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Secondary School eLearning Schedule and Platforms

Next Tuesday we will be concluding the 2nd Cycle of orientation, reviews and social-emotional interventions and be ready to officially begin new content for the 2020-2021 school year.  These first days were also intended to evaluate how the students are responding to the eLearning modality and to implement new online platforms as deemed necessary.

The design of the eLearning plan comes after months of conducting research and studies into best practices for online learning, and considering the feedback from teachers, students and parents as to how the students are engaging with and reacting to distance learning modalities.  We have also been ensuring that teachers have the resources to create quality lesson plans and carry out instruction in this new fashion.

The Schedule:

Last spring, when we found ourselves having to implement emergency distance learning, the Middle and High School eLearning platform consisted fully of synchronous encounters where students connected live with their teachers for the entire school day.  Our goal was to provide students with a certain sense of “normalcy” during a potentially emotionally challenging time.  Students knew that despite the crisis that was quickly unfolding, they could find their teachers in the same place and same time every day.  Our full-day synchronous connections did serve its purpose.  However, we knew full well that research shows that a longer term distance learning plan would have to include a balance of both synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning.   

During the synchronous encounters, which will still be the primary format, students are able to not only engage directly with their teacher, but with their classmates as well.  However, we must also be careful to not overload students with screen time.  Asynchronous encounters also allow for more self-directed and self-paced learning.  Students also benefit from the experience of exploring on their own and even being able to connect at different times of the day when they are more rested from the synchronous screen time.  Nonetheless, even when our schedule calls for asynchronous learning, teachers will be available to connect if a student needs additional guidance.  Below is the revised general format for the Secondary School schedule.  Your child’s detailed schedule with the specific subjects per day is found in the Classroom Site.  

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
8:00-10:15 Live synchronous teaching and learning Live synchronous teaching and learning Live synchronous teaching and learning Live synchronous teaching and learning 8:00-9:00

Asynchronous learning
10:15-10:30 Break Break Break Break 9:00-10:00

Live synchronous teaching and learning,  if the student wishes to connect.
10:30-12:00 Live synchronous teaching and learning Live synchronous teaching and learning Live synchronous teaching and learning Live synchronous teaching and learning 10:00-12:00

Asynchronous learning
12:00-1:25 Lunch  Lunch  Lunch  Lunch 
1:25-2:55 Asynchronous learning with teacher available to connect with students as needed Asynchronous learning with teacher available to connect with students as needed Asynchronous learning with teacher available to connect with students as needed Asynchronous learning with teacher available to connect with students as needed 12:00-1:25 Lunch
1:25-2:55

Asynchronous learning

Important components about the schedule include:

  • Synchronous (live connections) will start at 8:00 a.m. and continue until 12:00 p.m.;
  • Teachers will insert short five-minute breaks in between subjects as deemed necessary;
  • Students will have 15 minutes for recess to use the bathroom and get a snack;
  • The majority of the day will consist of live (synchronous) connections, but teachers will encourage students to work away from the screen when possible (i.e. to read in his/her favorite spot of the room, to work on a project, etc.)
  • During the 1:25 to 2:55 asynchronous hours, teachers will be available to connect if a student needs guidance with the instructions;
  • The work posted for asynchronous Friday will be clear and manageable for students to develop independent learning and research skills.
  • On asynchronous Friday, the teachers will be available during a 9:00-10:00 office hour where students may connect live for additional guidance.
  • The lunch break allows for students and parents to have lunch together whenever possible in each home.

The Platforms:

Google Sites will continue to be the platform to access all of our eLearning classrooms.   Please do not share the link to our eLearning platform with anyone other than your child.  

While we wanted to start with the same video conference platform that was familiar to students and parents (Google Meet) we also left the door open to the possibility of incorporating another platform such as Zoom.  As of this 2nd Cycle, teachers have been communicating with you about making this very easy transition.  The Advisory teacher will create the “one link” connection and all subject teachers will connect through that link.  This eliminates the need to connect to different links for different subjects.   Teachers will protect entry into the eLearning classrooms by creating waiting rooms and only allowing entry to their students.  If your child will be connecting from a device that is not clearly identified with his/her or your names, please inform your child’s Advisory teacher in advance.  Otherwise, the teacher will not know to give your child entry.  Please understand that in order to ensure the protection of your child’s identity, this is a necessary measure.  

