Old Trail School Distance Learning Plan

Return to Campus Update: August 5, 2020

Introduction

Return to Campus Update Distance Learning – August 5, 2020

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Return to Campus Update: Distance Learning

Early Childhood The distance learning model in Early Childhood strives to provide consistency and connection for our youngest learners.

Students will participate in asynchronous learning through 15-30 minutes videos with designated Distance Learning Teachers. These teachers will lead students through a class meeting, read aloud, song and literacy or math activity each day. Enrichment classes such as library, science, spanish and physical education will also provide activities for these students.

Videos will be posted each night for the next day. A schedule will be suggested to mimic the child’s in-person classroom, although we understand some families will want to create a schedule that accommodates their individual needs. One morning each week, students will have a scheduled opportunity to Zoom into their cohort to say hello to their in-person teachers, socialize and share a snack with their in-person peers. This will allow our distance students to remain a part of the classroom community and begin creating connections that will be further nurtured if/when they transition to in-person learning.

Young 5 Students Young 5 students who are learning from home will participate in a hybrid model. This includes all aspects of the ECP distance learning plan as well as 30 minutes of live instruction for language arts and math on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4 p.m.

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Return to Campus Update: Disance Learning

Early Childhood Sample Schedule for an ECP 5 Student (subject to change) 8:00-8:30 a.m.

8:30-9:00 a.m.

9:00-9:30 a.m.

9:30-10:00 a.m.

10:00-10:30 a.m.

10:30-11:00 a.m.

11:00-11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.-Noon 12:00-1:00 p.m.

1:00-1:30 p.m.

1:30-2:00 p.m.

2:00-3:00 p.m.

Classroom Meeting Video Read Aloud Video Outdoor Play Song/Finger Play Snack (Distance Learning Students Zoom in on Fridays) Literacy/Math Activity Enrichment Activity Lunch Rest Recess Snack Free Play/Choice Time*

* Suggested activities: Blocks, Legos, dramatic play (kitchen, doctor, restaurant, police station, fire fighters, grocery store, veterinarian, school), studio (paint, clay, markers, paper, glue, scissors, tape, hole punchers, beads, string, chalk, crayons, pencils), sensory bin (water, dirt, sand, orbeez, corn, rice, beans, coffee beans, coffee grounds, shaving cream, pasta cooked, pasta uncooked, flour, shredded paper, pom poms).

Student Independence The level of independence exhibited by students while navigating the distance learning model will vary from child to child. Parents should expect to either implement and guide their child through the suggested schedule or design an individualized schedule utilizing the videos provided that works for their family. Videos such as the meeting, story, and song will be designed for more independent student participation. The math, literacy and enrichment activities may require additional support from an adult. The choice time suggestion may require parent prep, with the intention that students will participate independently. Outdoor play, snack, lunch, recess, and rest are all adult guided activities.

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Return to Campus Update: Distance Learning

Primary School (K-2) In Primary School, the distance learning model will combine synchronous instruction of foundational skills, teacher guided workshopping, connection to the in-person classroom cohorts via live enrichment classes, and opportunities for virtual socialization, collaboration and peer interaction.

Mornings Students will meet with a homeroom teacher each day for Morning Meeting and conversation with their distance learning cohort. During the morning, students will have opportunities to engage in workshopping in alignment with the previous day’s instruction under the guidance of a faculty member. Mornings will also support students with brain breaks, stories and socialization periods.

Mid-day During mid-day, students will Zoom into their in-person cohort’s section of each special enrichment class. Students will also be given a break for lunch, recess and rest time or quiet relaxation.

Afternoons Afternoons will allow for students to participate in PBL’s and committee work incorporating grade level curriculum as well as individual interests. At the end of each day, students will meet with grade level teachers for live synchronous instruction of foundational skills in the core content areas of reading, writing and math.

Every Friday afternoon, the Primary School distance learning cohort will meet with Mrs. Irwin to reflect, provide closure for the week, and discuss upcoming events for the coming week.

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Return to Campus Update: Disance Learning

Primary School (K-2) Sample Schedule (subject to change) 8:30-8:45 a.m.

8:45-9:15 a.m.

9:15-9:30 a.m.

9:30-10:00 a.m.

10:00-10:30 a.m.

10:30-11:00 a.m.

11:00-11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

2:00-3:00 p.m.

3:00-3:30 p.m.

3:30-4:00 p.m.

Homeroom with Mrs. Irwin Math Workshop with OTS Faculty Member Brain Break Reading Workshop with OTS Faculty Member Snack Break and Socialization Writing Workshop with OTS Faculty Member Story Break and Socialization Specials/Lunch/Recess Committee Work/Choice Time/Play Story Break and Socialization Instruction with Grade Level Teachers (Monday-Thursday) Friday Meeting with Mrs. Irwin

Student Independence The level of independence exhibited by students while navigating the distance learning model will vary from child to child. Parents can expect to primarily support students with timing and transitions. Creating visual schedules and setting timers for students can help our younger learners become more independent in managing their day. During workshops, students will have access to a faculty member via Zoom to support them with questions regarding content and assignments. Occasional support may be required from parents during these times. During the block designated for specials, lunch and recess, parents may need to assist with time management to ensure students can safely eat, take a needed break and still attend their live specials classes.

