March 27, 2020 Dear Shady Side Academy Community, I hope this message finds you and your family safe and healthy and that our socially distanced Spring Break is offering you the time and space to take a deep breath and recharge. The Griffiths have been making the most of the situation, getting more exercise, finally finishing those books on the nightstand, and frequenting many of Pittsburgh's beautiful parks and hiking trails. We have even made a few goofy family movies – none of which will be dropping on Netflix any time soon! Shady Side's leadership team has been meeting virtually throughout the break, preparing for the launch of our distance learning plan when classes resume next Tuesday, March 31, while continuing to monitor news and guidance regarding the spread of COVID-19. We expect to continue our previously announced campus closure and distance learning plan until at least April 12, although we are actively preparing for a longer-term extension of these plans should it prove necessary. In anticipation of such potential developments, we have compiled the SSA Distance Learning Family Guide as a primary resource to help our families begin to take practical and sustainable steps to support their children in this new format. While the guide may not answer all of your initial questions, it contains the Academy's distance learning philosophy, parent and student expectations, support resources, what the plan looks like at each division, and more. The guide is available in both online and PDF formats: Distance Learning Family Guide PDF Distance Learning Family Guide Online For many years, educational leaders have been discussing and exploring the value of online learning as a complement to traditional schooling. These difficult global circumstances, while challenging for educators and families everywhere, provide us the chance to explore such innovations more fully – and with clear justification. And SSA, recently recognized by Newsweek for regional leadership and achievement in technology education, is uniquely positioned to help show the way forward. While the shift to virtual schooling will certainly provide a different learning experience and call us all to be patient and adjust certain expectations, we are not applying a temporary band-aid. As a result of the talent and dedication of our amazing faculty and staff, we can promise a continued commitment to excellence and the very best support of students and families possible. This global crisis will continue to affect all of us in the weeks and months to come, and it will test the spirit and resolve of our community. But I also believe it will offer us opportunities to re-evaluate our conventions and behaviors, explore new possibilities, and live out our mission to think expansively, act ethically, and lead responsibly in fresh and unifying ways. We will get through it together and emerge stronger as a result. My thoughts are with all of you, and I wish everyone safety, good health, and courage during these challenging times. Best wishes, Bart Griffith '93 President
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