I have always wondered what it might be like to start a new school from scratch. This week it almost feels like we have.

 

Working for the past few weeks on launching an “at home” version of Colorado Academy’s dynamic Upper School has challenged me and everyone else on the team to think carefully about what is essential, how we manage time, what constitutes effective teaching, what is the role of students’ social interaction in their learning, and many more other Big Picture questions. In short, it has forced us to look with fresh eyes at nearly everything we do.

 

Thankfully, we have an incredible faculty, and they have mobilized quickly. Their creativity and dedication has been astounding as we move into this new mode of teaching. It’s been incredibly helpful to receive outside support from Zoom and other places, to gain insights from other schools that are two or three weeks ahead of us in the virtual learning business, and especially to have the dedicated troubleshooting of our CA tech team.

 

Through all of the training and adjusting, we definitely wanted to do everything we could to maintain the positive relationships between teachers and students that represent the core of what we do. So far I am seeing those connections get re-established, and teachers are back doing what they do best.

 

Just a few days into this new reality, I am hopeful that students and teachers can soon feel like they are settling into some routines. Obviously, anything parents can do to help is extremely beneficial as well. Because everyone’s lives have been turned upside down, routines may be a little harder to establish. Patience with ourselves and the process will be vital. I appreciate the positive comments I have received from parents thus far and welcome the continued feedback.

 

Keep calm and Zoom on!