Remote Learning Hub
(As of August 10, 2020)
Westridge will begin the 2020-2021 year in full remote learning and will shift to hybrid learning, which includes both on-campus and remote learning, when approved by local health authorities. In recent weeks, there was some discussion at the state and local levels about the opportunity of applying for waivers for students in TK-6 to return to school, but on August 4, the LA County Department of Public Health announced that elementary schools in our area are not currently eligible for waivers for in-person learning.
At this point, we are pleased to share with you the important changes to our approach to remote learning made over the summer. The below guide provides an overview of our updated program for 2020-2021 (click to download).
2020-2021 Remote Learning Overview
Updated 8.10.20
Please make sure you are familiar with our technology use guidelines on pages 11-12 and our COVID-19 Addendum on page 71 of the Student/Parent Handbook.
On-Campus Safety Protocols & Program Updates
(As of July 20, 2020)
We will be prepared for on-campus learning whenever it is determined this can be accomplished safely. Accounting for our campus capacity amid physical distancing guidelines, we would put in place a hybrid learning model for students in grades 8-12 with periods of on-campus learning and periods of remote learning. At any time when we are in hybrid learning mode, students not ready to return to campus will have remote access to our full program.
Click below for an overview that provides an overview of health and safety protocols and our planned hybrid learning approach. It is not yet comprehensive and is subject to change, but provides insight into what students and families can expect when we are able to have students on campus.
Communications with Faculty & Staff
We recommend communicating with the school primarily through email while we are in remote learning mode. We won’t hesitate to pick up the phone if that is best; however, while we are physically away from our phones there may be delays in receiving voicemail. Faculty emails may be found in our online directory, accessed through the Parent Portal.
You may also utilize the chart below to find the appropriate contact to address your question or concern.
| Questions about an assignment or class |
Teachers will be online for email questions from all students and parents each school day from 8 am - 3 pm. Please note that due to the potential of many emails, they will do their best to prioritize requests and get back to everyone in a timely manner, although it likely will not be immediate. |
| Technology questions or issues |
helpdesk@westridge.org |
| General questions/issues with remote learning |
Contact your daughter’s advisor or homeroom teacher for student issues (available online from 8 am - 3 pm). For questions regarding how parents can best support your daughter, please contact your division director. |
| Student support and wellness We ask all families to reach out to their division director, advisor, dean, or learning support specialist at the first sign that a student is struggling emotionally or academically in the structure of remote learning. |
Lisa Carruthers, Psy.D. Cynthia Conteas-Wood, RN, M.P.A. Tami Millard, M.A., M.Ed. Susie Murdock, M.Ed. Bonnie Martinez, M.A. Masami Hansen Sarah Simon, M.A. Regina Wei, M.A., M.A., MFT Physical Education (for exercise ideas) Karen Hanselman Edwin Scott |
| Financial questions |
Kim Cota, M.B.A. |
Technology Tutorials
Our Educational Technology ("EdTech") team has created multiple video tutorials with instruction on using Microsoft Teams. These tutorials have been shared directly with students, and are posted below for your convenience. To view the video in full screen, click on the square "full screen" icon in the lower right hand corner of the video player.
EdTech Tutorials: How to Join a Class Meeting in Microsoft Teams
EdTech Tutorials: How to Create a Meeting in Microsoft Teams
Student and family support:
During remote learning, Westridge’s student and family support program will continue. It’s critical that students and families have access to our support services.
We ask all families to reach out to their division director, advisor, dean, or learning support specialist at the first sign that a student is struggling emotionally or academically in the structure of remote learning. Learning support specialists will also proactively reach out to students and work with faculty to identify students who might need additional resources.
How parents can support students during remote learning:
The most important way that parents can assist their students during this time is to help set the right environment for study. Check out this article and the tips below to get started.
- Set a routine. Help your student create their daily schedule, and build in time for breaks and away-from-screen time. Encourage them to act as though they are attending classes in person (for example: changing out of pajamas, allowing ample time to prepare for the school day, etc.); structure and consistency is extremely important to reduce anxiety as students transition to remote learning.
- Set up a workspace. If possible, allow your student to work in a common space and help remove items that may cause distraction.
- Socializing time and check-ins. The transition to online learning can feel lonely at first. Check-in with your student to ask how they are doing and how you can support them. Encourage your student to attend virtual office hours to talk with their teachers and to set up time to talk with classmates over the phone or online.
- Get technical help. If your student is experiencing difficulties using the technology, please contact helpdesk@westridge.org.
Resources for parents & families:
Parenting:
- "Parenting During Coronavirus: What to Know About Play Dates, Education and More." Washington Post.
- "How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus." New York Times.
- "Resources for Families During the Coronavirus Pandemic." Common Sense Media.
- "Quaranteenagers: Strategies for Parenting in Close Quarters." New York Times.
- "When Siblings Won't Stop Fighting." Child Mind Institute.
- "Teachers, Families, and the Future: A Collection of Resources." Stanford Graduate School of Education.
Anxiety & Wellness:
- "10 Ways to Ease Your Coronavirus Anxiety." New York Times.
- "Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety." Shine.
- "Dr. Lisa Damour on Managing Coronavirus Anxiety." CBS News.
- "How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids." Child Mind Institute.
Ideas & activities for kids at home:
Looking for activities and other ways to keep your kids occupied while at home? Our community is sharing their ideas on this collaborative Padlet (a digital bulletin board)!
Browse the current list and add your own ideas by clicking below.