Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students:
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your continued patience, flexibility, and support during this time of transition. At this time, there are still no known presumptive positive or confirmed cases of COVID-19 among St. John's Prep students, parents, faculty, or staff members.
THIRD QUARTER CLOSE
This morning, we met with faculty and staff and shared the decision that the third marking period will close today, March 13. While we encouraged faculty to reach out to students who had outstanding work, we were not clear in asking faculty not to communicate the decision to end the marking period. We apologize for the miscommunication and any added stress or anxiety it may have caused. Please read the "Upcoming Schedule" section of this email for details relating to the closure of the third quarter.
TRANSITION TO REMOTE LEARNING
We have made the decision to cancel on-campus classes through Friday, April 6. Remote learning for all students in grades 6 through 12 will begin on Monday, March 23. Please continue reading for expectations and plans day by day.
REMOTE LEARNING SCHEDULE
Today, Friday, March 13
- The decision was made this morning to end the third quarter marking period effective today, March 13. We understand that some classes have portions of third quarter grades that have yet to be determined. Teachers may post similar but optional assessments on Canvas or email by Monday evening, March 16, 2020.
- Please know that teachers will be in contact with students through email or Canvas.
- During this time, we ask that all students please pay close attention to their email and Canvas.
- Students will be informed about any outstanding work for the third quarter by Monday evening. In cases where no additional work needs to be submitted, students may not hear from teachers on Monday.
- Remote learning guidelines and expectations for students will be sent via email by Wednesday, March 18.
Monday, March 16
- Students are asked to check their email at least twice a day for updates from their teachers. Students should be completing any outstanding work, as assigned to them, by their teachers.
- Students will be informed about any outstanding work by this evening.
- Students will be allowed to come to campus to collect any necessary belongings or learning materials from 8 am to 6 pm.
Tuesday, March 17
- Students are asked to check their email at least twice a day for updates from their teachers. Students should be completing any outstanding work as assigned to them by their teachers.
- Students will be allowed to come to campus to collect any necessary belongings or learning materials from 8 am to 2 pm.
Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 20
- This will be a transition time between the third and fourth quarter. Teachers will take this time to grade assignments and begin the transition to fully remote learning.
- During this time, students should continue to complete assignments as directed.
Week of March 23 through March 27
- Remote learning for grades 6 through 12.
Week of March 30 through April 3
- Remote learning for grades 6 through 12.
- NOTE: Friday, April 3 will be a "regular" remote learning school day. There will be no professional learning day.
Monday, April 6
- Regular school operations are expected to resume. We will continue to assess the feasibility of this date as it approaches.
EVENT POSTPONEMENTS
- The Freshman–Sophomore Semi-Formal is postponed
- Junior Prom is postponed
During this time of transition, we ask for your continued patience and flexibility. Please know that due to the rapidly changing nature of the landscape surrounding COVID-19, we will remain responsive to the differing academic needs of students and families.
WEBINARS
On Monday, March 16 we will offer three online town hall meetings in a webinar format to provide a forum for parents and students to ask questions. If you are not able to join the webinar, recordings will be available on the Coronavirus Information Page.
As always, our goal is to ensure the continued well-being of our community. One of the greatest resources to help us navigate this transition is patience, both with ourselves and each other. We know that there will be challenges and mistakes as we make this transition. We are committed to learning from mistakes and making adjustments as quickly as possible. Your patience and understanding will be a tremendous source of support for all members of the Prep community as we navigate this experience.
We are confident in the ability of our students, our faculty, our staff, and our parents to continue fulfilling our mission of education.
Peace,
Ed Hardiman, Ph.D.
Headmaster
Keith Crowley, Ph.D.
Principal/Associate Head of School