Google Classroom will be the primary resource for the creation of assignments, providing feedback and for students to send their work to their teachers.

Further down the road when your child’s teachers begin to provide feedback from assessments, you will be able to monitor your child’s progress through RenWeb/FACTS, our student information system.  Parent training for Secondary School grades will take place on the dates shown below.  Feel free to sign up for one of these sessions by clicking on the day and time that you prefer.

Netiquette:  

Students have learned the importance of following certain procedures during distance learning.  Please review these agreements with your child and help him/her to follow the classroom netiquette.  As of the 3rd Cycle, we would like to see students using a school uniform top.  It may be his/her regular or sports uniform.  Please make sure that your child is always using full and appropriate attire .

The Parent’s or Adult’s Role:

Making sure that your child has a comfortable and appropriate place to engage in learning is essential.  The 8:00 a.m. start should allow your adolescent to get a little more sleep, but please make sure that he/she is connected promptly at 8:00 a.m.  If you need to be out of the house, inform the adult in the home to not interrupt the student during school hours.  Likewise, if you need to speak to the teacher, please make an appointment.  Remember that walking into an eLearning classroom while instruction is taking place is like walking into the physical classrooms at school without prior notification.  These interruptions are not allowed.

Ongoing Trainings and Support:

During the next several weeks, we will continue to inform our school community about upcoming workshops, webinars and resources that will be made available to parents to support you during these challenging times.  This includes support from the Parents’ Association (ASPAS) as they put together online resources for parents and students.  Events and dates will be announced as they become available.

We hope this has given you clear guidance as we prepare to launch the 2020-2021 school year, full steam ahead.  Please know that we will continue to do our best to help you through these challenging times.  We also count on your customary support to work as a team so that the students, parents, and teachers will be able to stay physically and emotionally resilient as we navigate these uncharted waters.  

May God bless you and Ashton School mightily.

 

.

Secondary School eLearning Schedule and Platforms

Next Tuesday we will be concluding the 2nd Cycle of orientation, reviews and social-emotional interventions and be ready to officially begin new content for the 2020-2021 school year.  These first days were also intended to evaluate how the students are responding to the eLearning modality and to implement new online platforms as deemed necessary.

The design of the eLearning plan comes after months of conducting research and studies into best practices for online learning, and considering the feedback from teachers, students and parents as to how the students are engaging with and reacting to distance learning modalities.  We have also been ensuring that teachers have the resources to create quality lesson plans and carry out instruction in this new fashion.

The Schedule:

Last spring, when we found ourselves having to implement emergency distance learning, the Middle and High School eLearning platform consisted fully of synchronous encounters where students connected live with their teachers for the entire school day.  Our goal was to provide students with a certain sense of “normalcy” during a potentially emotionally challenging time.  Students knew that despite the crisis that was quickly unfolding, they could find their teachers in the same place and same time every day.  Our full-day synchronous connections did serve its purpose.  However, we knew full well that research shows that a longer term distance learning plan would have to include a balance of both synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning.   

During the synchronous encounters, which will still be the primary format, students are able to not only engage directly with their teacher, but with their classmates as well.  However, we must also be careful to not overload students with screen time.  Asynchronous encounters also allow for more self-directed and self-paced learning.  Students also benefit from the experience of exploring on their own and even being able to connect at different times of the day when they are more rested from the synchronous screen time.  Nonetheless, even when our schedule calls for asynchronous learning, teachers will be available to connect if a student needs additional guidance.  Below is the revised general format for the Secondary School schedule.  Your child’s detailed schedule with the specific subjects per day is found in the Classroom Site.  

