absences distance learning Policy

birthday Parties

birthday celebrations are important as we want students to know they are special. recognizing that there are times when guest lists need to be limited, the following suggestions should minimize hurt feelings on the part of those students who may not be included in a particular birthday gathering or are unable to attend: do not send gifts or sleeping bags to school;

Mail invitations to the homes of invited guests unless the entire class or all of one sex are invited; arrange pick-ups away from school.

These guidelines have enabled us to demonstrate sensitivity to children’s feelings.

Due to COVID-19, only individually pre-packaged food is permitted for any celebrations.

Parents should contact their child’s teacher in advance of sending in any birthday treats with their student.

distance learning Policy

students who are home sick or injured from school should take the time necessary to rest, recover, and heal. whenever a student is absent from class, Middle and Upper school teachers will record part or all of the lesson, as appropriate, and post the recording, along with any other helpful resources, on their course pages on Towernet. students should access these recordings and resources when they are feeling better; while teachers will still help students to catch up on their studies once they return to school, the recordings in particular will allow students to benefit from the classroom methods and interactions that transpired while they were out.

access to distance learning (that is, “Zooming in” to class) will only be available when extraordinary circumstances warrant such an accommodation. eligibility for distance learning will be determined by the school nurse and/or the appropriate division head in their sole discretion. Mild illness, brief absence due to minor injury or the emotional stress of daily life, or other similarly acute issues that take students away from school for a short period of time will typically not qualify a student for access to distance learning. students may not access the program remotely while on vacation or traveling.

Most instances of distance learning will be initiated by the school during conversations surrounding a school-imposed coVid-19 quarantine. if a family believes that their child should be granted access to distance learning, the family should contact the school nurse or the appropriate division head to make a request. if the request is approved by the school nurse or the division head, teachers will then be asked to provide remote access information to the student.