Dear Middle School Parents,
I was reminded recently of an Irish proverb that seems especially appropriate in these times: It is in the shelter of each other that people live. We are all in a moment of redefining togetherness and family time, finding new ways to connect and valuing and looking out for each other as never before. We will feel this effort widen this week as Foote begins distance learning. I know the teachers are looking forward to being with their students again and to the rhythm of school—both the learning experiences and the social chatter.
While you have received several emails from the school in recent days, I want to underscore a few important aspects of the week ahead:
- Advisors will be hosting live, online advisory group meetings on Tuesday (3/31) and Thursday (4/2) from 8:30 to 9:00 via Google Meet, and advisors will share details and links for Tuesday's session later today.
- Teachers will be posting assignments on their Google Classroom pages by 8:30 a.m. each morning according to our six-day academic cycle. Learning will consist primarily of posted (asynchronous) assignments during weeks 1 and 2 of distance learning; we will begin offering live class meetings in the third week.
- In the fall, we shared information as to how you can view your child's assignments through Google Classroom calendars. If you have not yet activated this feature but are interested in doing so, please click here for an email with more information.
- On average, students should have no more than 60 minutes of work per day for each class that meets that day. That would include teacher-directed learning as well as homework or independent work time.
- All teachers will do their best to be available for 'virtual office hours' during our study hall time from 2:15 to 3:15 Monday through Thursday, and many will also be available during the scheduled class meeting times during each school day. Students will be able to access these sessions via links on the Google Classroom pages.
- Our Learning Support teachers remain dedicated to supporting their students as we shift to online learning, and they will be reaching out to share further details.
- Our music department is evaluating the feasibility of offering the 8th and 9th grade music ensemble experiences—such as steel pans and handbells—online, and these teachers will offer further news within two weeks. The faculty leaders of Chorus, the Jazz Rock Ensemble and Orchestra will be in touch with their respective members this week.
- Finally, we are all united in the concern that this new form of learning will require students to be online for a measurable portion of each day. As teachers, we will try our best to limit required screen time, and I hope that you will also find ways for students to engage in other activities and pursuits that will create balance in each day.
Our teachers and advisors are excited for the opportunities ahead, and I know that we will all grow into this experience together. As parents, I hope that you will support your child by providing a dedicated workspace and by offering just the right encouragement and guidance as we step into this new mode of teaching and learning.
Please share any feedback or questions with your child's advisor or with me as we all strive to make the Foote School experience the best it can be, no matter where we are.
It is, indeed, in the shelter of each other that we all live and grow together.
Best,
John Turner
Head of Middle School