School News

After our second week of distance learning, we’ve decided to implement a few important changes in students’ academic priorities and teacher responsibilities/availability.  These changes are in alignment with yesterday’s letter of “remote learning recommendations” from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). One paragraph from the letter that we would like to highlight reads: 

Remote learning is not synonymous with online learning. Remote learning can take place in a multitude of ways, including by helping students engage with resources in their everyday lives and in the natural world around them. Remote learning also provides unique opportunities to further engage students in the arts or interdisciplinary work. Finally, we must be conscious of the effects of increased screen time and seek balance between learning through technology and remote learning that happens offline to support students’ curiosity and understanding.

The following changes are also based on feedback we’ve received from students and parents, as well as trends that we’ve observed among the students. If necessary, we will continue to adjust accordingly, but we’re hoping this plan will be something close to our final version through May 4th (or whenever we reopen). 

Changes to Remote Learning Plan

Please read over the following chart with your students and adjust your learning goals appropriately. 

Academic Resources and Enrichment Opportunities

  1. The Up From Slavery audiobook is free on YouTube. This could be helpful to anyone who wants to listen while reading along. Thanks Juna!
  2. The Academy at Charlemont and Baker Office Supply have teamed up to host this Art Contest for 12-to-18-year-olds
  3. We received emails this week that included this list of Etsy DIY Projects and this resource to enrich Distance Learning Writing Curricula, if anyone’s interested.
  4. Hilltown Families posted a list of “60 Suggested Resources & Learning Opportunities in Western MA: March 28-April 3.” 

Upcoming Dates & Events

    1. Spring Break is still scheduled to take place during the week of April 20th-24th. The teachers will not hold office hours or do corrections during those dates, and will encourage students to take a break from school work during that week as well
    2. Governor Baker has closed all schools through May 4th.
    3. The following events are still “TBD”:
      • Event: Reopening (5/5 at the earliest) 
      • Field Trip: Local Community Service (5/15)
      • Field Trip: Springfield Armory (5/26) 
      • Field Trip: Sturbridge Village (5/27)
      • Event: Graduation Prep & Swimming (5/28)
      • Event: Graduation & Party (5/29)
      • Event: Moving/Cleaning Party (5/30)
      • Project: Interior renovation (summer 2020)
    4. Summer Events:
      1. Camp: We had already postponed the Summer Writing and Art Camp until next summer (2021) due to falling during Hattie’s third trimester and possibly conflicting with the interior renovation. This is still the case. 
      2. Fireworks Open House: The July open house was already a “maybe” due to the same reasons listed above. This is still the case.

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Four Winds School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

 

Support Four Winds

Spread the word, like us on Facebook and Instagram, and click here to donate! Thank you!

Four Winds School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.