SCCA UPDATE - COVID-19
Dear SCCA family,
We miss you! I know we are all very busy being socially distant and doing our school work, but we really miss you. This big empty building is just not the same without your laughter and smiles filling our hearts with joy every day! We cannot wait to see all of our staff and students back together again, but until we can see each other again know that you are loved very much!
Unfortunately, with no real changes in our current healthcare crisis, it appears that our reunion will have to wait just a little bit longer. In an effort to keep everyone safe and secure, and in accordance with the NJ DOE directives, we will be extending our separation policy for an additional week, taking us up to Tuesday April 7, 2020.
PK3-5th grade teachers have already started additional take home packets of learning resources (pick-ups every Tuesday 2:00-4:00pm), and our 6th-12th staff will be continually adding new reading and review assignments, and video lessons on our LOGOS ONLINE platform (Google Classroom).
Our new digital format program is growing and improving every day, and while it can never take the place of our dedicated staff, please understand that they are working very hard behind the scenes to continue your children’s education. One of the many new and exciting additions to our student learning platform is the ability for entire classes to meet online and for our teachers to lead instruction via the chromebooks.
Since the entire SCCA family goes on Spring Break April 8-13 we want you and your family to enjoy those 6 days to be refreshed and renewed. We will not be asking our students to study or do school assignments during those days. No assignments will be required during April 8-13. We pray that this unwanted and unexpected crisis will end soon, and as always we will keep you informed and updated whenever we receive relevant information.
We pray that everyone has a safe and healthy Easter as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we pray that God’s mercy will continue to be upon every student, staff member and family that we have the privilege to serve.
Hope to see everyone very soon!
John TC Megahan
Administrator
When can I pick up my student’s books and materials?
Lower School (PK3-5th): Teachers have organized and prepared all your students' books and materials to be picked up at your convenience. The times to pick up are Tuesdays from 2pm - 4pm. Your teachers will send the schedule and lesson plans out each Monday via email. Only one parent per grade level at a time will be allowed to go through our drive by pick-up line for their student’s classroom.
Middle School and Upper School: Students may come by the school BY APPOINTMENT ONLY to pick up their books and materials if necessary. Only one student will be allowed to go to their lockers at a time. School Administrators and staff will be here to monitor. This is a come and go process. This is not a time to socialize.
What type of instruction will students be given?
Lower School (PK3-5th): - Schedule and lesson plans will be distributed through our Flex-day take home packets beginning Thursday March 12th. PK3/4 and Kindergarten and 1st through 5th work needs to be brought back to school each of the following Tuesday afternoons from 2pm - 4 pm while picking up the new week’s materials (March 17th, 24th, 31st).
Middle and High School (6th – 12th) - Students will receive weekly assignments through Google Classroom (this includes Google Meet, videos, links, etc.) beginning Monday, March 16th. Assignments will be due throughout the week by electronic submissions. They will utilize LOGOS ONLINE formatted lessons and assignments which may include Google Classroom, Google Meet, Google/LMS Chat, zoom, YouTube videos, Khan Academy or other links to help with lesson presentations, assignments and assessments. Teachers will be emailing their students to provide specific instruction from time to time.
Why is SCCA using this format of instruction?
Our LOGOS ONLINE platform is focused on facilitating lesson presentation in a way that suits the needs of our students. This learning format allows our students to study independently, and collectively at different times and locations from each other, without real-time communication taking place. This format allows us to provide student-centered learning and with increased flexibility.
What can parents and students expect of teachers?
Teachers are very busy creating and planning the online class assignments and will make themselves available during virtual office hours. These virtual office hours are 8am-10am and 1pm-3pm, or by appointment. Teachers will monitor student work and provide feedback within a 24 to 48-hour time frame. Teachers will respond to student questions in a timely manner (24 to 48 hours). Remember that some teachers have 20 or more students and it may take a longer time to respond to each student.
What are the expectations of students?
· Students' daily assignment completion time will be given by each individual teacher for Grades 6th through 12th.
· If students have questions (including technology-related questions), they need to contact their content area teacher first.
· Teachers will respond within the virtual office hours each day (8am-10am and 1pm-3pm, or by appointment). Teachers will monitor student work and provide feedback within a 24 to 48-hour time frame.
How much work will my student be expected to complete?
Amounts of work are largely dependent upon the grade level. A student will not be asked to complete unreasonable amounts of work, and activities should not require initial instruction from parents/guardians or other caretakers. A student may need some assistance just as they would on typical homework. If work becomes overwhelming and time-consuming, please make a note for your student’s teacher and move on to the next activity. Please communicate with your student’s teacher.
What if my student has questions or needs tutorials?
Teachers will have plans and activities posted no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning for the coming week and will be available to answer questions via email or during virtual office hours (8am-10am and 1pm-3pm, or by appointment). Teachers will respond to student questions in a timely manner (24 to 48 hours). Each member of the school’s administrative team is also available via email to answer questions.
How many days does my student have to complete assignments?
Each student will be given due dates by their teacher to complete his/her required activities. Additional time will be given if circumstances warrant it or if required per accommodations. Upper School Dual Credit courses will have varying due dates for assignments in alignment with the college course syllabus.
When will the school year-end?
The school year will end as per our school calendar. We do not foresee extending the year at this point.
When will this type of instruction end?
During this unprecedented time, SCCA continues to work with local, state and federal health officials to meet the needs of students at a distance. We are taking the situation day by day and look forward to communicating updates as soon as we receive them.
What if my student receives Tutoring or other special services?
Many services cannot be provided online, including specially designed instruction. Continual monitoring of progress will be completed by the teacher to ensure work is appropriate and accommodations given when necessary. The education of our students is dependent on the entire staff, and while the idea of online instruction or blended learning is not new to our team, moving instruction fully online is a journey that we will all navigate together.
My student is worried about Achievement testing?
SCCA will continue to plan for future achievement test dates that have yet to be determined. We will communicate with you regarding testing and provide information as soon as possible. Keep learning and studying!
Will Re-enrollment and New Admissions continue?
Yes, we are preparing the re-enrollment packages for distribution on Tuesday March 24th, 2020. We are also developing virtual tour programs and webinars to continue communicating with new and prospective students and their families. If you know of someone who wants or is looking for a Christian Education, please refer them to Jessica Krick at office@sccanj.org. Our families are our best resources in referring people to come to SCCA.
If you have any questions please email office@sccanj.org
and we will respond as quickly as possible.