Greetings from my remote office (otherwise used as my kitchen table, craft table, first grade classroom, and storage unit). We are in an unprecedented time. Each day is filled with information, questions, discoveries, and emotions. More than ever, building and sustaining community and sisterhood is paramount. I cannot think of a better community to walk through this living history with than the Hathaway Brown family. Please know, as we blaze these new trails together that we are here for you--whether it be crash technology tutorials, online hootenannies, or grocery delivery if you need some help. We’ve got you.

Faculty and staff have been working hard the last two weeks planning, researching, and reaching out to member schools at NAIS and the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools for tips and tricks as we navigate the pivot to remote learning. We will streamline communications with you so as not to overwhelm, but also keep in close contact as new information arises. All content, including resources, articles, and research will be continuously posted on our webpage for Covid-19 resources. 

We have learned so much already. We know we cannot get through as much as we have listed on our plans. We know routine is good (essential even), but to leave room for breathing and creativity, for the unknown. We know that kids are designed to embrace experimentation and exploration. Some gold standards have always been known: there are all kinds of feelings. Embrace the feelings; talk about them. What our students will remember is not what we covered and how many quizzes they passed online. It is how we, their teachers and parents, navigated these tricky waters, held them close, and played an infinite number of board games. 

The remote learning plan is underway. For detailed expectations for teachers, students, and parents, please click here. 

We will run much of our content asynchronously, to allow for the multiple needs of our family community. However, we ask that students sign in virtually to “meet” with their advisors every morning from 9-9:15. Starting each day with a check in, a time to plan the daily schedule, and an opportunity to ask and answer questions is essential to continue building community and to set the tone for remote learning. We will have synchronous offerings (office hours, musical sessions, workouts) for those interested and able as well. We have learned a hybrid approach to remote learning is key.

While we have learned that some structure is necessary--it is hard enough to get teens out of bed in the morning--we also know we CANNOT replicate the school day at the computer. Students should NOT be online or on their screens for 6-7 hours a day. To that end, each grade level will send out a recommended loose schedule which will include academic time, breaks, PE/move your body time, lunch, and play. We are committed to refining the process, too, so your and student feedback each day will help us meet the needs we see.

Faculty and staff will meet virtually to continue building content for remote learning. Advisors will be reaching out to families to check in and make sure you know how to access classes. 

This will be our first remote session! We will run all of our content through the MyHB class pages. We will run school based on the letter day schedule (today is an E day), so students know which classes to access each day. Each day, new content will be posted by 8:30 am. We do ask that students sign in to “meet” virtually with their advisors each day from 9-9:15 am to check in and set the tone for the day. Reach out to advisors if this poses a hardship for your family.

Lisa Lurie and I will host an online parent coffee. More details on that to come!

I cannot thank you enough for being a part of our community as we all adapt as teachers and learners. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for any reason. Stay well and we look forward to getting together in the future.

Warmly,

Sharon

 

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