Dear MCDS Families:
I'm writing this update with the awareness that many of you may have already heard the news. San Francisco Unified School District and Marin County Office of Education, along with other Bay Area school districts, announced today that, upon the advice of public health officials, they plan to keep school buildings closed and to continue with distance learning for the remainder of the school year.
The school districts' decision follows the statements of Governor Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Schools Tony Thurmond last week, asking California schools to be prepared to provide distance learning for students through the academic year. As much as I am saddened to announce this, I write to inform you that MCDS will follow the direction of our public school districts and public health officials; we will keep campus closed and continue distance learning for the rest of this academic year.
As I mentioned in my updates previously, the administration, Board, and faculty/staff have been preparing for this possibility, and the administration is working this week to address as many details as possible in preparation for the rest of the school year. Changes to calendar dates will be announced as soon as we have confirmed alternate plans for the many important events, programs, and milestones that are part of MCDS's final months of school.
Furthermore, for students in 7th and 8th grades, we understand you have questions about grades, standardized tests, and high school placement tests for math and world language. We have not completed our research and process yet, but next week we will communicate what we have learned from high schools and the standardized testing agency (SSATs), as well as our decision regarding cumulative grades.
We know this is particularly difficult news for families with 8th graders. We want 8th grade families to know that we endeavor to provide this wonderful class with as many fun activities and bonding experiences as possible through virtual means, and that we want 8th graders back together physically in some way to celebrate their step up to high school. It's too soon to know when we will be able to do that, but we are keeping in mind the Class of 2020 and want to honor your time at MCDS and provide you with a joyful send-off. Stay tuned!
While this is not the way any of us wanted our school year to go, I promise you that all of us at MCDS will work tirelessly to support the students and community through this crisis. We are constantly taking feedback, and will continue to evolve and improve the distance learning experience so that it's most effective for everyone--students, teachers, and families. Thank you for your partnership through this unprecedented time, and I hope you remain safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
marin country day school 5221 Paradise Drive • Corte Madera CA • 94925 To unsubscribe from future emails, click here. |