What a dizzying experience this has been! Every decision in regards to our response to COVID-19 has been made with thoughtful consideration for the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff. This decision is no exception. Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, Park Academy moved to a limited distance learning program and our physical campus is temporarily closed. We are available via phone at 503.594.8800 and email.
Last week, our students went home with Chromebooks to utilize for their online classes. As the situation unfolds it may be necessary for families to pick up additional materials and supplies. If this becomes necessary, we will provide additional information as soon as we are able. Distance learning is especially difficult for our population and we are acutely aware that our system will be imperfect and will impact students in different ways. We have developed and continue to tweak a program that meets our students’ and families’ needs. Families received our Distance Learning Guidelines last week, along with their student(s)’ schedules.
This is uncharted territory. I am grateful for your patience and understanding as we work hard to further our students’ education while putting safety first. It has been a long-standing belief at Park Academy that without safety we cannot have education. I hope that we can look back and feel that all of these measures were not needed but if we have the capacity to decrease the risk to our community in any way I believe that it is vital that we take all necessary measures to do so.
It is our hope and intent to resume classes at the end of April 2020 but with new information daily, it is simply too far out to predict how our community will continue to be impacted. If additional measures and time are necessary we will continue to communicate with you as soon as we are able. We fully understand the disruption that this causes for our families and students. Please know that we are working diligently to make the best choices for our students and will work hard to maintain the quality of the Park Academy Program.
We have postponed our Elaine Park Designs Jewelry Sale that was scheduled for April 4th. We look forward to this event happening later this year. However, at this time, we plan to carry on with our June 18, 2020 event, An Evening with Max Brooks. Check out Max’s recent message about social distancing.
Thank you all for your support and understanding,
Craig Lowery
Head of School