Reopening
Far Brook REIMAGINED
Far Brook’s small classes and large outdoor spaces have made it possible for the Reopening Team to plan for a safe return to on-campus learning for all our students, five days a week, beginning September 9, 2020. Although school will look different for everybody, Far Brook will continue to offer the exceptional, joyful, experiential, and progressive learning that it is known for.
The reopening plan and alternative scenarios will continue to be guided by the most current information from:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Governor Murphy
- NJ Department of Health
- NJ Department of Education
- American Academy of Pediatrics
We will make adjustments as needed to reflect any updates to recommendations from these sources. Some details are still under discussion and planning and will be shared as soon as they are available.
Learn more below.
REOPENING EVENTS & COMMUNICATIONS
Please see reopening update emails from Head of School, Amy Ziebarth.
View recordings of the July Virtual Town Hall Zoom meetings:
ON-CAMPUS LEARNING
TOGETHER AGAIN!
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
School begins on-campus September 9, 2020 – we can’t wait!
FULL SCHOOL DAY
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 7:50 AM – 3:00 PM
Protocols for physically distanced arrival and dismissal, will be shared with parents closer to the start of school.
NURSERY 3S - GRADE 8
School will be in session for all students: Nursery 3s through Eighth Grade.
HEALTHY CLASSROOMS
- Wear masks
- Wash hands frequently
- Maintain physical distancing
- Establish ‘learning pods’ and minimize group interactions
- Minimize shared materials – disinfect essential learning tools between users.
- Hand sanitizer dispensers throughout campus; soap, water, paper towels available in every classroom/building
- Clear guidelines on entrance and exits paths to manage traffic flow
- Direct access to outdoor learning spaces available around campus
- Addition safety practices will be determined closer to start of school to align with most updated CDC recommendations, including:
- temperature checks
- visitor policies
- Specialist classes (Sports, Drama, Music, Dance, Art, Woodshop, Technology, World Language) will be taught within the learning pod format with appropriate physical distancing guidelines in place.
- School Traditions (Morning Meeting, Processional, etc.) will be reimagined this year by Far Brook’s creative team of educators.
HEALTHY BUILDINGS
- Updated air ventilation & filtration systems
- Classrooms set up with physical distancing measures in place
- Use of plexiglass barriers where needed
- Increase cleaning and sanitation measures for classrooms and other spaces
- Routines to maintain hygenic practices will taught in all grades
- Updated Nurse’s office with separate, private well and sick bay spaces
HEALTHY CAMPUS
- Creation of additional outdoor classroom spaces
- Enhancements to Lower School courtyard
- Outdoor learning spaces will preserve physical distancing
- Canopy coverage over outdoor classrooms for additional comfort and protection
1-1 DEVICES
- Every student will be loaned a device (iPad or Chromebook) to use at School and home
- Student will have access to supplemental educational programs on these devices
WELLNESS/SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
- Thoughtful and balanced approach to technology and screen time: off-tech breaks scheduled throughout the day
- Opportunity for play and outdoor recreation and exploration
- Mindfulness and other wellness practices for all grades
- Community-building events, class celebrations, and traditions reimagined
- Daily class meetings within their learning pods for all grades
- School-wide service learning projects
- Student mentorship and buddy programs to foster connection between different grade levels
- Social opportunities beyond the school day: playdates, movie nights, and more
- Assistance from Learning Specialists to support executive functioning skills
- Professional wellness support resources (speakers, seminars, materials, small-group discussions, etc.) available
LUNCH
Details are in process. More information to come.
AFTER SCHOOL OPTIONS
Details are in process. More information to come.
TRANSPORTATION
Details are in process. More information to come.
VIRTUAL LEARNING
AT HOME WHEN SCHOOL IS OPEN
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Virtual learning options are available for families who need to keep their child(ren) home for an extended time while on-campus School is in session.
LESSONS LIVE-STREAMED
- Lessons will be live-streamed for a portion of the school day, using the Owl smart video conferencing camera, which captures 360° video and audio for a more natural virtual classroom experience.
- Students will engage in core academic subjects (Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, World Language, Science)
- Specialist classes (Art, Music, Drama, etc) will be modified to support a virtual format
DOCUMENT CAMERAS
Each classroom will use an HD document camera to capture details of teacher lessons and instructions.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SOCIALIZE
Virtual lunches available for socializing.
ACCESS TO ONLINE RESOURCES
- Every student will be loaned a device (iPad or Chromebook) to use at home
- Access to Google Classroom and Seesaw assignments.
- Student will have access to supplemental educational programs on these devices
- Use of Zoom to connect to live-streamed classes.
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
- Scheduled check-ins to support student progress and family needs.
- Assistance from Learning Specialist to organize home-learning environment.
WELLNESS/SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Refer to On-Campus Wellness Support, modified as needed for virtual format.
DISTANCE LEARNING
WE'VE GOT THIS!
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
If circumstances dictate that the School must move to Distance Learning…we’ve got this! Far Brook’s Distance Learning model — highly rated by parents during Spring 2020 — has been further refined and expanded through experience and community feedback. So much more than just online learning, Far Brook’s Distance Learning program immerses our students in authentic learning experiences. Students continue reading, communicating, thinking critically, and searching for creative solutions, while also being physically active and artistically inspired.
EXPERIENTIAL AND HANDS-ON LEARNING
- Frequent opportunities for experiential and hands-on learning at home, like:
-
- Kitchen experiments
- Outdoor explorations
- Building structures
- Classroom curriculum enhanced through:
- Virtual field trips
- Professionals in a variety of fields share their expertise with students in live Zoom sessions
- Service learning projects
CONSISTENT, CLEAR COMMUNICATION
- On-going communication from Head of School, Division Directors, and teachers to students and families.
- Weekly schedule emailed to students and families
- Weekly communication to families about student progress
BALANCED PROGRAM
- Schedules tailored to developmental age of students
- Balanced approach to screen time
- Academic and specialist classes similar to on-campus experience
- Opportunities for socializing with peers
- Live sessions include whole class, small group, and 1-on-1 support
- Planned breaks for movement, mindfulness, and other wellness practices
- Learning experiences designed to engage students with a variety of learning styles.
ART, MUSIC, DRAMA, & MORE
- Students engage in creative expression and physical activity through Specialist classess in Art, Music, Drama, Dance, Woodshop, and Athletics.
- Distance Learning in spring 2020 included virtual orchesta, a creative production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, an immersion experience in Architecture & Design, French Cooking, Photo Journalism, and more.
- Enrichment and passion projects offered at every grade level.
WELLNESS/SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Refer to On-Campus Wellness Support, modified as needed for distance learning.
COMMUNITY - #FarBrookAtHome
Our community stays strong and connected through virtual Morning Meetings and other whole-School gatherings during the School day, as well as after school and evening events for students and families.