January marks the first month where we’ve expanded hours to fully encompass student’s remote learning, which has proved successful. It’s been an adjustment for students and staff alike, but we’re happy to report that there’s been stronger engagement in students’ remote learning and more consistent attendance. Our next challenge we’re working to meet is safely navigating a hybrid model as the district begins phasing students back into schools.

At Pusan, after remote learning, we’ve been engaging students with a whole host of activities. There are BOK exercises with Ken, reading and comprehension meetings through zoom with tutors from Babson, group reading, arts and crafts, and STEM activities. Highlights have included a Groundhog Day pop-up, a hands-on introduction to circuits, and crystals that the class grew! Ila led students in writing birthday cards for Finnley, a child at Children’s Hospital waiting for a heart. We’ve also acquired smart TVs for both sites to give us more options for activities, including virtual instruction during the pandemic.

At Interfaith, we’ve been working hard to prepare for remote learning now that construction has finished. Dahiana and Ken have been working hard to unpack into the new space, as well as to acquire and organize new materials and furniture. We eagerly await the re-opening in two week’s time, pending the success of a meeting for licensing on the tenth. Our aim is to open for after school during February vacation, and for full days supporting remote learning following. A virtual re-opening ceremony is slated to be filmed and posted on our facebook page two weeks following.

-The Hoops and Homework Team