List of 5 items.

• Zoom Class Sessions

  Middle School’s version of FWCD Online allows students to meet face-to-face via Zoom with two teachers for two classes daily, following a schedule provided by the Head of Middle School. With the exception of fine arts and humanities, the schedule is set up so that students interact with all of their teachers every three days. Teachers can use this time for direct teaching, reteaching, or simply checking in on their students' academic progress or social and emotional well-being. These half-hour class sessions are designed to simulate as best as possible a classroom atmosphere that is most conducive to learning. 

   

• Daily Studies

  Daily lessons and assignments for all classes – English, math, social studies, science, foreign languages, arts, athletics – are posted to the learning management system that is typically used for that class (i.e., Google Classroom or MyFWCD Portal), by 9 a.m. A due date is included for all assignments. Students are expected to spend 20-45 minutes daily on each subject area. 

   

  Students are encouraged to get in a pattern of doing their work in the morning and receiving any clarification in the afternoon during Zoom class sessions and office hours.

   

• Fostering Connection

  All Middle School teachers host office hours via Zoom from 2-3 p.m. each day. These office hours are optional for students to attend, but they are designated times when students can receive extra help or clarification on an assignment or project. Students are encouraged to complete their school work between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in order to take advantage of these live interaction office hours.
  
  Students are also emailing their teachers; however, teachers have been encouraged not to respond to emails after 5 p.m. in order to allow balance and family time into their schedules.

   

• Virtual Assemblies and Virtual Recess

  Students are connecting with one another by participating in virtual recess using the GooseChase app. With this mobile scavenger hunt app, students and their families complete challenges and upload photos and short videos of their progress to receive points. While the competition is purely for fun, there’s no denying that Middle School students are watching the leaderboard. Connecting with students is what the Middle School team is known for and this activity is an attempt at minimizing the loss of that connection under social-distancing circumstances. 

  
  

  On Fridays, grade-level Zoom assemblies give students the opportunity to connect with the Head and Assistant Head of Middle School, Middle School faculty and classmates beyond their scheduled classes. 

   

• Arts and Athletics

  Zoom ballet classes and choir classes have become the norm. Students and teachers are taking to the kitchen, garage, home studios and outdoor patios for classes. Middle School band, choir and orchestra are filming videos. Middle School theatre is working on facial expressions. Middle School artists are creating sketches using items they have at home. All divisions are hosting a virtual coffeehouse event that will showcase both performing and visual arts.

  
  The Athletic Department is doing its part to help the community stay in shape. PE lessons are provided for grades 5-6 and strength and conditioning fitness routines for grades 7-8 are posted in the MyFWCD Portal.