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
8:00-10:15 Live synchronous teaching and learning Live synchronous teaching and learning Live synchronous teaching and learning Live synchronous teaching and learning 8:00-9:00

Asynchronous learning
10:15-10:30 Break Break Break Break 9:00-10:00

Live synchronous teaching and learning,  if the student wishes to connect.
10:30-12:00 Live synchronous teaching and learning Live synchronous teaching and learning Live synchronous teaching and learning Live synchronous teaching and learning 10:00-12:00

Asynchronous learning
12:00-1:25 Lunch  Lunch  Lunch  Lunch 
1:25-2:55 Asynchronous learning with teacher available to connect with students as needed Asynchronous learning with teacher available to connect with students as needed Asynchronous learning with teacher available to connect with students as needed Asynchronous learning with teacher available to connect with students as needed 12:00-1:25 Lunch
1:25-2:55

Asynchronous learning

Important components about the schedule include:

  • Synchronous (live connections) will start at 8:00 a.m. and continue until 12:00 p.m.;
  • Teachers will insert short five-minute breaks in between subjects as deemed necessary;
  • Students will have 15 minutes for recess to use the bathroom and get a snack;
  • The majority of the day will consist of live (synchronous) connections, but teachers will encourage students to work away from the screen when possible (i.e. to read in his/her favorite spot of the room, to work on a project, etc.)
  • During the 1:25 to 2:55 asynchronous hours, teachers will be available to connect if a student needs guidance with the instructions;
  • The work posted for asynchronous Friday will be clear and manageable for students to develop independent learning and research skills.
  • On asynchronous Friday, the teachers will be available during a 9:00-10:00 office hour where students may connect live for additional guidance.
  • The lunch break allows for students and parents to have lunch together whenever possible in each home.

The Platforms:

Google Sites will continue to be the platform to access all of our eLearning classrooms.   Please do not share the link to our eLearning platform with anyone other than your child.  

While we wanted to start with the same video conference platform that was familiar to students and parents (Google Meet) we also left the door open to the possibility of incorporating another platform such as Zoom.  As of this 2nd Cycle, teachers have been communicating with you about making this very easy transition.  The Advisory teacher will create the “one link” connection and all subject teachers will connect through that link.  This eliminates the need to connect to different links for different subjects.   Teachers will protect entry into the eLearning classrooms by creating waiting rooms and only allowing entry to their students.  If your child will be connecting from a device that is not clearly identified with his/her or your names, please inform your child’s Advisory teacher in advance.  Otherwise, the teacher will not know to give your child entry.  Please understand that in order to ensure the protection of your child’s identity, this is a necessary measure.  

Google Classroom will be the primary resource for the creation of assignments, providing feedback and for students to send their work to their teachers.

Further down the road when your child’s teachers begin to provide feedback from assessments, you will be able to monitor your child’s progress through RenWeb/FACTS, our student information system.  Parent training for Secondary School grades will take place on the dates shown below.  Feel free to sign up for one of these sessions by clicking on the day and time that you prefer.

Netiquette:  

Students have learned the importance of following certain procedures during distance learning.  Please review these agreements with your child and help him/her to follow the classroom netiquette.  As of the 3rd Cycle, we would like to see students using a school uniform top.  It may be his/her regular or sports uniform.  Please make sure that your child is always using full and appropriate attire .

The Parent’s or Adult’s Role:

Making sure that your child has a comfortable and appropriate place to engage in learning is essential.  The 8:00 a.m. start should allow your adolescent to get a little more sleep, but please make sure that he/she is connected promptly at 8:00 a.m.  If you need to be out of the house, inform the adult in the home to not interrupt the student during school hours.  Likewise, if you need to speak to the teacher, please make an appointment.  Remember that walking into an eLearning classroom while instruction is taking place is like walking into the physical classrooms at school without prior notification.  These interruptions are not allowed.

Ongoing Trainings and Support:

During the next several weeks, we will continue to inform our school community about upcoming workshops, webinars and resources that will be made available to parents to support you during these challenging times.  This includes support from the Parents’ Association (ASPAS) as they put together online resources for parents and students.  Events and dates will be announced as they become available.

We hope this has given you clear guidance as we prepare to launch the 2020-2021 school year, full steam ahead.  Please know that we will continue to do our best to help you through these challenging times.  We also count on your customary support to work as a team so that the students, parents, and teachers will be able to stay physically and emotionally resilient as we navigate these uncharted waters.  

