The transition to a Virtual Learning experience has been a challenge for everyone in our school community. The ASV staff has been working with their heart, body and soul for the benefit of our students and far beyond any typical standard because they believe in contributing to our school community in a meaningful way in its time of need.
As a school community, we empathize greatly with those students, families and staff who are quarantined in their homes, experiencing remote work while taking care of their children, and keeping them engaged in learning. We have received multiple messages of appreciation about the implementation of the virtual learning plan.
Here you will find some of those testimonials as a sign of unity and self-encouragement of the school community. Thanks again, everyone . . . students, parents, teachers, staff and Board of Governors for your monumental efforts. We are ASV!
A family in Elementary School: "We just wanted to say thanks for the effort all the staff has made during this first week. We have adjusted quite well to the new situation. Our children are motivated and engaged, and we are certainly enjoying the activities and materials sent to us."
A family in Elementary School: “I think you are doing terrific work!! The info and instructions the school provided are very clear. Kids know what they have to do. This is the most important thing in distance learning, as it is easy to get lost… The amount of work was reasonable; it started gently on Monday and then the amount of work increased over the week. Very good approach! The “social activities” are creating engagement and community.”
A family in Elementary School: “Es momento de agradecer todo el trabajo que estáis realizando estos días tan difíciles. Todo está resultando muy profesional, los profesores están trabajando mucho y nosotros estamos muy contentos por todo lo que se está programando y haciendo con los alumnos. Muchas gracias por todo”.
A family in Grade 5 - "Thanks to you and your team for the great work during these challenging times. Shout out to Miss Emily for her continued great work."
A family with children in Preschool and Elementary - "Thank you for everything! Our three kids and I are learning so much and really appreciate all that the teachers do to help with learning these new platforms and their patience and kindness. It warms my heart daily."
A mother in Grade 8 - "Congratulations for the outstanding work you are doing. My daughter is taking her lessons, she's able to manage the schedule and has had a natural transition to the new learning context. Of course she's missing the school, her classmates and teachers, but she's engaged, focused and happy. I'm sincerely impressed with your work."
A family in Elementary School: “Queremos agradecer a nuestros profesores por todo su trabajo y esfuerzo, ya que en muy poco tiempo, han montado todo un sistema de educación a distancia, para seguir prestando sus servicios desde casa. Esperemos que esta situación termine lo antes posible y podamos volver a vernos, en nuestra clase, en nuestro colegio”.
A family with children in Middle School and Elementary School: “I’m really impressed on how the first week of virtual learning was developed. I couldn’t be more proud. Teachers are doing an amazing job!! My kids are enjoying this virtual learning, they are committed and involved with their class schedule. Keep up with the great work! We will get ahead very well. Thanks also for making it easier for families.”
A family in Grade 2 - “I'm very happy with the work being done by Ms. Soraya with Virtual Learning. The 2nd grade teachers are doing very good work which shows the time and effort they are giving my child. They transmit enthusiasm and motivation to continue learning as well as being clear and very educational.”
A family in Grade 5 - "Nos gustaría trasladar que Ms. Emily, profesora de 5B, está realizando un trabajo excelente".
A Student in Grade 9 - “I really like how some teachers and students interact and support each other at such difficult times like this. I also like that me and my classmates have experienced a brand new way of learning, but still many of us are looking forward to our returning to school. I feel like situations like this make us stronger, more flexible, open minded and improves our critical thinking. Stay home and stay safe!"
Parents of a student in Grade 9 - " Estáis haciendo un gran trabajo, y desde esta parte se nota el gran esfuerzo, ¡enhorabuena!".
Parents of a student in Grade 10 - "I would like to thank the teachers, staff and leadership for their engagement during these difficult times."
Mr. Josep Vicent Frechina, Middle School and High School Principal: “I’m very grateful to the Student Council Representatives. They have been incredibly supportive of the school and have provided us with very crucial feedback on behalf of the Student Body in order to improve our policies and procedures in these difficult circumstances."
Mr. Josep Vicent Frechina, Middle School and High School Principal: “I would like to thank the Middle School and High School Parent Delegates for their sustained commitment with the school, their active participation in school life, and especially, for their important contributions to improve the current virtual learning environment."
Mr. Michael L. Smith, Grade 8.1 Advisor: “I am so incredibly proud of the Grade 8.1 students who are doing incredible work, are respectful, engaged in learning, proactive communicators, are amazing role models and who are doing great things! Thank you for being such a wonderful class, and I am so proud of each and every one of you! Can’t wait to see you again . . . in person."
Dr. Ann Kox, Preschool and Elementary Principal: “I am sincerely thankful for the engagement of the preschool and elementary parent delegates on all levels as we have moved to VL—your communication with other parents, the trust you have earned with staff, your sharing of your own experiences… I could go on and on. The bottom line is that you have greatly and positively impacted ASV at this important time, so on behalf of all of those who have benefited from your incredible work, thank you!"
