Remote Learning Hub

Remote Learning Hub For Families

After a successful transition to remote learning last spring, the School spent time this summer updating the plan and schedule for remote learning. We will continue with the use of Canvas, our Learning Management System (LMS), as well as Zoom, our conferencing and virtual meeting platform. Teachers will use these systems to communicate with students and provide instructions on class meetings, homework, assessments, writing assignments, problem sets, and projects. While, if necessary, the pace of the course work and learning environment will shift to remote learning, the School is committed to meeting its goals for the various academic programs. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and cooperation as we navigate these unprecedented times.

LOWER SCHOOL

List of 3 items.

  • Our Approach

    In the Lower School, we are planning for in-person and concurrent learning, hybrid learning, and remote learning.
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  • Our Expectations

    Learn more about our expectations for remote learning in the Lower School.
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  • Our Schedule

    In the event we transition to hybrid or remote learning, students will return home with a container of learning materials, and the weekly schedule will approximate students’ current academic schedule. 
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MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOLS

List of 3 items.

  • Our Approach

    Each course will have three class meetings scheduled weekly. Class periods will be scheduled in 45-minute time blocks, and classes will happen both synchronously and asynchronously. Each teacher will plan for at least two face-to-face meetings with students via Zoom. Teachers will post a weekly plan that will include activities and lessons on Canvas on Monday mornings. 
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  • Our Expectations

    Learn more about our expectations for remote learning in the Middle and Upper Schools.
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  • Our Schedule

    Click here to download the Middle and Upper School schedule.

General Information

List of 3 items.

  • OUR VISION

    In keeping with our mission to uphold high academic standards while implementing innovative ideas in a supportive and student-centered community, we will continue to strive to offer our students a high-quality educational experience in a remote learning environment. In order to meet the learning objectives that we have set for our students, the School is dedicated to providing the best instruction; the best resources for students, educators, and families; and the best community experience during this time of extended remote learning. 

    Two essential questions will be at the center of our work during this time: 

    1. How do we foster authentic student engagement and continued academic achievement through remote learning platforms?
    2. How do we continue to support student well-being and academic development as well as maintain a sense of community during a major disruption to our daily operations?
  • KEY TERMINOLOGY

    REMOTE LEARNING (DISTANCE LEARNING) 
    Learning that occurs when the learner and teacher are separated by distance and/or time. The learning can occur synchronously or asynchronously, and does not need to solely occur online or with the use of technology; however, tasks will be assigned through an online platform (i.e. Canvas

    ONLINE LEARNING 
    Learning that occurs exclusively through the internet. It falls under the umbrella of Remote/Distance Learning but is specific to internet learning only. 

    SYNCHRONOUS 
    Learning that happens among a group of students at the same time. Students are working on the same activities/tasks within the same time frame. For Brimmer, this will happen on Zoom

    ASYNCHRONOUS 
    Learning that happens outside the normal constraints of time. For example, students may need to complete a worksheet, watch a video, or contribute to a discussion board, but may do so at a time they determine. Generally, there is a multi-day timeframe for completing this type of work. 

    SCREENCAST 
    A digital video recording of your computer screen, usually including audio narration, that acts as an instructional video (e.g. those hosted on Khan Academy). Some screencast options include Canvas Studio, Explain Everything, ShowMe, and QuickTime (built into your MacBook). 

    VIDEO CONFERENCE 
    A virtual meeting in which participants are in different locations. For Brimmer, we will be using Zoom to accomplish these meetings.
  • ONLINE ETIQUETTE

    The following components guide all participants in our remote learning environment:

    BRIMMER CORE VALUES 
    Respect. Responsibility. Kindness. Honesty. Equity. These are the foundation of our guidelines.

    OUR ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
    This can be found in the 2020-2021Family/Student Handbook, 

    DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP IN ACTION AND REMOTE LEARNING STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR
    Adapted from The Digital Student: Netiquette, University of Hull and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
     
    1. Remember the human—you are interacting with real people online, not just screen names 
    2. Be ethical 
    3. Know where you are—if you are “at school,” Brimmer’s behavior expectations are in play 
    4. Respect other people’s time, access, and data limits 
    5. Be presentable online, both in appearance and in conduct, by wearing school-ready attire, assuring background surroundings are proper, and leaving a respectful digital footprint by not sharing embarrassing, illegal, or inappropriate content. 
    6. Share expert knowledge, take time to read and understand an original post before commenting, use evidence and personal experience to support opinions, and read and reflect on the ideas of others 
    7. Keep disagreements healthy and express disagreement respectfully 
    8. Respect people’s privacy 
    9. Don’t abuse your power—if you are in charge of a discussion, treat all participants with respect and encourage all community members to share their ideas 
    10. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes and treat all conversations as learning opportunities

Key Contact Information

Health Questions
Beth Escobar, School Nurse & Director of Health Services
Vicki Trinh, Lower School Nurse

Social & Emotional Support
Beth Meister, Lower & Middle School Counselor
Emily Luckett, Upper School Counselor

Technical Support & Questions

Learning Support
Kim Tolpa, Lower School Director of Academic Services 
Karen Bernanke, Middle & Upper School Director of Academic Services
 
General Lower School Questions
Emily Miller, Head of Lower School
Courtney McGillicuddy, Assistant Head of LS
Ina Patel, Lower School Director of Teaching & Learning

General Middle School Questions
Carl Vallely, Head of Middle School
Matt Gallon, Middle School Dean

General Upper School Questions
Joshua Neudel, Head of Upper School
Paul Murray, Upper School Dean
As an inclusive private school community, Brimmer welcomes students who will increase the diversity of our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected from discrimination under state or federal law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions practices, financial aid decisions, and athletic and other school-administered programs.