York School has swiftly and successfully transitioned to distance learning last week. We have been preparing for this since the end of 2019. We have organized a Coronavirus Taskforce of faculty, staff, and administrators. The task force is using the resources of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and local public health officials to help inform our response. The task force has also utilized the expertise of Dr. Leslie Galloway, a York parent, and local physician. Of course, our most important responsibility is to protect the health of York community members, especially our students.
Over the last decade, York teachers and students have explored the learning opportunities of hybrid, distance, and online learning. Faculty have engaged in professional training and students have participated in digital learning days. In response to Covid-19, we devoted additional faculty and staff meeting time in support of our continuous learning plan, so teachers can effectively deliver their courses through distance learning. By the time it was evident that the school would have to close the campus, we were ready and prepared to make the switch to online learning. Throughout this process, the school was in constant communication with parents, and we also have a dedicated page on our school's website for general information regarding our response and the coronavirus (COVID-19).
York faculty currently teach their courses remotely to York students using Google Meet, a video conferencing application, and Haiku, our digital learning platform. Students have access to and are familiar with both applications.
Last week, we had our first virtual school assembly, "Break", with over 200 attendees logging in. It is very important to us that we keep our community connected and get through this difficult time together. Faculty also held "Tiny Town Hall" meetings online with parents and students to offer more information about distance learning be there as a support system. Our Admission Team is working hard to create an exciting virtual celebration for our newly accepted students this afternoon.
York has had a long-standing tradition of philanthropy, so it came naturally that we would donate our N95 masks to local health organizations, with the help of Dr. Galloway.
Please read the attached press release. Recently, Kevin Brookhouser, Director of Technology, Innovation and Safety also started working with the Code+Design and Robotics students, collaborating to design 3D printed masks for community members in need. This mask is headed to a local ten-year-old girl who is immune-compromised and hasn't left the house in three weeks. Because of this mask, she may get to take a walk outside. (KION had news coverage on this yesterday)
Lastly, we are using our social media platform (Instagram, Facebook) to keep us connected and informed. We are posting general information about what is happening within our school, as well as offering support, inspiration, fun, and positivity for our community. We are encouraging kids to still keep active, continue with their studies and take this opportunity to be mindful, take time for themselves, and remember that in a way they are part of history. We will have special surprises for our seniors who are missing out on so much physically, but we want them to know that they are not forgotten and that we are looking forward to celebrating them.