Middle School & High School Updates
Dear Elms' Middle and High School Families:
I hope this finds you well and healthy! The Governor's mandate on April 20 that schools would continue distance learning through the end of their respective year was not a huge surprise. We optimistically planned to return on May 4 and recognize that it is for the safety and well being of all that we will continue as things have been since March 17.
With that in mind, we have a plan for the final five weeks of school, which includes the end of year activities. Here are the high points:
Distance Learning Session II continues through June 2, the original end date for the 2019-2020 school year.
End of semester/year-end assessments will be given by teachers -- we will not, however, have days earmarked for finals as we have had in the past.
The last fourth of the school year will count in grades, and GPAs will be computed based on the entire academic year.
The College Board has reached out to students in AP classes to explain the online AP test process. If you did not receive that information, please let Erin Klaus know at eklaus@theelms.org.
Summer Reading and Summer Math assignments will be posted on the website and sent out to appropriate classes. If need be, books may be picked up at school during specified days/hours.
Summer PE is still planned. Not sure of dates, yet, or format. For Rising Grades 9-12: if you have not yet registered or paid your fee, only a handful of spots remain; please contact Sr. Maura for details at mbartel@theelms.org.
Academic Awards -- we are collecting information as usual and will be printing awards booklets for distribution. We are brainstorming ways to honor our awardees - more to come on that point!
A graduation ceremony will happen. Date to be determined.
Prom will happen. Date to be determined.
May 26-28 and June 1-2 are designated as drop off days. The school will help you schedule time in the building to drop off books, clean out lockers, drop off used uniforms, turn in projects or homework, return Chromebooks, etc. We will limit the number of students in each area of the building in order to practice social distancing.
Eighth Grade Promotion is being planned by the Middle School Team.
Fifth Grade Promotion is in the planning stages.
We remain hopeful that Hamlet can be staged by our high school cast and crew at some point this summer.
Our National Qualifier for Speech & Debate will have the chance to compete remotely. Hooray!
As was to be expected, the spring sports season has been canceled by the OHSAA.
Wow - that's a lot! I suspect this list is not 100% complete -- we will continue to update and refresh every week (check COVID-19 section of the Elms' website). As a reminder, the Administrative Offices are open and staffed, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. You may stop in to pick up things from lockers, or drop off information, as needed to complete this academic year.
In addition, we are analyzing and assessing what we might expect for the start of school. Recognizing the need to adhere to social distancing requirements, we have measured every classroom and know how many students can be in each space safely. We will limit enrollment in Grades 1-5 to 14 students per grade for fall; grades 6-8 will be limited to 18 students per grade; and in the high school, we will do all we can to honor schedule requests, which may result in classroom changes. Also, we will return to two lunch periods in the fall for Middle and High School in order to adhere to social distancing norms. As conversations about limiting numbers of students in school buildings for fall have begun, we do not want to follow the public school model and move to alternate school day requirements. Girls do not learn best in environments that cause anxiety and lack continuity. If limiting enrollment for fall will help us avoid that confusion and disconnect, then we will do what's best for our girls.
Thank you for your patience. It feels like we are building the bicycle as we are riding it! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or another member of the Elms' faculty or staff if you have questions, need assistance or just need an adult to talk to! Please hug your child today and tell her we are thinking about her!
Blessings,
Deborah Farquhar Jones
President
Our Lady of the Elms School