May God bless you and Ashton School mightily.

 

.

Gators ‘Netiquette’

Netiquette:

  • Let’s agree on our “Gator Netiquette” in order to show respect, courtesy and maximize the online learning experience.

  • Netiquette combines the words “net” and “etiquette”, making it appropriate to use during distance learning.

Gator Netiquette:

  • Find a comfortable place to sit and take care of your posture.

  • Keep devices charged before class.

  • Keep cameras on when teachers ask you to do so.

  • Keep microphones on mute until the teacher indicates otherwise.

  • Don’t interrupt each other. Use the “raised hand” gesture if you’d like to speak.

  • Speak, write and use facial expressions and gestures that are courteous.

  • Participate fully.

  • Don’t share personal info or photos.

  • While you don’t have to use your uniform, you need to dress appropriately as if you were going to the school campus.

  • Only post as is relevant to the class.

  • Be respectful and courteous in your comments.

  • If you see or hear something or someone online that seems inappropriate, tell your parents or teacher right away.

 

 

 

 

Gators ‘Netiquette’

Netiquette:

  • Let’s agree on our “Gator Netiquette” in order to show respect, courtesy and maximize the online learning experience.

  • Netiquette combines the words “net” and “etiquette”, making it appropriate to use during distance learning.

Gator Netiquette:

  • Find a comfortable place to sit and take care of your posture.

  • Keep devices charged before class.

  • Keep cameras on when teachers ask you to do so.

  • Keep microphones on mute until the teacher indicates otherwise.

  • Don’t interrupt each other. Use the “raised hand” gesture if you’d like to speak.

  • Speak, write and use facial expressions and gestures that are courteous.

  • Participate fully.

  • Don’t share personal info or photos.

  • While you don’t have to use your uniform, you need to dress appropriately as if you were going to the school campus.

  • Only post as is relevant to the class.

  • Be respectful and courteous in your comments.

  • If you see or hear something or someone online that seems inappropriate, tell your parents or teacher right away.

 

 

 

 

Ready to Serve, Inspire and Transform

Dear Ashton Family,

Although we are all still eagerly waiting for official information from the Ministry of Education, our Ashton staff is back in action and preparing to serve in whichever learning scenario is approved.

Today we conclude our first week of teacher orientation sessions and we are so pleased to see everyone’s enthusiasm about serving you and our precious students in a way that will be most beneficial for them.

Thank you to those of you who took the time to answer our survey last week. The results validate our decision and commitment to be completely ready to offer access to our program whether our students are on-campus or learning from home.

eLearning Platform Improvements

Following are some of the improvements to our eLearning Platform which will be active during both on campus and at home learning:

  • We have added an overview of each Cycle, including the learning goals, materials that will be needed, links that will be accessed, announced assessments among other details. This will help students and parents be informed and prepared in advance as needed.
  • · Teachers will record lessons and upload instructional videos on the platform so that families may access every day. This is essential for those who choose to learn from home and can also serve as a refresher for those who will have received the instruction in the classrooms (when it is approved by the authorities). In other words, one of the “new normal” practices that has resulted from this experience is that all of our teachers’ planning and mini lessons will be online for students and parents to access at the time of day that is best for you.
  • There will be both synchronous and asynchronous components when distance instruction is used. We expect students to follow a regular school day schedule, but some of the work they carry out may be project-based or simply give them an opportunity to move their eyes away from the screen for some time. We have also planned to adjust the distance-learning schedule for younger students to make learning from home more manageable for them and parents.
  • Teachers will add office hours to their schedules to answer questions or provide extra help to students who are learning from home.
  • There will be ongoing attention to social-emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
  • Access to the Renweb/FACTS Parent Portal to obtain regular feedback about your child’s progress is ready to use.

