LOOKING FORWARD TO 2020-2021
As we look forward to a productive and enriching 2020-2021, we're hard at work this summer planning for the coming school year, mindful of recent quarantine and physical-distancing mandates.
We have organized four cross-functional task forces and determined three possible scenarios. Our top priority is to return to campus in August and to support student and faculty health and safety. In addition, our mission and values are non-negotiable, and they are the through-lines that will characterize each-and-every scenario.
Together with information from the CDC and state and local officials, we will determine the ways Vanguard will deliver on its mission and values — an exceptional and enriched education delivered in the context of a diverse, creative, and engaging partnership between students, teachers, and families.
We'll be in touch regularly over the summer in our Friday emails, as the time for prudent decision-making draws near.
Please also know all announcements and Summer Communications (Books, Summer Reading, Summer Math, Supplies, Athletics Rank 1 information.
This is a challenging time for families and schools. Together we are Vanguard and we wanted to keep all families informed.
With the latest development regarding the Waco-McLennan Heath District, please know that we are on schedule for returning to campus with the phase-in schedule starting August 14, 2020. Our Vision 2020 | Transition Team has met and we feel confident in the plan to open campus with Health and Wellness as a top priority.
Phase-In Opening - 2020-2021:
Thank you for your patience with phase-in days. This will allow us to work in smaller groups and ensure that all protocols are clearly understood.
Friday, August 14, 2020: On-Campus
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM: New Student Orientation Vanguard 101
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: All Student Council Leadership Meeting & Walkthrough
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: 12th Grade Class Leadership Meeting & Walkthrough
Full School Day - by Grade Level (8:00 AM - 3:15 PM)
(Locker Move-In, Instructional & Wellness Sessions, Scheduled Classes)
Monday, August 17th | 11th & 12th Grades
Tuesday, August 18th | 9th & 10th Grades
Wednesday, August 19th | 7th & 8th Grades
Thursday, August 20th | Classes Begin: All Grade Levels
VISION 2020 - TRANSITION TEAM
Leadership Team members and faculty volunteers have formed four task forces to determine a plan forward.
ACADEMICSDevelop a host of curriculum delivery modes, considering both successes and challenges from Vanguard Virtual School Online last spring, parent feedback, and best practices considered by other high-achieving independent schools. Plan professional development for faculty and parents, based on the different operational scenarios.
LOGISTICS AND WELLNESS
COMMUNITY
POSSIBLE SCENARIOS
Vanguard has identified three likely scenarios to begin the 2020-2021 school year. Each task force is planning for each scenario, through the lens of their specific focus. No scenario is likely to play out exactly as listed here, and we probably will land somewhere in between. No matter the circumstance, parent, student and faculty partnership will be essential.
On-Campus Learning
The scenario marks a "return to normal" with students on campus each day in the fall. Online learning tools will be integrated into all Academic classes.
On-Campus Learning with Physical Distancing
This scenario requires us to look closely at classroom size, large group gathering, movements around campus, and lunch. It requires creative daily and weekly scheduling, personal protective equipment, continued online learning, and more.
Virtual School for All Students
Continued remote learning via Vanguard Virtual Online School. New protocols, procedures, and training will be developed over the summer to support teachers and parents for any scenario that requires learning remotely.
PHYSICAL CAMPUS
Specific decisions and plans will be finalized over the next several weeks as more information and updated public health guidelines are issued. Strategies may include, but not are not limited to, the following areas:
PPE
Potential use of personal protection equipment for all people — students, teachers, parents, visitors, etc.
Capacity Changes
Institute capacity limits to allow for physical distancing in spaces such as the Athletics, classrooms, lunch room, gym, etc.
Fever Checks
Temperature testing for all people — students, teachers, parents, visitors, etc. — prior to entry.
Sanitization
Sanitizing the building utilizing new CDC standards and implementing innovative tactics to keep campus clean.
Campus Security
Changes to visitor and vendor procedures.
ASK A QUESTION
As the summer progresses, we will provide all of you with detailed reopening information at the appropriate time. Plans will be guided by national, state, and/or local requirements. The health and safety of your children, our faculty, and staff are at the forefront of all of our efforts. There is no one correct answer for all the issues we face but be assured that anything we will do is guided by what will provide the healthiest and most productive environment this fall.
We're here to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to reach out to Head of School, Bill Borg.
Our goal is to have a well designed plan for fall 2020 by mid-summer, and we will share the plan with you as soon as it's ready. Thank you for your continued partnership during this challenging time.
Bill Borg
Head of School
Bill_Borg@vanguard.org
All Summer Reading, Math Assignments, Books, Supplies and Summer Communications
can also be found in FACTS Family Online.
SMALL SCHOOL - BIG EDUCATION
