Updated: March 16, 2020

Principal Matters

Dear Upper School Students and Parents,

This letter contains important details about the remote school plan that launches tomorrow – Tuesday, March 17.  A recorded video with an explanation of the plan is available by cutting and pasting the following link directly into the browser of your choice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAYNX1PsDjI&feature=youtu.be 

In addition, a document containing the details of the remote school plan along with frequently asked questions about the remote school plan is  attached.  This document is also posted in Power School on Class Pages.

The basic overview of the remote school plan is that classes will “meet” according to the regular spring calendar daily rotation.  Only classes that meet on a given day will post lessons and only classes that meet will have assignments due on that day.  So, for example, on Tuesday, March 17 we will be on a day 4 rotation with periods 2,3,4,5,6 meeting.

All classes meeting on a day will have a daily lesson plan posted by 9:00 am.  Classes are “asynchronous,” meaning that though lessons are posted by 9:00, students will have flexibility to complete the lessons and assignments at their own pace.

Every day, teachers will host “virtual” office hours.  Students may video conference with their teachers at the time appointed by their teachers.  Teachers may also host live chats or broadcast live lessons during their virtual office hours.

It is very important to understand that while teachers will be creative and work hard to create meaningful lessons and assignments, the assignments are NOT optional.  The assignments posted will be graded and will impact the spring semester grade.

Also, please note that beginning Tuesday, March 17, campus will be closed.  No teachers or students may be on campus for any reason.  If an emergency need arises to come to campus, please contact me directly at jonathan.merrill@woodward.edu.

This remote school plan will remain in effect until March 27.  Plans for remote school beyond March 27 will be adjusted and revaluated as this novel corona virus episode continues to unfold.  We know that teaching and learning remotely is new to us all.  I ask that we all work together, remain flexible and patient, and continue extending grace. 

I also know that the thought of not seeing friends, the possibility of not having prom, and the reality of cancelling athletic competitions and performances weighs heavily on our students.  Simply put, school is not the same without all of us here on campus.  Please know that while we cannot predict the future, we promise to be thoughtful, innovative, and creative to preserve and provide meaningful experiences for our students.

Please stay safe and healthy, use your time productively, and do not hesitate to contact me (jonathan.merrill@woodward.edu) or Assistant Principal Ronda Zents (ronda.zents@woodward.edu) with any questions or concerns.

Best regards,

Dr. Jonathan Merrill
Upper School Principal

Updated: April 16, 2020

Important Information for the End of the School Year

Please see important information here.

Check Out the Parent Community Website!

Have you had a chance to connect with other Upper School parents? There are many exciting upcoming activities that will offer you a chance to meet other parents, connect with faculty and support our students. Whether you’re looking to volunteer or wondering when the next Parent Community event is, you can now find it all on the Parent Community website. Please be sure to check it regularly for upcoming opportunities to contribute or volunteer. You also can follow us on Facebook @WAParentCommunity. 

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