Academic and Departure Plans in Response to School Closure Mandate
March 16, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are writing today with more information on how course instruction will proceed in light of the decision made by the Governor of Wisconsin to close schools at the end of the day this Wednesday, March 18.
- On-site classes will continue as usual through the end of the academic day (3:00 PM) on Wednesday, March 18. Cadets should bring home all class materials and supplies (textbooks, computers, protractors, calculators, etc.) so they may complete assignments from home. Cadets should check out with their RFO’s as usual. If you need medications from the Infirmary during this time, please email them as soon as possible at infirmary@sjnma.org. Please remember that only a parent or adult 18 years of age or older can pick up medications. If you would like them mailed to your home, please include your mailing address in the email requesting medication.
- From Thursday, March 19 through Thursday, April 2, remote instruction of classes will begin. Teachers will communicate instructions on how to access the instruction plan for their particular courses. Teachers will make every effort to convert as many courses as possible to an online format. In cases where this is not possible, teachers will send specifics on how that course will proceed.
- The spring break period will remain intact between April 3 and April 13. This time can be used as a buffer if the state does not reopen schools as anticipated on April 6. It can also serve as a buffer for students who have gotten behind or have had difficulty with online learning over the preceding weeks. (No new work will be assigned during the spring break period, but students who need that time to catch up may submit work during the spring break period without penalty. All online work is due before the end of spring break, April 13.)
- At this time, the anticipated date for on-campus classes to resume is Tuesday, April 14. All boarding cadets should plan to return to campus by 7:00 PM on Monday, April 13. All day-cadets should expect to be on campus for classes on the morning of Tuesday, April 14. At this time, all online courses will cease. No distance learning will be supported after the Academy resumes on-campus classes.
- During the time of closure and over spring break, the situation will be under continuous assessment. Regular updates will be provided on the Academy website, though the parent portal, and via email. As new information becomes available and as the situation unfolds, the Academy will communicate any changes to the above plan with as much advance notice as possible, given the conditions at the time.
**A special message to our international cadets and families:
SJNMA acknowledges that the decision to have your cadet come home during this extended period is a difficult one. We are working with our home-stay volunteers to secure extended housing for cadets from March 18-April 13, so they may be able to return to class as planned on April 14.
While we respect your right to make the decision that you feel is best for your child, please consider the following:
- Cadets attempting to return to campus from a Level 3 Travel Health Notice country will not be allowed to do so until it is deemed safe by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- When we reopen campus for in-person class instruction, there is no guarantee that we will be able to accommodate online learning for cadets who are unable to return to school.
SJNMA understands this is a challenging time for all families, and we will continue to update you as this situation progresses. If you have any questions regarding your cadet’s academic classes, please contact the Academic office. If you have any questions regarding your cadet’s departure from campus, please contact your RFO.
As always, thank you for your support and your patience as we navigate through this difficult time.
Eric Wozniak – Headmaster
Tom Stocks – President
Stephanie Ihler – Academic Dean
Steve Schweiss – Commandant of Cadets