Virtual Learning Plan for Weather Closures: Historic Downtown 2023-24

Moravian Academy always prioritizes being in school. That said, we know that students anticipate snow days with great excitement.

We believe that students benefit from having unexpected snow days when school is fully canceled. Students and families should expect to have school canceled for one or two snow days, although those will not necessarily be consecutive or the first day we do not have school in person due to weather.

We have also seen the long-term benefits of virtual learning with remote classes if there are many snow days. When we announce a virtual learning day, we have the following expectations for students:

Historic Downtown Campus Virtual Learning Expectations

• All students must sign-on at the required time and remain actively engaged in synchronous learning. 
• To support active engagement, all virtual learning devices must be equipped with a camera and microphone.
• All students are expected to have their cameras on during virtual learning.
• Students are expected to contribute to classroom conversations, however, they should keep their microphone on mute when not speaking.
• Students should have access to any necessary materials provided by teachers prior to the start of the virtual learning day.
• Students should only use Moravian Academy supported platforms for academic work and teacher sanctioned communication.
• Students are encouraged to be proactive in reaching out to teachers when they have questions. 

Expectations, Schedules, Zoom Links, and Details by Division

Beginning | Lower | Middle

Beginning School

• After receiving notice from the Head of School about school closure and timelines, families will receive an email from the Director’s Office with division-specific information. 
• The primary tools for communication between teachers and families will be email and Seesaw. 
• Classroom teachers will hold daily, synchronous virtual meetings that may include community circle, live language arts and math lessons, small group instruction, or individual student meetings.
• Specialists will offer optional programming in the afternoon that allows for student choice. 
• Families are encouraged to be proactive in reaching out to teachers when they have questions.  
• All teachers will be available via email from the hours of 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. 

Homeroom Links:

Lower School

• After receiving notice from the Head of School about school closure and timelines, families will receive an email from the Director’s Office with division-specific information. 
• The primary tools for communication between teachers and families will be email and Seesaw.  
• Classroom teachers will hold daily, synchronous virtual meetings that may include community circle, live language arts and math review of assignments and learning platforms, small group instruction, or individual student meetings.
• Specialists will offer optional programming in the afternoon that allows for student choice. 
• Students are encouraged to be proactive in reaching out to teachers when they have questions. 
• Students are required to complete all daily assignments and specialist teacher assignments. Voluntary activities will be clearly delineated and may include additional time spent on virtual platforms.
• All teachers will be available via email from the hours of 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. 

Homeroom Links:

First Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

Middle School

• After receiving notice from the Head of School about school closure and timelines, families and students will receive an email from grade level deans. 
• Students will use their school iPads to sign into a required advisory meeting at 9:00 via their advisor’s Zoom link provided in the communication from the grade level deans. These published links will also be posted on each advisor’s bulletin board on myMA. 
• Students will only be assigned work from classes that appear on their schedule for that day. All work will be due the next day. 
• Each teacher will be providing a 40 minute “office hour”, specific to courses taught, where students can join to receive help or ask questions regarding the work assigned. 
• Office hour links can be accessed via the document published on myMA. 
• All teachers will be available via email from the hours of 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. 

Classroom Links and Office Hours Schedule: