Pinewood - Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

JULY 2020

CONTENTS GUIDING PRINCIPLES SCHOOL CALENDAR HEALTH & SAFETY DECISION MAKING FLOWCHART THREE LEARNING MODELS

MODEL 1 - ON CAMPUS LEARNING MODEL

MODEL 2 - HYBRID LEARNING MODEL

MODEL 3 - DISTANCE LEARNING MODEL

SPECIFIC LEARNING PROGRAM PER DIVISION

DEFINITION OF TERMS

COMPARISON OF LEARNING MODELS

STUDENT HEALTH, WELL-BEING & SELF-CARE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS SECONDARY LABORATORY CLASSES RESOURCES

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

Dear Families, Throughout Pinewood’s history, the community of students, parents, faculty, and staff has been a defining strength of our school. I can think of no better example of this defining strength in recent years than that of the overwhelmingly cooperative community mindset that resulted from the lockdown and distance learning period in the Spring of 2020. We are so grateful for this collective support as we continue to work diligently to seek feedback and listen, learn, and improve upon the extraordinary time in which we are living. We will continue to learn from you and from other schools and organizations throughout the year.

As the pandemic remains uncertain around the world, it is our responsibility as a school to ensure that we remain fully prepared to adapt teaching and learning to situations caused by the public health crisis or any crisis that may arise. This document, developed for our community, articulates possible learning scenarios at Pinewood in low, medium, and high risk environments that may be encountered in the new academic year.

While it is impossible to predict the future, we are using our recent experience, feedback, and international school partners around the world to create the best possible profile of potential scenarios. Our goal for each scenario is to ensure safe and continuous learning and connecting for your children regardless of the risk levels that we may face.

Thank you again for being a part of our incredible community.

We are grateful to you.

Roxanne Giampapa Head of School

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

PAGE

3

GUIDING PRINCIPLES Prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and community

Provide access to learning and socialemotional support to all students

Comply with the guidelines set by the Greek Ministries of Health and Education

Communicate clearly and frequently with parents for a strong partnership

HEALTH & SAFETY Please refer to our Covid-19 website page for specific health and safety measures, frequently asked questions, and past communication. In addition, all families, faculty, and staff are required to submit a Verification of Travel & Contact Form prior to the start of school. You can find the form here.

OUR CORE VALUES

PAGE

4

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

PAGE

5

SCHOOL CALENDAR Monday, September 7, 2020:

PAGE

6

First day of school

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

DECISION-MAKING FLOWCHART

The MoE and MoH allow for schools to open

YES

NO

Distance Learning Model

Pinewood has implemented the necessary guidelines for schools based on the MoE and MoH requirements YES

Strict Social distancing and class size limitations are required

NO

On-Campus Learning Model

YES

Hybrid Learning Model

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

PAGE

7

THREE LEARNING MODELS

Pinewood recognizes that the most beneficial mode of teaching and learning is through our daily, face to face school environment. However, in anticipation of evolving challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and in our efforts to stay ahead of change, Pinewood has developed three broadly defined models for learning that will engage students in meaningful ways and through multiple approaches. These models take into account varying degrees of public health risk and are indicative plans for the new year. It is important to note that guiding principle #2 above will dictate the essential decisions regarding school operations during the school year 2020-2021.

These scenarios will require us to adapt our approaches, including the makeup of our schedule, how we implement our curriculum, and adjustments in teaching routines. Given the continued uncertainty around the pandemic, it is possible we may need to transition between these various scenarios at different points in the school year. New information and guidance from health officials will also impact our planning and additional scenarios may emerge as a result.

On-Campus

PAGE

8

Hybrid

Distance

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

MODEL 1: On-Campus Learning Model The first model, implemented in a low risk environment, is the expected school experience wherein students attend school 5 days a week with regular class sizes and after-school activities. In this model, student movement will be minimized with teachers moving from class to class and students moving only for special subjects and languages. Student lockers in middle and high school will not be used.

In this (and all) models, Pinewood will follow strict health and safety practices in line with Greek regulations. It is very important that parents, teachers and students work in partnership with us to take joint responsibility for our health and safety.

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

PAGE

9

MODEL 2: Hybrid Learning Model The second model, implemented in a medium risk environment, blends on-campus and distance learning approaches into an environment where students learn part of the time at school and part of the time at home.

All efforts will be made for Early Years and Grades K-5 to be at school every day with required social distancing measures and limited class sizes in order to avoid a hybrid learning model.

If needed, Grades 6-12 (not necessarily all of these grades & normally starting from upper grades) may be on a rotation of learning at school and home. When at home, a combination of synchronous and asynchronous modes of delivery will be available for learning. After school activities will not take place for Early Years and selected activities will be converted to online modes for Elementary and Secondary students.

In this model, student movement will be minimized with teachers moving from class to class and students moving only for special subjects and languages. Student lockers in middle and high school will not be used.

PAGE

10

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

MODEL 3: Distance Learning Model The third model, implemented in a high risk environment, is for conditions which demand that we close our campus and all students learn from home.

