SHACordechoSummer2020

4 C O R D E C H O S P I R I T . M I N D . B O D Y . SHA GOES THE DISTANCE: Preparation & Positivi n the two weeks leading up to Governor Cuomo’s mandate to close school buildings, the administration at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart began to discuss the possible implications of COVID-19 on our ability to instruct our students. Charged with creating a remote learning plan that provided uninterrupted instruction and support for our students, a task force was created. The committee prepared for the transition to online learning guided by studying best practices emerging from China and the West Coast. Once a plan was created, the first challenge was to ensure that every student had the hardware, software, and internet service required to work remotely. This process was streamlined because the school has engaged for seven years in a 1:1 iPad Program, so we knew each student had and was a competent user of the necessary hardware. Given our iPad Program, pushing selected software to their iPads was also relatively simple. Faculty and students had Zoom installed on their iPads and were able to practice hosting and joining meetings. While the vast majority of our families had sufficient connectivity in the home, we worked diligently with those who needed additional support. Within 24 hours of receiving the ask, a select group of SHA donors answered the call to provide the financial resources for our technology department to purchase WiFi hotspots and internet service for students in need. With all pieces in place by March 17, we hit the ground running with online instruction a day before it was mandated by the governor. From there our teachers took over, reimagined instruction and assessments, and dedicated themselves to ensure a smooth transition for every student. SHA students run through their normal daily schedules with a combination of Zoom class meetings and online assignments. Students check their student management system called Schoology for important scheduling information from their teachers, and attend all of their classes following the same bell schedule as they did when learning was in the school building. Attendance is still taken daily, and absenteeism is virtually non-existent. The new technology allows for teachers to instruct in a variety of ways depending on content and at the teachers’ discretion. Some lessons are presented live by the teacher for the full 40 minutes, especially when there is new content to present. Other lessons begin with a live shorter “mini lesson” followed by an assignment that students work on with the opportunity to ask questions of the teacher. Flipped learning via videos continues to be employed by teachers who used it before the building was closed, especially in our math classes. Classes that are based on individualized learning allow students to learn through recorded lessons so they can work on projects at their own pace. In these situations, teachers are available during class time to address questions and redirect students as needed. In addition to seeing and hearing the teacher, Mrs. Tamara Mugel teaches Honors Physics. When she was teaching the girls about electricity and circuits, she took advantage of not being tied to a classroom and used a car battery and circuit breaker panel as her teaching aids. Three girls pictured: Madelyne Kamens ‘21, Kelsey Menshon ‘21, and Kayla Kasprzak ‘21 Honors Biology students conducted the Regents standard lab “Beaks of Finches” in a non-standard way — with guest demonstrator, Michele, Mrs. Grace ModicaAmore’s daughter (SHA class of 2030!)