Distance Learning

Distance Learning at Wardlaw+Hartridge includes the following essential understandings:

• In the case of an extended school closure, teachers will shift to distance learning immediately.  Students should expect to continue their classes the next school day.
• Distance Learning will take many forms depending on grade level and subject area.  These experiences may look and feel very different from a student’s typical in-class experienceーlearning experiences will vary in ways that are developmentally appropriate and instructionally feasible.  
• Functions like grading, assessment, attendance, and homework may be different than the typical in-class framework.  Teachers will share expectations around these topics with their students and families for each class or grade level. 

   

If you have specific concerns about your family’s resources (computers, internet access, etc.) please reach out to your Division Head through distancelearning@whschool.org with those concerns and we will do our best to respond with achievable solutions. 

Wardlaw+Hartridge intentionally uses the term distance learning rather than online learning. This choice reflects our belief that quality learning can occur from a distance through the direction and facilitation of our faculty without solely relying on computers or digital devices.  These devices may be a part of our distance learning, but they will not be the sole vehicle of learning.  Wardlaw+Hartridge’s goal is for students to engage in authentic learning experiences while not on our campus.  We have sought recommendations from leading organizations as we developed plans for distance learning including Global Online Academy, OneSchoolhouse, and Adaptive Learning.

We are committed to making sure that students continue to experience the care and commitment of our faculty and the routine of daily learning, even in the event of additional school closures. While direct, in-person engagement with teachers and classmates is difficult to fully replicate in distance learning, we are confident in our continued ability to provide high-quality, dynamic learning. Feedback should be sent to distancelearning@whschool.org.

• The primary tool for communication between teachers and families is email.
• In the Lower School from Grades Pre-Kindergarten to Third, SeeSaw is the primary platform for daily assignments. In Grades Four through Twelve, Power School will continue to be the primary place for students to find out about daily assignments. Teachers may also post additional instructional materials, conduct assessments, and provide feedback.
• Google GSuite will continue to be used by students and faculty to create, collaborate, and share files. 
• For video conferencing in small or large groups, we will use our Zoom educational package.

Moving into the 2020-2021 school year, we have refined our process and vehicles for learning management.  To relieve student stress and promote student comfort with navigation between different classes, we will be using a common learning management system.

		PCR is used for parents and students to access trimester and final grades only.  PCR is also the mechanism for teachers and administrators to send emails to families and students.
		PowerSchool is used for students in Grades Five through Twelve.  This will be our consistent Learning Management System for the Middle and Upper Schools.  All class assignments, videos, discussions, and announcements will be housed in PowerSchool.
		SeeSaw is used for students in the Lower School in Grades Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth.  This will be our consistent Learning Management System.  All class assignments, videos, discussions, and announcements will be housed in SeeSaw.
		Teachers in Grades Pre-Kindergarten through Twelve may continue to use the Google Suite (Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc.) for class assignments accessed through PowerSchool or SeeSaw.
		All Wardlaw+Hartridge faculty and staff will continue to use Zoom as the video conferencing platform to provide live (synchronous) classes as well as meetings which may have been traditionally held in person.

• Zoom Class Expectations: 
  • When attending a zoom class, students must be in dress code and sit at a desk or table (not on a bed or couch)
  • Communicate and behave with the same respect and consideration you would use in the classroom
  • Zoom Classes are recorded in order to provide additional resources for students and to monitor behavior.