The updated ES Community Virtual School Handbook (linked here) includes detailed information about our contingency plans for continued learning when extraordinary events force a closure of the campus. ISB uses a combination of online tools and resources to keep student learning moving forward and keep students connected to their teachers and peers. Virtual School can never replace in person learning; however, we strive to ensure that virtual learning experiences are engaging, based on our learning objectives, and as meaningful as possible.
ISB families, students and faculty shared a wide variety of feedback about their March -June 2020 and January 2021 virtual school experiences which have greatly informed our current Virtual School plans. Enhancements to the updated virtual school plans include an emphasis on:
- consistency across the school and throughout the grade levels;
- clear communication to faculty and parents regarding virtual school expectations;
- suggested daily schedules for all students and families as well as a defined work day schedule for teachers including collaborative team and individual planning time;
- significant increase in daily synchronous learning for students via large and small group lessons;
- plans to receive parent feedback on an ongoing basis;
- clarity of Woot Woot Wednesday schedules for students, parents and faculty;
- increase in World Language, Art, Music and PE synchronous classes;
- Increased differentiation for students who receive EAP/LS Tier 3 support;
- Increased flexibility for students and families including an increase in optional learning tasks for students and families seeking more virtual school engagement