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Return to Campus Update: Distance Learning

Intermediate School (3-5) At the heart of the distance learning plan is a focus on live student-teacher interactions, synchronous socialization with other students who are distance learning, individualized support, and sustained advisory attention. Each student and family will be assigned an advisor, who will consistently assess overall wellness, academic preparedness, and can act as a liaison between school and home. Although much of their time will be spent interacting with their peers also learning from a distance, when possible students will be able to pair and interact with their in-school classmates.

Instruction for the distance learning cohort will mirror the in-school model. Language Arts, Reading, Math, Social Studies, Spanish and Music will all be offered weekly, while Art, Science and Physical Education will be offered on a rotating schedule by trimester in an effort to keep cohorts intact. The time involved in both learning models will be much the same. There will be breaks for lunch, as well as small breaks in the day. This should give all students a similar academic experience.

Each day will start with homeroom and the homeroom teacher will consistently communicate with the distance learning students to assess their overall wellness, progress, challenges and successes. This person will be the main liaison to the students’ parents and to other teachers. This, too, will mirror the experience of being on-campus as knowing and caring for students is at the heart of the Old Trail School experience.

Although the majority of the students’ time will be spent interacting with peers who are also distance learning, there will be opportunities for students who are learning from home to be partnered with their in-school classmates.

Every Friday afternoon, the Intermediate School distance learning cohort will meet with Mr. Pintola to reflect, provide closure for the week, and discuss upcoming events for the coming week.

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Return to Campus Update: Disance Learning

Intermediate School (3-5) Sample Schedule (subject to change) 8:30-8:45 a.m.

8:45-9:25 a.m.

9:25-10:05 a.m.

10:05- 10:15 a.m.

10:15-10:55 a.m.

10:55-11:30 a.m.

11:30-11:55 a.m.

11:55 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

12:25-12:45 p.m.

12:45-1:25 p.m.

1:25-2:10 p.m.

2:10-2:45 p.m.

Homeroom Check-In Science/Math/Social Studies Math/Language Arts/Reading Snack Social Studies/Math Reading/Language Arts Study Hall/Break Lunch Recess Language Arts/Reading Music or Spanish (rotates daily) Study Hall Proctored by OTS Faculty Member

Student Independence As we learned last spring, Intermediate-age students were adept at following this format and, for the most part, should not need assistance after the first day or two. New students may need assistance from an adult the first couple of days, but should adapt with little to no difficulties. Students are expected to be on time, fully participatory and to ask questions for clarification.

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Return to Campus Update: Distance Learning

Middle School (6-8) At the heart of the Middle School’s distance learning plan is a focus on live student-teacher interactions, synchronous socialization with other distance-learning students, individualized support, and sustained advisory attention. Each student and family will be assigned an advisor, who will consistently assess overall wellness and academic preparedness. This individual will also act as a liaison between school and home. Although much of their time will be spent interacting with their peers who are also learning from a distance, when possible, students will be able to pair and interact with their in-school classmates.

The Middle School’s distance learning plan will involve 30-45 minute synchronous sessions in English, History, Math and World Language. In order to align with the adjusted schedule for middle school students this year, Science and Art courses will be taught in daily “deep dives” over the course of extended four-week long blocks.

Small group and individualized vocal and/or instrumental music lessons will be provided for students involved in an Old Trail ensemble. Courses will take place between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., with time allotted for breaks, lunch, outdoor exercise and individual work time.

Every Friday afternoon, the Middle School distance learning cohort will meet with the Mr. Chottiner to reflect, provide closure for the week, and discuss upcoming events for the coming week.

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Return to Campus Update: Disance Learning

Middle School (6-8) Sample Schedule (subject to change) 8:30-8:45 a.m.

8:45-9:30 a.m.

9:30-10:30 a.m.

10:30-11:10 a.m.

11:10 a.m.-Noon Noon-12:40 p.m.

12:40-1:30 p.m.

1:30-2:00 p.m.

2:15-2:45 p.m.

Homeroom Check-in English Class Rotational Art/Science History Class Lunch/Break World Language Class PE Video/Outdoor Time Math Class Music/Music Lessons

Technology and Classroom Expectations The fluid use of technology, classroom expectations, appropriate dress and attendance will vary slightly by division, but are critical elements of a successful distance learning experience. The Technology Department, division directors and classroom teachers will prepare, work with and support students throughout their time off-campus.

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Return to Campus Update: Distance Learning

Introduction The emergence of the novel coronavirus pandemic in late 2019 and its global spread through early 2020 forced Old Trail, like other schools around the world, to reevaluate nearly every aspect of its educational practices. Across the school, teachers, staff, parents and students have demonstrated extraordinary resilience in adapting to new and often challenging conditions. Perhaps more so than any other year, we look forward to once again welcoming students, faculty and staff back to our beautiful campus this fall. We understand that this transition back to school may come with concerns and complexities, and we are committed to reorienting your children to the new school year in the safest and most supportive way possible.

2315 Ira Road, P.O. Box 827, Bath, Ohio 44210 330-666-1118 | oldtrail.org

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