some of the excellent workshops that our Windward representatives attended were "Facilitating Courageous Conversations Visually," "Practicing AntiRacist Leadership," and "Building Institutional Capacity for Sustained Conversation About Race." Thank you to the PoCC group for sharing their conference learnings with the Windward community as part of the school's ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Nine Attend NYSAIS Spring Faculty, Staff, and Administrators of Color Online Gathering Every year, Windward sends a number of members to attend the NYSAIS Spring People of Color gathering, which took place as a virtual session on May 7. The participants first enjoyed a reading of selected essays from the book Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America by the author, R. Eric Thomas before engaging in

breakout discussion sessions.

Kathryn Kitt Stars in NerdWallet Commercial Westchester Middle School Administrative Assistant Kathryn Kitt was featured in a May commercial for personal finance website NerdWallet. As a music “nerd,” Ms. Kitt filmed herself

singing opera at home while sheltering in place.

Windward Weddings

On November 9, Westchester Middle School Teacher Isabelle Soussou married Michael Belmont, a former Marine veteran, at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, NY.

Windward Babies

2. 3. 1. son, Benjamin, on November 19. He weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. 4. born on March 16 to Westchester Lower School Maintenance Supervisor Juan Jimenez. She weighed 7 lbs. and was 22 inches tall. born on April 8 to Westchester Lower School Assistant Division Head Amanda Rathbun. He weighed 8 lbs. 10 oz. and was 20 ½ inches tall.

Manhattan Middle School Teacher Alice Walker and her husband, Dan, had a special wedding ceremony at home on March 20, as their original wedding plans were disrupted by the pandemic. Family members joined via video conference, and the celebration was beautiful

6.

8.

5. 7.

1. Charlotte Delia Sullivan was born on January 10 to

Manhattan Lower School

Teacher Kate Sullivan. She weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. 2. Westchester Midde School

Math Associate Danielle

Patalano welcomed a daughter, Violet Linette, on

April 3. 3. Manhattan Lower and Middle

School Guidance Counselor

Lauren Fulco welcomed a 4. Westchester Lower School

Teacher Erica Zanzarella celebrated the birth of her daughter, Sofia Alexa, on

February 18. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was 20 ½ inches tall.

5. Manhattan Lower and Middle

Schools Teacher Allison

Pugsley celebrated the birth of her daughter, Ashlyn

Marie Acosta, on April 17.

She weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. 6. Kimberly Sophia Jimenez was

7. Noah Brady Rathbun was

and simple.

9. 8. Director of Communications

Heather Pray welcomed her second daughter, Emily

Violet, on June 3. She weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20 inches tall.

9. Amelia Laura Wright was born on June 19 to

Westchester Lower School

Teacher Mandy Paulson. She weighed 8 lbs. 5 oz. and was 20 ½ inches tall.