SHACordechoSummer2020

S P I R I T . M I N D . B O D Y . C O R D E C H O 5 vity Have Led to Continuity of Learning In Mrs. Nicole Polino’s literature classes, students had “Open Mic Monday,” and made reading recommendations to classmates by recording and uploading a video using the app Flipgrid. Some girls have said the videos helped them find great new books to download during this time of isolation! In his Global 10 Honors course, Mr. Mark Ayers had his students “group Zoom” to research the independence movements in Eastern Europe that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Then, they individually created protest posters that could have been used during those times. students can also see and hear each other. They can use the “raise your hand” feature on Zoom to ask or respond to a question and participate fully in group discussions verbally or through the online “chat” feature. Zoom also allows for the class to break into smaller discussion groups and other apps allow for students to share work and work as a group. In this way, our girls continue to see their classmates and enjoy the classroom camaraderie that makes SHA so special. While tests and quizzes continue, other forms of assessment are also common including videos and presentations. This unique format has also provided for some unanticipated benefits. For instance, a number of our classes have welcomed amazing guest lecturers to take over a Zoom lesson. This has been particularly true in the arts. Another advantage comes from each lecture being taped. While attendance has been excellent, if a student does have to miss a class, she can be provided with a video of what she missed. Although there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction, technology and the dedication of our teachers and students has kept our community learning together until we can return to the school building. The positive attitudes and innovative ideas that our teachers and students bring to their learning have led to continued academic success despite the obstacles presented by distance learning. After a few uninvited, furry guests popped in on Zoom classes, Ms. Ruth Donner invited her students to bring their pets to senior religion class one day — St. Francis would have approved! The women in Ms. Ruth Donner’s Entrepreneurship course, part of our Women in Leadership and Business program, had the opportunity to present a new business idea to a panel of investors. They competed for start-up funding to bring their ideas to life! All 11 business ideas received at least partial funding, with six receiving full funding! Our panel of investors included Ted Kuzniarek- owner of Upstate Pharmacy Ltd., Marnie LaVigne- CEO of Launch NY, and Sara Vescio- Executive Director of the Women’s Business Center at Canisius College.