We're coming back to USN, friends.
As we have shared throughout the summer, we knew that high school would be the last division to get back into the building. Now we're on the eve of taking our turn.
The data continues to look strong and in our favor. Our Medical Consult Team has guided us along the way and feels good about our thoughtful return to campus for high school in person. If you're feeling a little nervous about joining us on Edgehill, you're not alone. We feel it, too. We want to get it right. We want to keep you safe. We, ourselves, want to be safe.
In addition to the updated Responsible Restart Guide (tons of information on safety procedures, protocols, health-related affairs, and the logistics of school), the microsite outlines how school will work once we begin transitioning back into campus. Of import: Magnus and the Magnus App. By now, you've downloaded and familiarized yourself with the Magnus App and started completing the daily health screening for your students. For now, high school students should complete this by 8:30 A.M.; we'll move it to 7:30 A.M. on a grade-by-grade basis as students return to campus.
Freshmen: September 29
Sophomores: October 1
Juniors: October 5
Seniors: October 12
You'll find that the Microsite has largely been reorganized with an eye toward on-campus information. It's our hope that you'll find much of the information you need. When We Come Back Together has the bulk of the information that you'll want to review.
Certainly there are still questions that we're working to answer and systems we are working to build. We'll keep updating as fast we keep working.
Curious about a day in the life of a high schooler? (start here!)
Want to know the daily schedule while some students are in the building and others remain remote? We call this the transition schedule.
Ready to get started with athletics, arts, and other co-curricular ventures?
Students and Families: if you would like to provide some feedback on the remote schedule thus far, please do.
In July, we talked about what constitutes a strong community. Just over a month into the school year, we're more convinced than ever that this community is strong, vibrant, and powerful. We've witnessed it time and time again as we've gathered in small groups, held class via Zoom, and sustained our connections with one another. Let's keep our commitment to one another as we move into the next phases of this school year.
Every faculty member, student, and family member has been working so very hard to create the best conditions for learning and growth to start the year. Deep thanks to all of you for investing in the process.
Return to Campus Updates (Updated September 18, 2020)
Presentation Materials from Remote Learning Sessions (Updated August 21, 2020)
Explaining a Course Load (Updated August 19, 2020)
New Resources Added (Updated August 12, 2020)
Marking Your Calendar: Zoom Links updated for Orientations (Updated August, 12, 2020)
Opening the year (Updated August 8, 2012)
After continued meetings with our medical consult group, reviews of all pertinent data around COVID-19 in Davidson County and the Middle Tennessee Region, and considering how to keep our students and faculty safe, we have determined it best for the High School to open the year Remotely.
Let me briefly explain our thinking:
As you've read in our Responsible Restart guide, we will be using local and regional data to make decisions about the safety of opening the year.
Given the community spread and cases per 100,000 people, it makes sense for us to open the year remotely. Attempting to have all 420 of you back in the building would render the high school experience -- at least at this point -- virtually unrecognizable.
We have made great efforts throughout the summer to further refine our remote learning program to meet your expectations around time investment, rigor, assessment, and shared expectations. We feel confident that we can build a community of scholarship and care in a virtual sense.
As we move toward August 18th, this site will help you further understand not only the remote learning program but also elements of our gradual reconnection on campus.
This microsite, which will always be accessible from the USN Coronavirus Website, will be updated regularly. It's written as a guide for the year for students, families, and faculty. Our community will use this guide as we navigate the 2020-2021 school year. We're committed to remaining faithful to following the scientific community, Metro Nashville Public Health, and the guidance of our medical team as we make decisions. We'll pivot and adjust as we need to, all in the name of prudence.
The culture of our high school -- the deep regard for academic challenge, the importance of student voice, the come as you are quality -- that each of you uphold in your actions will both sustain us and direct us from now until May 2021.
We're asking more of ourselves because we love this school and want to see it endure, prosper, and thrive. In turn, we're going to be asking more of you. In addition to being students and sustaining community, we're asking that you make sound, smart decisions; we're asking you to care for yourself and for your classmates; we're asking for you to seek guidance and support when necessary; we're asking for your patience and understanding. Strong communities look out for one another and we're going to do just that.