03.25.20: Evening update

From: Julie Smith, Head of School; and Matt Poynter, Principal
Subject: Extended closure through May 1

Dear Stanbridge Parents and Guardians,

Today we received official word that Bay Area schools will remain closed through May 1, 2020 (you can read the full news release here). This extends our campus closure through all of next month, and we know that news has ramifications for everyone reading this right now. We want to first acknowledge some of the knowns:

• Our students, teachers, and staff have been settling-in to the distance learning model that began last week, and we are prepared to continue delivering academic instruction, as well as social-emotional learning and support, throughout this closure extension.
• Stanbridge staff at all levels have been working together to refine coursework, schedules, and support time to help everyone involved with our remote learning find the right balance. All of our division heads have been collaborating this week to adjust daily schedules to better meet the needs of our students, and we anticipate publishing these updated schedules on Friday so they will be ready for students on Monday morning.
• The extension of the closure will impact a few key events coming up on the short-term calendar; specifically report cards and parent-teacher conferences. These issues were discussed during an Administrative Team meeting this afternoon, and we want to reassure you that Third Quarter report cards will be issued in a timely manner after the quarter officially ends on Friday. We will be working with teachers in each division to schedule times in the weeks ahead for Zoom sessions with you, parents and guardians, so you can have some direct one-on-one face time to talk about your child's progress, as well as discuss any questions, concerns, or challenges you and your student may be experiencing with distance learning. Once we have more-specific details on report cards and conferences, we will share that information with you.
• Also, our Spring Sing concert, scheduled for April 9, will be postponed for the time being. We hope to be able to collectively gather to sing and celebrate on campus some time after May 1st.

It is there, however, that the unknowns begin. While we anticipated an April 7 or April 13 return date to be ambitious and optimistic, it was noted that the May 1 closure end date may also get pushed out further depending on the circumstances. Right now, it is anyone's guess what circumstances will be six weeks from now. So again, we urge you to focus on the present. We are midway through the second week of distance learning—"school" for now, and through April at least. As we all continue to come to terms with that and adapt to this new normal, communication is essential. Please continue to provide feedback to your child's teachers, to the counselors, and to us. Do not be afraid to let us know if and when something isn't working; when it's too much, or not enough; when you or your child need a little extra support, a helping hand, or just a brief check-in. Though our campus will remain virtual for a little while longer, the Stanbridge community remains vital and strong. We are all in this together, and we are grateful for all that you, Stanbridge parents and guardians, have done--and continue to do—during these challenging times.

Wishing you continued strength, health, and peace of mind. Stay strong, Bulldogs.