List of 8 items.

• Set up a productive learning space.

  We recommend that students find a quiet space relatively free from distractions. It should be a place where they have access to all school materials and can maintain strong internet access. Students will also need space to take notes and work on problem sets, etc. Families should discuss and consider what kind of space and level of privacy will help their students be most productive.

• Establish a consistent daily routine.

  Consistency will be important as students manage their synchronous class schedule as well as their asynchronous assigned work. Establishing regular and consistent wake-up times, workouts, study hours, and bedtimes will help students manage the independence of distance learning.

• Track daily progress.

  Parents should start the day with a check-in to ensure that their students can articulate their daily schedule and plan for completing assigned work. The most up-to-date daily schedule is posted on the student portal page. It will also be helpful for parents to finish the learning day with a final check-in to hear about progress and discuss challenges encountered.

• Include regular breaks and physical activity during the learning day.

  Because students will access much of the classroom content and instruction via computer, it will be important for them to regularly unplug and be as active as possible. In between class meetings, students should step away from their computers and reset for the next subject. Though students will have synchronous and asynchronous workout opportunities through the afternoon option program, finding ways to get outside and stay active will help students stay energized, focused, and positive.

• Communicate with teachers and advisors.

  As we learned last spring, students benefit from consistent communication and contact with their teachers and advisors. Email, virtual meetings, and phone calls are all good options. The schedule creates several “office hour” periods for students to work with their teachers and advisors, and they should take full advantage of those times. In addition, particularly at the start of the year as we are settling into classes, students and parents should reach out to teachers and advisors if a course placement or schedule adjustment might be needed.

• Stay connected to EHS supports.

  Students should reach out to the adults on campus who normally offer them support. For academic support, students shouldn’t hesitate to reach out directly to teachers, advisors, the Academic Support Center, tutors, or even fellow classmates. Students who are enrolled in DASH will be contacted by the learning specialists about setting up regular appointment times. Our counselors and chaplains are also ready and willing to connect and work virtually with students who might be in need of support. As always, the adults on campus are ready and willing to partner with parents to make sure that students are getting the resources that they need.

• Work through challenges positively and proactively.

  One of the most valuable aspects of distance learning is that it forces students to approach tasks in new and different ways. We encourage students to embrace the new challenges of learning and problem-solving, knowing that developing resilience will be one of the most important skills they can take away from this experience. Students will, no doubt, encounter some difficulties and frustrations as they adapt to the new technology and schedule; we encourage them to stay positive and communicative as they work through any challenges.

• Stay in touch with friends and classmates.

  Students will see each other in advisories, chapel, community meetings, classes, and they will collaborate on coursework together. EHS will also create a program of social activities. We encourage our students to actively participate and make it a priority to stay socially connected and involved in community life. The deep sense of community at Episcopal is something that makes life here so meaningful and rewarding, and we encourage students to support each other during this time.