It has been four weeks since Village Christian transitioned to Online Learning, and as we prepare to return from Easter Break, we want to take a moment to reflect on the process and the experience.
The transition came abruptly – yet smoothly – and as always, the VCS community rose to the occasion.
On Thursday, March 12, the school was notified of a potential COVID-19 exposure, which came back negative. Instead of relaxing during the already-planned four-day weekend, VCS teachers and staff took to their computers, harnessed a new way of teaching, and returned Tuesday, March 17 ready to educate and support students in every grade.
Likewise, our students and parents have worked tremendously hard and hit the ground running with this new way of learning.
“[Students] are more eager to interact with the lessons in the virtual classroom, perhaps there’s less social pressure,” said Math Teacher Scott Alvarez of his Online Classroom observations. “They like the chat sidebar in Google Meet way more than contributing in an actual class setting.”
For our incredible seniors, whose final year has taken a dramatic turn, we are all committed to celebrating and supporting these amazing students through the final weeks of their High School careers.
And everyone is finding ways to pitch in.
“I love how everyone in our community is doing their job, and how visible it is,” said High School social studies teacher and EGL Concentration co-Dean John Khouri, who also compiled the following list:
- Admin is recalibrating the learning platform and training teachers and students.
- Teachers are adopting new methods, lesson planning, supporting students and extending grace.
- Elementary teachers are reading to their classes and hosting lessons virtually.
- Leadership is communicating regularly to all stakeholders — families, faculty and staff, students — and keeping everyone motivated.
- The Spiritual Life team of teachers, students and musicians are leading us all in chapel.
- The College Counselors are helping juniors and seniors understand all the changes from the College Board and from colleges and universities.
- Coaches are leading virtual workouts and meeting with their teams.
- ASB and CREW are producing CruNews, celebrating students and teachers of the week, hosting subject-focused hangouts, and promoting school spirit through online spirit days.
- Students are conducting online LIFE Groups.
- The Concentration Deans are ensuring their students are taking their Spark projects and Senior Projects over the finish line.
- The Facilities Team is maintaining the campus while we’re away.
- Students are working hard to stay engaged and on track, and parents are standing behind their students from home.
- The Development Team and PTF are redirecting gala proceeds to VCS families in need.
“I’m blown away by how Village staff adapted to this so quickly, and literally within a couple of days, we had a game plan in place to make it as seamless as possible,” said Middle/High School choir teacher David Das. “I think it really helped the kids transition to the new temporary isolated lifestyle that we’re now in. I can’t say enough about how well Village switched gears and adapted quickly. I know it wasn’t easy.”
However, we want to continue refining this process as the world learns to adapt to this new norm. On March 27, VCS distributed parent surveys in Elementary and student surveys in Middle and High School.
While the results primarily came back positive, some areas for improvement were identified. Schedules have been modified, coursework has been adjusted, and other policies have been more clearly defined (click on the links below for more information).
Though the future remains uncertain, our commitment to the hearts and minds of VCS students has never been more profound.
From faculty and staff to parents to extended community members, we are so thankful to be in this with you – and for your words of encouragement.
“We have been bragging to everyone about how thankful we are to be a part of VCS right now,” said one VCS parent in a post on social media. “So impressed and proud of how you all have responded. You truly care for the students and we are very thankful for all of the teachers and staff that make this school fantastic all around! Thank you and bless you for all you are doing, giving our students stability in this uncertain time.”
Want to get involved?
- Join the Village Christian CARE Network on Facebook (click here)
- Contribute to the Village Christian CARE Relief Fund (click here)
- Participate in our upcoming Online Auction benefiting the Village Christian CARE Relief Fund from April 27 through May 3 (or donate an item for the Online Auction by contacting auctioncommittee@
villagechristian.org )