Remote Learning
From Resident Director Lynn Prendergast
The scholars have been very busy with the hybrid learning model, which included being at school Mondays and Tuesdays and working remotely on Wednesdays through Fridays. This schedule, as you can imagine, has presented many unusual challenges and unexpected opportunities. Our tutors, Cori and Sharon, have done a fabulous job helping the girls with time management and their engagement in online classes. It takes a lot to keep 6-8 laptops, a handful of Chromebooks, and a bunch of smartphones connected, and luckily, a WIFI update and boost was completed before the girls returned in the fall. The scholars have become very self-sufficient when it comes to making breakfasts and lunches around their class schedules. They have also bonded, spending more time together than in previous years, watching movies, playing games/cards and cooking in our new kitchen.
Besides learning, we have been trying to be creative with COVID-safe, creative activities. We had our first ever cook-off which featured ramen noodles. Lauren and Jasmine won, and they will be selecting the dish for our next cook-off in the near future. The scholars have participated in Zoom meetings with potential new scholars and in-house tours for prospective students and their families. Our COVID-safe outings have included painting pottery, going to It! at Jordan’s Furniture (the world’s largest indoor ropes course), and playing laser tag. We enjoyed a Super Bowl party sponsored by the Student Life committee complete with decorations, a delicious menu of tailgate food and a football pool to win gift card prizes.
The students have made the best of a difficult year. We talk fondly about our normal activities such as visiting with host families, GHS afterschool activities and being able to go to friends’ houses without masks. Even though our three newest scholars have not yet had a typical ABC experience, they have done their best to stay positive. Luckily, we have been able to stay healthy thanks in great part to the girls’ consistent following of the COVID protocols put in place by the ABC Board to keep us safe.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us in person, through Zoom meetings and phone calls. We greatly appreciate the meals provided by so many Board members when Jeanne was out sick with COVID. Your support and encouragement are essential!
