Objectives of our Distance Learning Plan:

• Create a manageable routine for parents, students, and faculty;

• Maintain pace and progress to meet grade-level objectives;

• Deliver the highest standard of curriculum and student engagement possible with flexibility for growth and innovation;

• Leverage every resource and opportunity to maintain community despite physical separation;

• And, above all, lead with empathy.

Our Distance Learning program relies on technology that enhances our teaching. We are perfectly positioned to change the modality through which we teach while continuing to deliver the excellent education, for which FH is known. 

Core Platforms of our Distance Learning Program

Preschool—Grades 2: Seesaw

Grades 3–4: Google Classroom

Grades 5–8: Google Classroom

At the discretion of teachers, other developmentally appropriate technology and platforms will be added that may include Google Hangouts Meet, Zoom, etc.*

As always, a continued focus will remain on the social-emotional support necessary during this challenging time. We are here for you and your family. We invite you to provide feedback as the program evolves.

*Parents, guardians, and students should understand that the School is unable to guarantee complete security, confidentiality, and privacy through the use of electronic software provided by Zoom, Google, and other third parties.  As the situation evolves the School is using alternative sources and connections to educate the community all of which is unprecedented but necessary at this time.

Roles and responsibilities:

The success of our Distance Learning Plan is a partnership between our dedicated faculty, students and parents. Here are the guidelines for this partnership.

Parent Role: 

1. Establish routines and expectations. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, keeping to a regular schedule can be emotionally reassuring and promotes physical health.

2. Set goals for a balance of school work and physical fitness every day. Limit screen time.

3. Define your child’s learning space. 

4. Review the core learning platforms outlined in the Resources section of this document.

5. Ask any tech questions.

6. Check in with your child. Give them feedback on the day’s accomplishments.

7. Check in with your child’s teacher(s) as instructed.

8. Provide feedback to Division Directors.

Student* Role:

1. Establish daily routines (ex. Wake up at the same time every day as you would if school was open).

2. Identify a productive and quiet space in your home where you can work effectively.

3. Regularly monitor your online platforms (Seesaw and Google Classroom) to check for announcements and feedback from teachers.

4. Do. Your. Best.

5. Complete assignments with integrity and academic honesty.

6. Do your best to meet timelines, commitments, due dates, and class attendance expectations.

7. Communicate with teachers if you cannot meet deadlines or require additional support.*

8. Comply with Far Hill’s guidelines regarding technology, including expectations for online behavior and etiquette and academic honesty.

(*Lower School students, particularly those in Preschool–Grade 2,  will rely heavily or exclusively on their parents to fulfill these roles: read and relay assignments, print worksheets, log into learning platforms, etc.)

Teacher Role:

• Create lesson plans to build on existing skills that lead toward mastery of grade-level objectives.

• Communicate specific, easy-to-use instructions for students and parents to follow regarding modality, expectations, assignments and resources.

• Listen to feedback from parents and students to evaluate program and pivot as necessary.

• Engage one-on-one with students as often as possible to maintain individual relationships.

• Plan activities that encourage connectivity between students.

To facilitate a better learning environment should the need arise to return to a distance or hybrid setting, we have made the following purchases to expand the power of our technology: 

• All upgraded US classrooms will have enhanced meeting capability to support hybrid learning and global connectivity via a Meeting Owl Pro which is a sound and motion sensitive camera. LS classroom enhancements are being explored. 
• Upgraded Teacher Devices to support heavy usage.
• New Programs/Curriculum and Edtech Software to support student learning/authentic assessment/differentiation.
• Classroom Technology Upgrades to support Hybrid/Live.
• Summer Teacher Training to support lesson design for all modalities of learning. (Details to follow.)
• Ordered disinfecting storage units for student devices. 

All teachers supporting students in an in-person, hybrid or remote model will be have a HUE PRO portable document camera which is: 

• a flexible USB camera.
• ideal for video conferencing (using Zoom, Meet etc.). 
• recording videos, sharing whiteboard, stop-motion animation, and more.

• easy to use and popular with teachers throughout the world.