Dr. Ann Kox, Preschool and Elementary Principal: "I am so thankful to my staff! Despite the physical distancing, the PLC teams have never been closer, never met more, never collaborated more effectively. All of my teachers learned how to make their own professional videos to present content asynchronously in the way their students will understand. All teachers and teacher assistants have mastered Google Meets and are greatly energized by the small group, virtual, synchronous meetings — any nervousness about the technology immediately melted away once they connected with our students. Thanks to everyone for not just doing this, but for the tireless hours you have spent adjusting plans, formats, demonstrating to each other….thank you for the sustaining energy and excitement you have generated!”
Ms. Elena Corchs, Elementary and Preschool Assistant Principal. "Mi agradecimiento a los padres, sois parte de los héroes en esta pandemia. Vuestro cariño, el esfuerzo e ilusión que ponéis cada día, garantiza el bienestar de los niños. Además de todo vuestro trabajo en casa, habéis guiado y motivado a vuestros hijos con paciencia para que puedan ver a sus profesoras, a sus compañeros, seguir actividades y manternerlos animados. Muchas gracias de todo corazón".
Ms. Melanie Terrizzano (PREK1 Teacher) - "I just wanted to say how grateful I am for your kindness and patience in these difficult times. I love to see how your children enjoy and participate in video calls and how involved you, the parents, are. They are doing great and you too!"
Ms. Paula Goold (PK1 teacher) - “Great job to all the children and parents of PK1 Blue! A BIG thank you to all the parents for being so patient and engaged, sifting through the emails and links to help your little ones keep connected and learning ;-) I am really enjoying interacting with the children and seeing their little faces light up on the screen! It is really important for them to maintain the link with school. Together we can do this!"
Ms. BethAnn Kornobis, Grade 4 Teacher and Grades 3-5 Team Leader: “I’m impressed by the work my students are producing through virtual learning. Their projects are bursting with creativity and excitement as they find unique and individual ways to express their learning. It’s amazing to see how students can involve their families, pets, and even their favorite stuffed animals into their learning journey. I’ve already noticed growth in their independence and problem solving skills as they navigate this new world of virtual learning. They are truly stepping up to the challenge.” -
Ms. Cathi Watkins, Grade 1 Teacher and Grade K-2 Team Leader: “Our students have enjoyed uploading academic videos to Flipgrid. The student-to-student responses radiate positivity. This platform has been a fun way to watch our classes interact with one another. Small groups took off this week and we loved watching our students talk with one another. We were able to discuss a variety of topics. Some students brought their pets to show off, we played a memory game, and just caught up with each other. These small group sessions have put a smile on all of our faces!”.
Ms. Lauren Guerra, Learning Support teacher and Preschool Team Leader: “Working virtually with students is definitely a different way to interact, but seeing the students and having parents alongside engaging with their child and seeing their learning first hand is an expected benefit!”
Ms. Asun Barrachina. Spanish teacher &Spanish Team Leader. Mi agradecimientto a los alumnos que interactuaron rápida y positivamente en las videoconferencias, "levantando la mano" para participar en las lecciones. Nos encanta verles y escucharles. "Los grandes logros de las personas, generalmente, dependen de muchas manos, corazones y mentes.” Walter Elias Disney.
Susi Pucci, ELL Literacy Coach: “Prek2 students and parents/guardians: The home-school partnership continues to be the strongest link to inspire and to motivate the love of learning. We sure did have some fun this week looking for shapes around the house! Thank you!”
Ms. Michaela and Ms. Laura (Kinder teachers): "Kinder Parents, Thank you for all your hard work supporting your students online! Thank you for being prompt to online meetings! And a BIG thank you for supporting and encouraging us."
Ms. Michaela and Ms. Laura (Kinder teachers): "Kinders! You have been outstanding online! You have shown how to CARE when we meet virtually and I love seeing your smiles."
Ms. Cristina Alabau (PK2 Teacher) - “I am very happy for the appreciation that parents show when we have the meetings with the children. They send us lots of encouragement and are thankful for the work we are doing.”
Mr. Sam Bremen (PK2 Teacher) - “I want to thank all the parents in PK2W for being incredibly understanding, patient, and supportive in this sudden move to online teaching.”
Aysel Imamkulieva (Nursery teacher) - "A huge thank you to all Nursery families participating in our virtual meetings. Your children are doing an incredible job staying engaged at the distance!"
Ester Viguer (Nursery Assistant) - "I would like to give a BIG THUMBS UP to our children and parents in Nursery for following Ms Ester’s instructions from a video class, completing various Easter art projects!"
Cecilia Calvelo (Music Teacher) - "I am so proud of the kids and their parents for finding ways to make music together and for being so creative. Keep sending us your videos. You rock!!!!"