 

Professional Development

During the summer weeks and into the month of August teachers have engaged in and will continue to take professional development courses to bring added skills to distance learning. Some of the training for teachers and administrators include:

Global Online Academy Designing for Online Learn:

  • Assessment
  • Elementary/Lower School
  • Relationships
  • Wayfinding

Google Certified Educator

  • Conexiones Plataformas de la Ciencia del Aprendizaje: No Hay Mejor Momento Para Ser Un(a) Educador(a)
  • Deepening Mathematical Understanding–Mathematical Critical Areas (MS & HS )
  • Tri-Association:
  • Choices As We Face Covid19: Transforming Program Structures, Curriculum, and Assessment

International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children:

  • What’s in a COVID Policy Addendum and why do I Need One?
  • How Can We Connect with & Support Parents so they can Help us Keep Children Safe?
  • How can we Prevent and Respond to When Everything has Changed?
  • Association of American Schools in South America:
  • Leading in a Time of Crisis: Supporting Mental Wellness in Self and Others

International School Counselors Association: Webinars and Chats on the Reopening of Schools

ISC Research Supporting International Students with University Entry Plans

SRT University Webinar

NHS You’re Accepted Now What

ACSI Educación en Sexualidad Desde la Escuela

AP How to Prepare Your Students for 2020 Exams

College Board Keeping it in Perspective MANAGING Student Stress in the College Application Process

FCD Parents and Caregivers Q & A

Despite the anxiety that these uncertain times may bring, know that your Ashton School is ready to serve, inspire and transform, with the Lord’s guidance and your support to get through this crisis as a united family.

Stay tuned for upcoming messages about registering for the virtual Meet Your Child’s Teacher sessions and our Back to School Night during the week of August 17th. We are still planning to connect with our students one way or another as of August 24th.

Have a safe and restful weekend.

Blessings,

Ready to Serve, Inspire and Transform

Dear Ashton Family,

Although we are all still eagerly waiting for official information from the Ministry of Education, our Ashton staff is back in action and preparing to serve in whichever learning scenario is approved.

Today we conclude our first week of teacher orientation sessions and we are so pleased to see everyone’s enthusiasm about serving you and our precious students in a way that will be most beneficial for them.

Thank you to those of you who took the time to answer our survey last week. The results validate our decision and commitment to be completely ready to offer access to our program whether our students are on-campus or learning from home.

eLearning Platform Improvements

Following are some of the improvements to our eLearning Platform which will be active during both on campus and at home learning:

  • We have added an overview of each Cycle, including the learning goals, materials that will be needed, links that will be accessed, announced assessments among other details. This will help students and parents be informed and prepared in advance as needed.
  • · Teachers will record lessons and upload instructional videos on the platform so that families may access every day. This is essential for those who choose to learn from home and can also serve as a refresher for those who will have received the instruction in the classrooms (when it is approved by the authorities). In other words, one of the “new normal” practices that has resulted from this experience is that all of our teachers’ planning and mini lessons will be online for students and parents to access at the time of day that is best for you.
  • There will be both synchronous and asynchronous components when distance instruction is used. We expect students to follow a regular school day schedule, but some of the work they carry out may be project-based or simply give them an opportunity to move their eyes away from the screen for some time. We have also planned to adjust the distance-learning schedule for younger students to make learning from home more manageable for them and parents.
  • Teachers will add office hours to their schedules to answer questions or provide extra help to students who are learning from home.
  • There will be ongoing attention to social-emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
  • Access to the Renweb/FACTS Parent Portal to obtain regular feedback about your child’s progress is ready to use.

 

Professional Development

During the summer weeks and into the month of August teachers have engaged in and will continue to take professional development courses to bring added skills to distance learning. Some of the training for teachers and administrators include:

Global Online Academy Designing for Online Learn:

  • Assessment
  • Elementary/Lower School
  • Relationships
  • Wayfinding

Google Certified Educator

  • Conexiones Plataformas de la Ciencia del Aprendizaje: No Hay Mejor Momento Para Ser Un(a) Educador(a)
  • Deepening Mathematical Understanding–Mathematical Critical Areas (MS & HS )
  • Tri-Association:
  • Choices As We Face Covid19: Transforming Program Structures, Curriculum, and Assessment

International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children:

  • What’s in a COVID Policy Addendum and why do I Need One?
  • How Can We Connect with & Support Parents so they can Help us Keep Children Safe?
  • How can we Prevent and Respond to When Everything has Changed?
  • Association of American Schools in South America:
  • Leading in a Time of Crisis: Supporting Mental Wellness in Self and Others

International School Counselors Association: Webinars and Chats on the Reopening of Schools

ISC Research Supporting International Students with University Entry Plans

SRT University Webinar

NHS You’re Accepted Now What

ACSI Educación en Sexualidad Desde la Escuela

AP How to Prepare Your Students for 2020 Exams

College Board Keeping it in Perspective MANAGING Student Stress in the College Application Process

FCD Parents and Caregivers Q & A

Despite the anxiety that these uncertain times may bring, know that your Ashton School is ready to serve, inspire and transform, with the Lord’s guidance and your support to get through this crisis as a united family.

Stay tuned for upcoming messages about registering for the virtual Meet Your Child’s Teacher sessions and our Back to School Night during the week of August 17th. We are still planning to connect with our students one way or another as of August 24th.

Have a safe and restful weekend.

Blessings,

Message from Elementary Principal

Estimados padres,

Plácenos saludarles, esperando todos se encuentren muy bien y en salud acompañados de sus apreciados hijos.

Como es del conocimiento de todos, el país y el mundo se enfrenta a momentos delicados que nos obligan a establecer un nuevo formato de comunicación para juntos lograr un exitoso resto del año. Este formato virtual además de mantenernos cercanos, nos permite transmitir nuestro programa educativo.

El equipo de profesores junto a nuestra unidad de tecnología trabaja con esmero para llevar a sus hijos los conocimientos propios del aula de clase como hacemos cara a cara diariamente en el colegio. Definitivamente ha sido un reto para el equipo ASTHON que sabemos ha trabajado con el corazón.

La comunidad Ashton, con este objetivo, está trabajando basado en tres pilares: los padres, sus hijos y el staff de profesores, actuando como una gran familia, abriendo canales que nos permitan servirles a sus hijos y a ustedes. Pasados los primeros días, ya con la nueva estructura funcionando y el compromiso vamos tomando forma para llegar a sus hogares.

ASTHON con una estructura dinámica, brinda una respuesta a algo que hasta hace poco era desconocido. Hemos ido calibrando, corrigiendo y valorando en base a la experiencia diaria. De su parte como siempre, les pedimos que nos sigan retroalimentando con ideas y sugerencias en beneficio de nuestros amados niños que tanta falta nos hacen.

Todos juntos, padres, escuela y comunidad cuidamos de la estabilidad mental, social y académica de nuestros niños.

Gracias por siempre confiar en nosotros, gracias a Dios somos una gran comunidad y contamos con ustedes!!

Estamos a sus ordenes 24/7,

Dios los guarde en perfecta salud

Ms. Resek y todo el equipo académico y administrativo

Message from Elementary Principal

Estimados padres,

Plácenos saludarles, esperando todos se encuentren muy bien y en salud acompañados de sus apreciados hijos.

Como es del conocimiento de todos, el país y el mundo se enfrenta a momentos delicados que nos obligan a establecer un nuevo formato de comunicación para juntos lograr un exitoso resto del año. Este formato virtual además de mantenernos cercanos, nos permite transmitir nuestro programa educativo.

El equipo de profesores junto a nuestra unidad de tecnología trabaja con esmero para llevar a sus hijos los conocimientos propios del aula de clase como hacemos cara a cara diariamente en el colegio. Definitivamente ha sido un reto para el equipo ASTHON que sabemos ha trabajado con el corazón.

La comunidad Ashton, con este objetivo, está trabajando basado en tres pilares: los padres, sus hijos y el staff de profesores, actuando como una gran familia, abriendo canales que nos permitan servirles a sus hijos y a ustedes. Pasados los primeros días, ya con la nueva estructura funcionando y el compromiso vamos tomando forma para llegar a sus hogares.

ASTHON con una estructura dinámica, brinda una respuesta a algo que hasta hace poco era desconocido. Hemos ido calibrando, corrigiendo y valorando en base a la experiencia diaria. De su parte como siempre, les pedimos que nos sigan retroalimentando con ideas y sugerencias en beneficio de nuestros amados niños que tanta falta nos hacen.