This is the model our community experienced when the government closed all campuses last March. In this model, school remains open through remote learning. Students attend school virtually every day through synchronous (Google Meet or Zoom) and asynchronous (Class Dojo, Brightspace, video, other) learning experiences. During the summer, many of our teachers and administrators are engaged in various professional learning associated with distance learning and/or other relevant professional opportunities or activities in order to continually enhance distance learning experiences for our students. Those after school activities that can be converted to online modes will continue.

The guidelines on the next 2 pages are designed for synchronous learning in the Distance Learning Model. Asynchronous learning (through projects, homework, skills practice, videos, etc.) is also an essential component of the Distance Learning Model. Importantly, as students mature in age, the expectations for independent / asynchronous work increase.

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

PAGE

11

SPECIFIC DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM PER DIVISION

Early Years (EYP1, EYP2) Pinewood’s Early Years Program is built upon years of experience and is wellestablished as a unique and exceptional setting in which young children grow and flourish. Our teachers have decades of experience, knowledge, and expertise to draw upon in order to understand how a child of 3 or 4 years old may benefit best from an online learning setting at different times of the year.

Thus, we are actively analyzing and evaluating to establish the best possible ways for our young students to learn online. Importantly, we are drawing upon last spring’s valuable experience with online delivery as well as new learning from experts in the field of early childhood education.

Our goal for our PreK1 and PreK2 children in a distance learning model is to focus on our investment and concern for each child’s development, remain in tune with each child’s needs and emotions, support each child’s ability to cope with online learning, and pay attention to each parent’s ability to invest time and energy into supporting his/her child in the process. Overall, we strive to create a philosophy of online learning that is developmentally appropriate and holistically positive for each young independent learner.

Delivery modes will include a combination of one-on-one, small group, and whole class instruction via live online lessons and recorded videos throughout the week in all curricular areas and according to developmental stages.

Learning packets (with educational and essential art materials) will be delivered to each home and replenished if Distance Learning continues for an extended period of time in order to facilitate ease of parent participation and involvement in the learning process.

PAGE

12

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

Elementary (K-5) Synchronous Learning 5 classes / week each for Math & English Language Arts 2-3 classes / week each for Science and Social Studies 5 classes / week for ELL (for students currently in ELL program) 2 classes / week for Greek 1 class / week for specials (PE, Music, Art, HCS) 1 class / week for Genius Hour & STEAM Lab

Middle School (Grades 6-8) Synchronous Learning 3 classes / week for core subjects (English, ELL, Math, Science, Soc. Stds) 1-2 classes / week for languages 1 class / week for specials (PE, Art, Music, HCS, Dance, IT)

High School (Grades 9-12) Synchronous Learning 3 classes / week for core subjects (English, ELL, Math, Science, Soc. Stds) 2-3 classes / week for languages 2 classes / week for electives

IB (Grades 11-12) Synchronous Learning 2 classes / week for all SL courses and ToK 3 classes / week for all HL courses

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

PAGE

13

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Synchronous learning

learning that happens in real-time (live), focuses on collaboration, discussion, mini-lessons, feedback, and connection in class groups (ex: scheduled meetings to interact with new content, live instruction, live demonstrations, presentations, work collaboratively with peers)

Asynchronous learning

learning that happens at any time, self-guided learning with assignments/projects, allows for independence in learning and learner-centered activities (ex: students work independently on assignments/homework/projects, re-watch videos sent by teachers, flipped learning, project-based work)

PAGE

14

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

Zoom - online platform for synchronous learning

Google Meets - online platform for synchronous learning

Brightspace - learning management system for assignments and other asynchronous work for Grades 3-12 *(New parents will receive their personal password)

Class Dojo - online educational platform for PreK-Grade 2 for communication between school and home

Live Streaming - online platform for synchronous learning

Performance Task - a learning activity that asks students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills or proficiency through a tangible product by applying/transferring learning (ex: project, oral presentation, debate, essay, lab, etc.) Performance Tasks Social Distancing -

the act of keeping people separated with the goal of limiting spread of contagion between individuals (also referred to as physical distancing)

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

PAGE

15

COMPARISON OF LEARNING MODELS ON CAMPUS Learning Model

Campus Status Learning Environment Response time

Campus is entirely open

At school

Immediate

Drop off & Pick Slightly staggered Up

Collaboration between students Feedback

PAGE

16

Campus is open. Not all students on campus at once to ensure low density for physical distancing

DISTANCE Learning Model Campus is entirely closed

Synchronous & asynchronous: both at school and in online spaces from home (for selected older grade levels only)

In online spaces from home through GoogleMeet, Zoom, Class Dojo, Brightspace

Slightly staggered

N/A

Immediate

1 day prep needed

times

times

Mostly face-to-face

Face-to-face and digital Synchronous online communication interactions through GoogleMeet/Zoom and asynchronous interactions through video recordings, Class Dojo, Brightspace

Teacher

Student contact

HYBRID Learning Model

Students have most classes in the same classroom to limit contact with people Mostly face-to-face and real-time Combination of in-person feedback, handwritten feedback and digital feedback in various forms

Students have most classes in the same classroom and playground time is structured in cohorts

Online student contact only

Combination of inperson feedback and digital feedback in various forms

All digital feedback in multiple forms

Both face-to-face and online, with both realtime and asynchronous activities

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

Entirely online, with both synchronous and asynchronous activities

ON CAMPUS Learning Model Use of formal and informal processes to know where students are relative to the Formative learning goals. Great Assessment variety in types of assessing. Ongoing, real-time, in-person and through review of student work

Relies much on written work and conversations about learning. Asynchronous review of student work supplemented by live assessment through synchronous experiences.

