Archbishop Spalding was uniquely positioned for the implementation of distance learning. Spalding moved to a 1 to 1 Bring Your Own Device program a number of years ago. This initiative was paired with the overwhelming majority of the student’s class resources such as textbooks, workbooks, worksheets, and other materials moving to digital as well. This meant that from day one of the school’s closure, students had nearly everything they needed to be successful in their continued studies. Spalding’s online distance learning started from the first day that schools were closed and has continued uninterrupted since then.
A number of other resources also aided in this transition. All of the school’s teachers already use PowerSchool for their Learning Management System. Spalding was able to leverage the abilities of this system to immediately post work for students, create discussion boards for communication, provide a synchronized calendar for all academic requirements, and maintain the continuity of instruction online. In addition to PowerSchool, teachers at Spalding provide a variety of online learning tools even when school is in session. Tools such as Flipgrid, Quizlet, Kahoot, and others are all used extensively by teachers to add to their instruction and are familiar to students. These online resources are a supplement to a Spalding teacher’s daily instruction.
Spalding was deliberate in its rollout of direct instruction and as a Google school was able to use Google Meet capabilities to facilitate live video instruction for all classes as the closure extended into April. Spalding teachers are meeting with their students online in classrooms for lectures, review sessions, and Q and A sessions. These online classes allow students to engage directly with their teachers and serve not only to continue the learning process but provide students the ability to engage with classmates in a productive and safe environment. In surveying teachers, students, and parents, the most consistent theme in the feedback on Spalding’s distance learning plan was how much everyone appreciated the opportunity to see and speak to their classmates and teachers. In light of this information Spalding expanded its online meetings.
Spalding’s College Counselors and School Counselors are also continuing their conferences with students and parents to maintain all of the services that the school offers. Administrators are meeting with parents and students to address any issues that have arisen during the closure. Spalding also hosted its annual Senior Breakfast online to present the Senior Superlatives to members of the class of 2020. Live online prayer services with students, teachers, and administrators providing readings, songs, and prayers have fostered the sense of community that Spalding has always been known for and cherishes.
Everyone at the school is looking forward to getting back together, but until then the school is working hard to maintain the high levels of scholarship, spirituality, and fellowship that are the hallmarks of a Spalding education.
