remote learning
important administrative communications
In light of recent developments regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), Hill School has made an administrative decision to shift learning from a classroom-based setting to learning remotely beginning March 23. UPDATE (as of April 30): Per Governor Abbott’s executive order, the Hill School campus will be closed for the remaining duration of the school year. Classes will be administered remotely for all students during this time.
For more information, see the latest messages from Hill’s Head of School Roxann Breyer and Phillip Howley, Director of Technology below. Please continue to check this page for information pertinent to your child’s education throughout the coming weeks.
3.13.20 Update to Hill School Families
3.16.20 Update to Hill School Families
3.20.20 Update to Hill School Families
3.23.20 Update to Hill School Families
3.31.2020 Update to Hill School Families
4.1.20 Update to Hill School Families
online instruction
Online instruction is different than on campus instruction. It requires a different mindset as well as some changes to standard daily practices a student may undertake. While each individual student will have to decide what works best for them, see the list below for some basic suggestions on setting students up for success while engaged in online instruction.
Find a consistent place to engage in schoolwork.
Somewhere that is quiet, free from distractions, and consistently available to you.
Make a commitment to avoid online distractions.
During school hours, avoid social media. Your education requires your engagement to get the most out of each online course experience.
Engage actively in the content.
This is not a vacation; school will continue as scheduled and it will require your full attention.
Be aware of what is working well and what isn’t.
For all the benefits of this online instructional model, it also poses some challenges. There may be some frustration if the technology doesn’t work seamlessly. Have patience with this particular type of curriculum.
Take breaks, practice mindfulness, and pace yourself.
Take breaks from your computer screen. Go outside, take a short walk, and get some fresh air during breaks you would normally have during your school day.
Learn from each other.
Talk to family members, classmates, and others who have worked from home in the past to learn what worked for them. Share your own experiences with others.
Don’t go it alone.
Keep lines of communication open with your teachers and your advisor. Setup online study groups with classmates. Reach out for help, advice and encouragement when you need it.
Keep your equipment working.
If you’re having difficulties with your computer, e-mail phowley@hillschool.org for assistance.
The Hill School Counselor is available.
If you need assistance or counseling, contact Hill School’s Counselor, Mary Sutton Sears.
technology help & counseling resources
The following resources are included to help guide your student through the transition to remote learning from classroom-based learning and have been thoroughly crafted by Hill School’s Technology Director, Phillip Howley. They involve navigating through Microsoft Teams, a web based app designed for web-based collaboration and learning, which your child will become familiarized with. Also included are numerous links to resources from Hill School’s Counselor, Mary Sutton Sears, who is available for any questions or concerns your student may have. Mrs. Sutton-Sears’ virtual office hours are Monday through Thursday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., schedule by email.
technology links
Accessing & Navigating Office 365 – Video
Communicating Through Microsoft Teams – Video
Navigating Microsoft Teams – Video
Microsoft Teams Quick Start Guide – PDF
counseling links
Letter From Mary Sutton-Sears (Updated 3.30.20) – PDF
Questions About Coronavirus Handout – PDF
Social Emotional Learning Slides – PDF
Crisis Intervention Mental Health Resources – PDF
Anxiety Resources for A Daily Dose Group – PDF
Teen Mental Health Resources – PDF
5 Tips To Help Your Child With ADHD Excel At Remote Learning During COVID-19 – PDF
8 Ways to Enourage Positive Thinking at Home – PDF
Coping Skills List Coping Skills Plan – PDF
COVID-19 educational resources
The 1-2-3 wellness program is committed to supporting educators and parents during this stressful time. In response to COVID-19, they are offering a free video course with research-based tools to support stress reduction techniques for the benefit of students. Learn more at the URL below.
The below link contains a google document dedicated to elementary family resources, with specific details on socio-emotional activities, calming techniques, as well as mental health first aid and scheduling ideas for your child during this time.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PNjIWCI6M-IkdNKgEp24K8LQoco_-eklYKewq-PLDC4/edit?usp=sharing
It can be scary to hear about a disease outbreak, but learning the facts can help ease your child’s mind. BrainPop gives students the opportunity to do just that, with educational movies, quizzes, games, and vocabulary regarding COVID-19. Click the link below to learn more.
https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/
This article emphasizes how parents can be supportive of their child’s mental health in the midst of the uncertainty and unknown regarding the coronavirus. It provides age-appropriate information on how to stay safe, in addition to explaining the idea behind social distancing.
The resource below provides lessons, ideas and tips to help you guide your children who are making the shift to online learning. Its areas of emphasis include managing stress, learning tips, and digital citizenship.
https://www.learningkeepsgoing.org/parents
Live Science hosts a list of lessons, games, science experiments, live demonstrations and virtual tours, to help your student find options that are educational, creative and entertaining during this uncertain period of self-isolation, social distancing and quarantine.
https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-kids-activities.html
The URL below is targeted towards parents and stresses the importance of helping your child cope with the many changes resulting from COVID-19. It provides suggestions for how to monitor social media usage and well as how to offer reassurance to your child throughout the stress and anxiety they may be feeling during this time.
Choosing among countless virtual learning resources for your student can be overwhelming, but this article contains some guiding principles to keep in mind when choosing which resources to use.
https://tntp.org/blog/post/resources-for-learning-at-home-when-schools-close
If you have any questions regarding remote learning at Hill School, please contact Phillip Howley, Director of Technology at Hill School at phowley@hillschool.org.
contact