FEATURED COLUMNIST
Classes On Campus Prove Safe At Mount Madonna School
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By Ann Goewert, Ph.D., Head of School
here is something magical about learning outdoors, and Mount Madonna School’s 375 acres of land includes groves of coastal redwoods and live oaks, mountain meadows, chaparral, and ponds. The ecological tapestry of biomes, rich with diverse life forms, provides an unmatched outdoor laboratory for our educators to engage students in a broad variety of learning experiences and opportunities, from the art of crafting stories to scientific inquiry and experimentation. Immersing students in nature and outdoor learning develops the whole student. Outdoor learning fuels the mind and ignites all of the senses. Through exploration and discovery, students naturally problem solve and build confidence. The sights, sounds, and evidence of life stimulates curiosity and creativity in students, and these firsthand experiences strengthen students’ connections and their sense of responsibility to be good stewards of Earth. Meaningful educational experiences encourage students to solve complex problems, think critically about nuanced problems, and communicate ideas effectively. Many of us read Shakespeare’s Hamlet sitting in rows in a classroom. Now, imagine reading Hamlet in a shady redwood grove surrounded by the sights and sounds of the outdoors. This type of learning experience captures the imagination of students, encourages discussions geared to critical analysis of the text, and facilitates the creative expression of ideas. “Humans have a need for connection,” comments Upper School Director Shannon Kelly. “The pandemic has disrupted our lives and prevented us from connecting in most of the ways we are used to. I am
grateful that we are able to provide a safe space for our students, faculty, and staff to come together to learn, bond, and care for one another.” Mount Madonna’s investment in quality education helps to strengthen the mind, body, and hearts of our students. While many schools are grappling with space limitations, our school community is blessed by small class sizes and generous outdoor acreage. We have dedicated indoor and outdoor classrooms for each grade, as well as a new outdoor amphitheater. Educators and students have choice and flexibility in where they learn. MMS has dedicated indoor and outdoor classrooms for each grade level and spacious open-air corridors. Like indoor classrooms, our outdoor classrooms are furnished and equipped with tables spaced at least six feet apart, whiteboards, Wi-Fi technology, and data projectors. We are living in a historic moment in time, and the end of its first semester of successful in-person, on-campus learning for students preschool through grade 12 draws to a finish on December 18, Mount Madonna remains committed to making inperson, five-days per week school as safe as possible for students, faculty and staff. Likewise, we are determined to ensure that students thrive in our program, work daily on practicing mindfulness, and develop grit and resiliency. Mount Madonna School is following a HyFlex learning model, and is also serving a number of students who are choosing to learn remotely. Mount Madonna School (MMS) prioritizes the safety of our school and extended community. We have built-in layers of strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. To educate and protect the health and wellbeing of our community, signs, such as
symptoms and signs of COVID-19, how to properly wear and use cloth face covering, healthy hygiene habits, are posted at each entrance of the school. Students, faculty and staff undergo pre-screening using the Imhealthytoday (IHT) screening app and on-site temperature screening for COVID-19 at designated screening points. We have partnered with IHT, a “data-driven, data-Managed” program to assist in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our community. While at school, all students, faculty and staff wear cloth face coverings and maintain at least six feet of distance. As part of our education, faculty teach and reinforce proper handwashing techniques following CDC guidance, including washing their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap, rubbing thoroughly after application, and using paper towels to dry hands thoroughly. What Does On-Campus Learning Look Like? MS has offered outdoor learning for decades. At present, we have expanded the opportunities for outdoor learning by creating a variety of spaces equipped with the comforts found in indoor classroom settings. Small, Stable Cohorts of Students low student-to-teacher ratio is part of the philosophy at Mount Madonna School. Therefore small cohorts of children are an extension of our practice. In our elementary and middle school, students are grouped in stable educational cohorts by grade level. In our high school program, students are assigned to distance grouping. In distance groups, students remain with their grade level with the exception of mixed-grade math courses. In addition, our juniors and seniors are in mixed-grade cohorts for their second semester collegepreparatory electives. MMS is fortunate to employ skillful and passionate educators who care deeply about the students and are dedicated to inspiring creative, intellectual and ethical growth. The weight of COVID-19 has amplified the importance of our faculty creating a stimulating and secure environment in which curiosity is nurtured. Authentic learning experiences are a valued component of our academic program, and even in this challenging time, we are able to offer meaningful learning experiences for our students.
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For example, in November, our Spanish 2 students engaged in a facilitated discussion with Perla Trevizo, a reporter for the ProPublica-Texas Tribune Investigative Initiative, in Spanish over Zoom. This discussion allowed them to view immigration issues from a different lens and empathize with the lives and challenges of immigrant and refugee children. How Students Benefit with In-Person, On-Campus Learning hile the “how” in the classroom might appear different this year, the “why” and the intention are still present. Developing meaningful relationships and building positive character traits is mission-critical at MMS. Although the cohorts are designed to limit the interaction of students with other grade-levels, we employed technology in the classroom to continue building community. This year we continue our buddy program, albeit virtual. The buddy program facilitates meaningful relationships between students in different grade levels and fosters leadership opportunities. Mount Madonna has a rich history of supporting the social and emotional health of our students. As we know, this is now more important than ever. The fact that our teachers, staff, and administration know our students so well, means that we can lean into these relationships to help our students navigate these difficult times and ensure that they feel truly seen and cared for.
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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Aptos Times / January 15th 2021 / 27