It has been two weeks since the 2022-23 school year officially started at ASA! Both our new staff and students have transitioned well and make great additions to our diverse community. This year, we are opening as close to normal as possible with all students on campus 5 days a week, from 7:45am to 2:45pm. We will re-evaluate and make changes where needed depending on the current health situation and government regulations. All students can mix at recess and secondary students have enjoyed open seating at lunch and using lockers. Additionally, it has been so nice to have parents back on campus once again!
Safety wise, masks will continue to be worn in classrooms. When students are outdoors, in PE, or eating, masks can be removed. In order to maintain the continuity of learning and keep the school open, we will use the “Test to Stay” protocol if someone catches COVID. If a student is COVID positive, they will need to do a 10 day quarantine, with testing on Days 2 and 8. Students in the same grade level will be able to attend school normally as long as they are COVID negative.
With regards to technology, iPads and Chromebooks will be provided to elementary students for use while in school. Secondary students in Grades 6-12, on the other hand, will use their own laptops and headphones every day. This year, we will use two online platforms to facilitate learning and communication. Managebac will be used by parents, teachers and students. This is a robust learning platform that integrates classes, schedules, school reports, and student portfolios. In the elementary school, all students and classes will use Seesaw, an interactive learning platform for PreK-Grade 5. This is like a portfolio where students can upload work, photos and videos, and teachers can communicate with parents.
Finally, we are happy to offer a bus service which provides door-to-door transportation to ASA students, and a full after school activities and sports program which will start on August 29.
We wish our returning and new families a wonderful school year! Go ASA!