Todos juntos, padres, escuela y comunidad cuidamos de la estabilidad mental, social y académica de nuestros niños.

Gracias por siempre confiar en nosotros, gracias a Dios somos una gran comunidad y contamos con ustedes!!

Estamos a sus ordenes 24/7,

Dios los guarde en perfecta salud

Ms. Resek y todo el equipo académico y administrativo

eLearning Announced

Estimados Padres,

En el día de hoy nos dirigimos a las autoridades nacionales y les expresamos las decisiones que estarán rigiendo nuestra vida escolar en las próximas semanas ante la Pandemia de Covid-19. Estamos conscientes que mientras el Ministerio de Educación está preocupado y trabaja para garantizar que los estudiantes estén protegidos mientras luchamos contra la amenaza de propagación de COVID-19, los colegios ACCAS colaboran estrechamente con el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos, a través de nuestra Asociación, y de ellos hemos recibido pautas con respecto a los planes de contingencia ante esta crisis de salud.

A lo largo de los años, hemos podido establecer continuamente un equilibrio entre cumplir con los mandatos de MINERD y lo que nuestras agencias de acreditación de EE. UU. esperan de nosotros, especialmente en una situación crítica que muy probablemente podría poner en riesgo la vida de las personas en nuestras comunidades. Esperamos que en esta ocasión, más que nunca, se pueda mantener ese equilibrio.

Todas las pautas que hemos recibido de nuestras agencias regionales de EE. UU. exigen la preparación de la instrucción en línea en caso de que COVID-19 llegue a nuestras áreas, lo cual es ya un hecho. Esto se debe a que el consenso internacional es que el distanciamiento social es clave para prevenir la propagación del virus. Por lo tanto, cada día que los niños vengan a la escuela, habrá un mayor riesgo de propagación a cada miembro de nuestra institución y a sus familias. Entendemos que este es el momento de actuar ya que la propagación del virus está en sus inicios.

Por lo tanto, les informamos que estaremos activando nuestro plan de eLearning para continuar y garantizar la continuidad de instrucción de modo virtual a partir del 18 de marzo, 2020.

Mañana procederemos con el plan de probar la plataforma en línea desde el colegio para alumnos de 7mo a 12mo (Middle y High School). Estos estudiantes están ya acostumbrados al uso de Google Suite, que será uno de nuestros recursos básicos. Esto permitirá a los profesores y alumnos identificar cualquier dificultad y recibir el soporte del Departamento de Tecnología. Por tanto, los alumnos de 7mo a 12mo deben conectarse desde casa mañana en su horario regular de clases, de modo que se aseguren que tendrán todo en orden para el miércoles. Los profesores de Primaria continuarán grabando las lecciones que estarán subiendo para el miércoles.

Aunque dejamos abierta la posibilidad con el MINERD de extender el escenario de educación a distancia más allá de Semana Santa en caso de que la situación de COVID-19 no mejore, nuestra esperanza al día de hoy, es que para el 14 de abril podamos regresar a la normalidad tal como está establecido en el calendario escolar. Naturalmente estaremos actualizándoles continuamente y mañana mandaremos una Guía del Plan ‘eLearning’ de Educación a Distancia para Estudiantes/Padres que podrá servirles de ayuda.

Les aseguramos que actuaremos con la misma responsabilidad que siempre nos ha caracterizado en el entendido de que continuaremos ofertando un servicio y una enseñanza de calidad. Es nuestra responsabilidad y obligación moral no sólo proteger a los miembros de nuestra comunidad escolar, sino también servir como ciudadanos responsables y accionar de manera que ayudemos a mitigar el riesgo de contagio ante enfermedades contagiosas como Covid-19.

Quisiéramos cerrar esta comunicación con una cita compartida por Twitter recientemente por un superintendente escolar cuando le preguntaron sobre cómo deberían actuar las escuelas ante esta amenaza. Su respuesta fue: “Al final, será imposible saber si reaccionamos de forma exagerada o hicimos demasiado, pero será MUY evidente si reaccionamos de manera insuficiente o hicimos muy poco”.

