6 minute read
TOGETHER ACROSS DISTANCE
by Allie Arendas
HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
This is a time that normally is filled with traditions and excitement—the fourth graders’ annual puppet show, the fifth graders’ settlement unveiling, the anticipation of travel with family—but now the hallways were strangely desolate. To an outsider, the motionless tricycles on the playground, unfinished projects scattered throughout the classrooms, and the barren cubbies might have given the impression that our school had been forsaken. What happened to the learning, the activity, the excitement? It may not have been apparent, but Valley School had never been busier. Although not on campus, there was a busy frenzy among the faculty, staff, and administrators, and a new kind of learning was underway.
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In just a few short days, thoughts shifted from sunshine, packing, and travel arrangements, to accomplishing the seemingly impossible—recreating the Valley School experience amid the COVID-19 pandemic without the physical school. If one hadn’t already known it, it quickly became clear that while they are beautiful and idyllic, it is not the buildings, stream, or woods that constitute Valley School; it is our people. These people quickly jumped into action to make a plan, learn online tools, brainstorm ideas, and create an excellent virtual experience for our K-9 students. After all, no matter where learning takes place, we are still Valley School. There was a palpable buzz throughout that week, as we thoughtfully crafted a vision for what would become the Valley School Distance Learning Program (VSDLP). In the weeks that followed, spring break plans were replaced with “how-to” videos and new memberships to online resources for education. Zoom became central to all activities and planning. Teachers and administrators spent many hours learning to navigate the new platforms and asking, “Can you hear me now?” as they shaped their virtual classrooms. It was an important opportunity for faculty to experience learning as their students would in just a few days.
As April 6 approached, suddenly it was everyone’s first day of teaching again. That morning, Dr. Strecker rolled out the VSDLP with a special virtual Chapel. The faculty’s focus expanded to include supporting Valley School families. The VSDLP—designed with many unique family circumstances in mind—revolved around flexibility and the well-being of people. Upper and Lower School teachers applied their expert knowledge to create asynchronous lessons, as well as synchronous lessons to connect with students and assess their learning. With a blend of digital tools and their passion for excellence, the faculty created dynamic and engaging lessons. As any good educator knows, learning can’t happen unless basic needs are met—the learner must feel safe and their emotions must be balanced. As such, the VSDLP prioritized “face-to-face” time with the children
Each morning began with Parliament for Lower School and Morning Meeting for Upper School, and as tradition dictated, Chapel on Fridays. Theme days were incorporated for added fun. Students took advantage of opportunities to share their poetry, talents, and stories through recorded performances and presentations. Families were supported through virtual Family Coffees. The Lower School children even enjoyed a virtual bedtime story, delivered from a homemade fort, complete with pillows and blankets. It was beginning to feel like Valley School again.
As time went on, the virtual classrooms began to feel familiar. The teachers’ personalities and creativity shined through, and a rhythm could be felt even from afar. Children were eager to log in to Chapel each Friday to learn about the history of Valley School. Students looked forward to Advisory meetings where they could share their feelings and plan fun Zoom activities. Virtual Trivia Nights became the new Rec Nights and a fun way to socialize with peers.
One afternoon, as the 9th-graders reflected on the experiences they were missing, they determined that their annual Pizza Party with their kindergarten “Littles” was a most treasured event, and that they wanted to find a way to make it happen. So, at 11:30 AM on May 29, pizzas were delivered to the homes of our 9th-graders, and they gathered on Zoom to have lunch with their “Littles” (many of whom had made their own pizzas) and teachers from both grades. In keeping with the tradition of being good hosts and hostesses, the kindergartners were prepared with questions for their guests, along with hand-drawn pictures of themselves and their 9th-grade “Bigs.”
Each teacher found ways of connecting with their students. The Specials teachers hosted live Physical and Creative Activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Wellness Wednesdays were offered for the Lower School students. Upper Schoolers enjoyed their daily Mindful Minute. Our community maintained its connections, and the learning gained strength. After all, it is people that matter most for Valley School.
As spring gave way to summer, Valley School employees continued at a steady pace in preparation for the students’ return to the building in the fall. Processes and protocols were developed and redeveloped to ensure our community’s safety. The usual respite of summer was replaced by a massive undertaking to rearrange furniture, classrooms, and office spaces to enable social distancing. From arrival to dismissal and everything in between, procedures had to be reworked. Lunches, restrooms, water fountains, sports classes and practices, recess locations, manipulatives, supplies, cubbies, athletics, music, and curricula were adjusted. Teachers dedicated themselves to preparing for the possibility of another stint in the VSDLP. They analyzed their experiences with distance learning in the spring, and considered areas for improvement. They participated in professional development courses to improve their online instruction skills. Additional hardware and software were purchased to maximize learning potential, and a coordinated effort between the Technology Department, Division Heads, and Business Office ensured that every student would be equipped with the necessary technology. As late August approached, we eagerly awaited the return of the students.
While no one was sure how long regional circumstances would sustain in-person learning, we were thrilled to be on campus for 12 weeks without interruption. When Valley School transitioned back to the VSDLP following Thanksgiving break, the months of planning and preparation were evident. The quality and rigor of the Distance Learning Program is representative of Valley School. The emphasis on children and their unique emotional and academic wellbeing continues to be our priority.
2020 has been an unprecedented year. One might choose to remark on the amount of missed instruction, the trauma and frustrations, or the over-abundance of screen time, but it is also worth noting the educational benefits of this experience. Many of the 21st-century learning skills that will help our students be successful in the future could never be taught on a whiteboard in a classroom. Our young learners, especially, will forever be empowered to personalize their educational journeys. They have embarked on an adventure into foreign territory. They have been learners in a brandnew environment, and may have failed a few times (perhaps, even shed tears), but they have also experienced success through perseverance and practice. They have navigated unfamiliar terrain alongside their teachers, and discovered that learning is a lifelong process. Our teachers have gained knowledge and skills, and reminded us that good teaching shines through in any environment. And finally, this experience has taught all of us that a strong and connected community is always possible at Valley School —even when we aren’t together —as long as we keep people first.
