Remote Learning FAQ's

The benefits of in-person learning are well-documented (most recently by the American Pediatric Association), and as a result, we have approached this process with the objective—to the extent we believe it can be achieved safely, and in concert with public health guidance—of offering an in-person education model. We intend to implement numerous safety measures and reconfigure campus indoor and outdoor spaces with social distancing protocols.

With the current circumstances still evolving, we are preparing for on-campus instruction, blended learning, and virtual learning models. This multi-faceted approach, which provided a robust and successful learning alternative to on-campus education this past Spring, will provide flexibility and continuity of learning if circumstances change and we need to make a seamless shift to virtual learning—should we need to do so. Additionally, our plan ensures an uninterrupted learning program and structure for those faculty and students who are under quarantine or are self-isolating due to personal or family health risks and will not be able to return to campus at this time.

Remote learning is not all that different from learning that happens on campus. Students will still experience the same sort of engaging lesson from dynamic teachers that they would receive in person. Students still have the opportunity to work with their peers collaboratively in small groups in breakout rooms as well as receiving direct instruction from the teacher. Of course, there are some things that we cannot do on Zoom that we do in person, and we miss the personal connection that can only come from face to face interaction, but we have created all sorts of fun activities for students, from virtual lunch tables to talent night to a Pet Fashion Show. The nurturing, inclusive community that is one of the hallmarks of a Windward education is still very much a part of our virtual school.

The Division Teams are “all hands on deck” during this time, offering assistance and reaching out to families and faculty. We are observing classes to understand better how virtual classes are going. As always, we are leading Seminar, Monday Morning, Meeting, grade level meetings for Parents and Guardians, and connecting with individual students by Zoom or phone.
 

• College Counselors have celebrated students’ positive news and have conducted one-on-one Zoom meetings and helped students craft continued letters of interest to pursue waitlist options.
• May 1 is the national deposit deadline. College Counselors worked with Seniors so that they can make enrollment decisions to one college by this deadline. Coordinating with Jeff Gilder, the Director of Alumni Development and Engagement, we have encouraged those struggling to make decisions to reach out to the numerous Windward alumni who have attended these institutions. To that end, over 150 Windward alum have graciously agreed to be included in a spreadsheet we sent to Seniors listing their names, colleges attended, and contact information.
• Many families are asking about gap year options. To address these questions, we sent out a Gap Year Communication to Seniors and their parents. Ultimately, students who wish to pursue a gap year must request one (and receive approval) by the college to which they have committed.
• College Counseling continues to team with the Collegiate Division to help Seniors celebrate their successes in multiple ways available to us virtually.

• College Counselors scheduled one-hour Zoom family meetings to discuss a variety of topics: senior-year schedules, standardized testing plans, letters of recommendation, summer plans, and initial college lists.
• College Counselors participate in the weekly Junior Seminar. Covered topics include: SCOIR (our college counseling tool), College Kickstart, Activity List Building and a specialized update from two admission officers.
• We have encouraged Juniors to take advantage of virtual campus tours and on-line information sessions as a way to “demonstrate interest” in lieu of in-person college visits. (see below)
• We have worked to re-imagine our College Essay Writing Workshop, expanding it from a one-day on-campus workshop to a three-day virtual workshop. In lieu of bringing college representatives to campus to review students’ essays in June, we have rescheduled this part of the workshop for late August.

• College Counselors met one-on-one with Sophomores prior to virtual learning to discuss their Junior-year schedule.
• College Counselor assignments will be sent to students and families on June 1, 2020.
• The Prep Division invited College Counselors to join their virtual parents’ night Zoom. We had the opportunity to introduce ourselves and present some ideas for Summer programming.

No. We realize there’s a lot of speculation about this topic. As we look at the sources of media information, we see that a number of “experts” are not school-based college counselors or university officials. While the admission process will look different for the Class of 2021 due to the disruption in their learning, testing, and activities, we do not anticipate that students in the Class of 2020 will take seats away from students in the Class of 2021.

Colleges and universities know that academic progress was disrupted for students across the globe. Universally, all colleges and universities have made assurances that these disruptions will not impact a student’s opportunity to receive a fair and holistic review. Admission officers know students’ applications will look different next year. They’re aware of the College Board’s and ACT’s decision to cancel exam dates; they know the College Board decided to move to an online format for AP examinations; they know that students will not have an opportunity to showcase spring and summer accomplishments, and that students’ activity lists will look truncated. The overarching message we have received from colleges and universities is: Do Not Worry.

• Many colleges have relaxed their testing policies for the Class of 2021 by making the SAT/ACT optional and completely removing Subject Tests requirements or “highly recommending” them.
• Colleges recognize that tests were cancelled and students will only have a few opportunities to post results.
• If your test was canceled, College Board or ACT say they’ll re-register students for the next test date.

“Demonstrating interest” looks different for the Class of 2021 than it has for other graduating classes. In the absence of college visits and cancelled programming, colleges are offering other ways for students to engage in the college exploration process: live information sessions, campus reels, official YouTube channels, virtual visits, etc. Please take advantage of these opportunities.

The whole campus is currently closed to students. Additionally, the Pavilion/Grab ’n’ Go and PPC/Athletic facilities are closed to the entire community. Only the Center for Teaching and Learning, select classrooms, and select offices are open and assigned to faculty and staff on an as-needed basis to facilitate distance learning, with proper social distancing measures taken.

Facilities staff are on-site, managing the essential needs of the campus. They are following strict social distancing measures, and all are wearing protective face coverings while working.

No—all Windward athletic facilities are currently closed. 

Windward is committed to continuing to provide full pay and benefits to Windward staff and faculty during this time. Please contact Human Resources with specific questions.

Yes, if it is to facilitate the essential business of distance learning. However, in support of the governor’s Stay at Home order, the School is encouraging all staff and faculty that can work from home to do so until further notice.