Que el Señor tenga misericordia de nuestra nación y que esta experiencia nos recuerde fijar nuestra esperanza en Él.

Bendiciones,

Ines Gygax
Directora General

eLearning Announced

Estimados Padres,

En el día de hoy nos dirigimos a las autoridades nacionales y les expresamos las decisiones que estarán rigiendo nuestra vida escolar en las próximas semanas ante la Pandemia de Covid-19. Estamos conscientes que mientras el Ministerio de Educación está preocupado y trabaja para garantizar que los estudiantes estén protegidos mientras luchamos contra la amenaza de propagación de COVID-19, los colegios ACCAS colaboran estrechamente con el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos, a través de nuestra Asociación, y de ellos hemos recibido pautas con respecto a los planes de contingencia ante esta crisis de salud.

A lo largo de los años, hemos podido establecer continuamente un equilibrio entre cumplir con los mandatos de MINERD y lo que nuestras agencias de acreditación de EE. UU. esperan de nosotros, especialmente en una situación crítica que muy probablemente podría poner en riesgo la vida de las personas en nuestras comunidades. Esperamos que en esta ocasión, más que nunca, se pueda mantener ese equilibrio.

Todas las pautas que hemos recibido de nuestras agencias regionales de EE. UU. exigen la preparación de la instrucción en línea en caso de que COVID-19 llegue a nuestras áreas, lo cual es ya un hecho. Esto se debe a que el consenso internacional es que el distanciamiento social es clave para prevenir la propagación del virus. Por lo tanto, cada día que los niños vengan a la escuela, habrá un mayor riesgo de propagación a cada miembro de nuestra institución y a sus familias. Entendemos que este es el momento de actuar ya que la propagación del virus está en sus inicios.

Por lo tanto, les informamos que estaremos activando nuestro plan de eLearning para continuar y garantizar la continuidad de instrucción de modo virtual a partir del 18 de marzo, 2020.

Mañana procederemos con el plan de probar la plataforma en línea desde el colegio para alumnos de 7mo a 12mo (Middle y High School). Estos estudiantes están ya acostumbrados al uso de Google Suite, que será uno de nuestros recursos básicos. Esto permitirá a los profesores y alumnos identificar cualquier dificultad y recibir el soporte del Departamento de Tecnología. Por tanto, los alumnos de 7mo a 12mo deben conectarse desde casa mañana en su horario regular de clases, de modo que se aseguren que tendrán todo en orden para el miércoles. Los profesores de Primaria continuarán grabando las lecciones que estarán subiendo para el miércoles.

Aunque dejamos abierta la posibilidad con el MINERD de extender el escenario de educación a distancia más allá de Semana Santa en caso de que la situación de COVID-19 no mejore, nuestra esperanza al día de hoy, es que para el 14 de abril podamos regresar a la normalidad tal como está establecido en el calendario escolar. Naturalmente estaremos actualizándoles continuamente y mañana mandaremos una Guía del Plan ‘eLearning’ de Educación a Distancia para Estudiantes/Padres que podrá servirles de ayuda.

Les aseguramos que actuaremos con la misma responsabilidad que siempre nos ha caracterizado en el entendido de que continuaremos ofertando un servicio y una enseñanza de calidad. Es nuestra responsabilidad y obligación moral no sólo proteger a los miembros de nuestra comunidad escolar, sino también servir como ciudadanos responsables y accionar de manera que ayudemos a mitigar el riesgo de contagio ante enfermedades contagiosas como Covid-19.

Quisiéramos cerrar esta comunicación con una cita compartida por Twitter recientemente por un superintendente escolar cuando le preguntaron sobre cómo deberían actuar las escuelas ante esta amenaza. Su respuesta fue: “Al final, será imposible saber si reaccionamos de forma exagerada o hicimos demasiado, pero será MUY evidente si reaccionamos de manera insuficiente o hicimos muy poco”.

Que el Señor tenga misericordia de nuestra nación y que esta experiencia nos recuerde fijar nuestra esperanza en Él.

Bendiciones,

Ines Gygax
Directora General

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