August 5, 2020
Dear Barrie Parents and Guardians,
While priority will be given to those with documented cases of family members who are immunocompromised or otherwise have high-risk medical conditions, we will do everything possible to accommodate everyone who feels this is the most appropriate option for their family. If you haven't already done so, please fill out the following parent survey to officially indicate your interest in this program by Monday, August 10: To learn more specific details, I invite you to attend a Parent Information Open House with lead teacher Cathy Carpenter on Wednesday, August 12 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. We will share Zoom information to the entire Lower School community later this week. I want to thank Cathy Carpenter and Emily Lund for their leadership and tireless effort in making this program happen.
6th to 12th Grade Virtual-Only Track: After months of non-stop faculty planning, we are pleased to announce the creation of a Virtual-Only Track for our Middle and Upper School (MUS) students. While the outcome is similar to the Lower School version, the structure of this program is designed to allow students to access live classes and course material from their homes through a fully interactive learning experience. The pedagogical expertise and technical prowess required of faculty to design engaging classes with students in two different locations is impressive. I would like to applaud the efforts of the entire faculty in making this possible -- with a special appreciation to our Middle and Upper School Teaching and Learning Committee who worked all summer to make this happen.
We will install video-conferencing equipment in each of the MUS classrooms, enabling students to fully participate in all academic and student life experiences. Students will be able to reach out to their teachers for additional help as needed and per our normal routines. The tuition for this program will be the same as for the regular in-person instruction.
In closing, I just want to add that it is simply amazing that our faculty and staff have created this range of opportunities to support our students and our families during an already difficult time. I want to thank the entire community for all of your support as we approach the start of this school year.
Jon Kidder Head of School BARRIE SCHOOL 13500 Layhill Road Silver Spring MD 20906 301-576-2800 p | 301-576-2802 f | barrie.org |