Student ability to selfassess is important here, too

Regular grading practices for each division

Adjustments made depending on the situation

Adjustments made depending on the situation

Structured by the master schedule.

Structured by the master Influenced by student age schedule both at school and and developmental ability at home. Some flexibility at to be online home

Laboratory Reduced students numbers in the STEM classes (see details lab at school below) Scheduling

Regular in-person After School activities every day after school

Activities

In-person meetings College Counseling and college admissions visits

English Language Learning

DISTANCE Learning Model

Ongoing, real-time, in-person when students attend school.

Asynchronous review of digital and hard copies of student work when students are not on campus. Opportunities for further formative assessment through online synchronous experiences

Combination of timed, proctored, in-class Summative assessments and performance and Assessment project-based tasks applying content, skills, understandings

Grading

HYBRID Learning Model

Combination of total immersion and direct instruction at school

Some timed, in-class assessments. More performance and projectbased tasks with students applying content, skills, and understandings

Combination of labs in STEM lab at school and virtual labs

Few timed, proctored assessments. More performance and projectbased tasks with students applying content, skills, and understandings

All virtual labs

After school activities will not take place for Early Years and selected activities will be converted to online modes for Elementary and Secondary students

Selected activities will be converted to online modes for Elementary and Secondary students

In-person or online meetings in Zoom

Online meetings in Zoom

Combination of total immersion and direct instruction at school

Combination of total immersion (during live lessons), synchronous direct instruction, and asynchronous skill building

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

PAGE

17

STUDENT HEALTH, WELL-BEING & SELF-CARE Through programs and practices, Pinewood’s Student Services team is dedicated to continuing health & well-being service in all learning scenarios. Please see below for detailed information within the 3 scenarios for: • Learning Support

• Psychological Support • School Nurse • College Counselling Services Student Support Services in the 3 Scenarios

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION At Pinewood, English language acquisition is a priority for our students. In their English Language and Literature classes, students delve into both literary and non-literary themes, thus acquiring the necessary skills that enable them to build confidence in using English spontaneously and for all learning situations. Just as with the On-Campus model, synchronous English language instruction will be provided on a daily basis for all students whose language skills need to be supported. At the same time, a program of asynchronous, individualized learning, specifically structured on grammar, will be provided for those students who want to take advantage of our challenging times and boost their skills through the Distant Learning Model.

PAGE

18

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

SECONDARY STEM LABORATORY CLASSES Laboratory work is an important part of Pinewood’s Secondary STEM Department. Below are descriptions of how labs will operate in the 3 learning scenarios. The following virtual lab/interactive learning online providers are used by the Science Department for virtual lab simulations: • PhET Interactive Simulations • Gizmos Labs in On-Campus Learning Model STEM Labs will take place in groups of reduced student numbers following all Covid-19 safety regulations so that proper distances between individuals are kept while covering the lab skills as well as related analytical and critical thinking skills for each class. In addition, students will be using individualized equipment set ups that are not shared, while all equipment and lab surfaces will be disinfected before every group enters the lab.

Labs in Hybrid Learning Model A combination of STEM Labs when students are on campus, following all Covid-19 safety regulations mentioned above, as well as STEM Virtual Labs and Activities will be applied when students are on campus and at home through live streaming. This blend of Lab Activities ensures that the lab skills as well as related analytical and critical thinking skills required for each class a re covered.

Labs in Distance Learning Model A variety of online STEM Lab Activities will be applied to ensure that students develop their lab skills as well as related analytical and critical thinking skills required for each class. These include Virtual Labs and Activities, Databases, Simulations, and Interactive Media developed by educators to meet the standards and lab skills for each age group in the best possible manner under remote teaching.

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021

PAGE

19

RESOURCES In developing these procedures, we have and will continue to consult guidance issued by local and state government agencies as well as information provided by other public health organizations. Some of the key resources include (with links): • Official Greek Government Information & Directives • Centers for Disease Control Consideration for Schools • World Health Organization Considerations for school-related public health measures in the context of COVID-19 • American Academy of Pediatrics COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry • Association for the Advancement of International Education

Thank you to the community of international schools around the world for your willingness to share best practices and ideas for the development of each of our school’s Continuity of Learning Plans.

PAGE

20

PINEWOOD Continuity of Learning Plan 2020-2021