Volume: 2019-2020  Issue: 4 Thursday, March 12, 2020

Dear Sage Hill families,

 
As you know, these are unprecedented times for the Sage Hill School community as we deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. This situation is rapidly evolving and in these extraordinary circumstances, our Sage Hill community must come together to help one another, to show care and compassion for those who are vulnerable and to each do our part in service of the greater good. I’m writing today to enlist your support in these ongoing efforts.
 
With the recent declaration of a global pandemic, U.S. health authorities have asked us all to support the health of the wider community and mitigate the spread of this disease. Following a conference call with other heads of independent schools across California on Wednesday, and in consultation with the Chair of Sage Hill’s Board of Trustees and my colleagues on the Administrative Team, I have made the difficult decision to begin an organized, temporary school closure at the conclusion of all school activities today, Thursday, March 12.
 
I want you to know that this is a preventative, proactive decision. Our current plan is for school to remain closed for the next two weeks. We will utilize distance learning for all students starting Monday, March 16. While Sage Hill School is closed, we will not be holding any athletic or arts practices or holding any other co-curricular activities. During this time, no meetings for parents will take place (i.e. Dads of Sage, Parent Association, etc.) The week of March 23 will be our normally scheduled Spring Break and no classes, practices or activities will be held.
 
Friday, March 13 will serve as an in-service day for our faculty and staff to further prepare for the launch of our distance learning modality on Monday, March 16.
 
The School’s online learning management system, Canvas, and Google suite -- including Google Hangouts -- will enable our teachers to hold live classes remotely. Students and teachers will meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, utilizing seven 45-minute periods (Sage Hill’s Wednesday schedule) during the week of March 16. Faculty will be available for students on Tuesday and Thursday to video conference on an as needed basis and advisors will reach out to their advisees individually to check in on their progress on one of these days.

As is the case with our typical Sage Hill classrooms, instruction is likely to contain multiple learning activities, some in groups and some individually, broken up into short modules. Prior to Monday, March 16, students will receive instructions from their teachers to join their online classrooms. Students should expect a workload of 4-5 hours per week, per class which will include:
  • attending class virtually via Google Hangout (45min 3x/week),
  • time for reading/watching/listening/practicing,
  • engaging with peers via discussion boards and documents,
  • homework
Advanced Placement courses may assign additional work or practice tests as needed.

All students should check into their teacher’s Google Hangout at the start of each period for attendance. Students are not required to be online during lunch or any free blocks. ALL classes (including Physical Health and Arts) will meet virtually during their scheduled blocks as directed by their teachers on their Canvas pages.

Students will be expected to check Canvas pages and their Sage Hill email daily.

Even within the online environment, school rules—including attendance, tardies, respect, etc.—continue to apply during the school day. In addition, as teachers are preparing for a distance learning scenario, students can and should also prepare.
  • Bring all of your school materials, devices, and chargers home at the conclusion of school on Thursday, March 12.
  • If possible, set up a consistent “classroom space” in your home where you will attend class online. Find a space where there isn’t anything distracting or school inappropriate.
  • Online sessions are typically better with headphones. 
We recognize that this temporary school closure will create new considerations for our families to navigate. Importantly, if you have any concerns about your family’s technology systems or access (Wifi, devices, etc.), please contact Chris Irwin, Dean of Academic Technology, or Nikki Imai, Director of Library and Technology, as soon as possible, and we will help equip your family with the appropriate tools.

We understand that you may have many questions. We are hopeful that the closure will be limited to two weeks. We will update you regularly via email and I also encourage you to check the COVID-19 section of the Sage Hill School website. I understand that there will be challenges during this time, and I am grateful for all of your support and understanding as we navigate this situation together.

Sincerely, 
 
 
 
 
 
Patricia Merz
Head of School
Sage Hill School | 20402 Newport Coast Drive | Newport Coast, CA 92657 | 949-219-0100