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.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_image image=”27401″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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.
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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][us_grid post_type=”attachment” images=”27395,27396,27391,27394,27393,27398″ items_valign=”1″ columns=”1″ items_gap=”2.5rem” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]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.