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Distance Learning Option Between Thanksgiving and Holiday Break

September 24, 2020

Dear Families,

We are in the fourth week of the quarter and pleased to report that our COVID-19 prevention protocols are working well. Thank you for your commitment in keeping our campus healthy and safe. Although in-person learning is our school’s preference, we’ve heard concerns from parents and guardians regarding traveling twice in a short timeframe for Thanksgiving and holiday breaks. In response, we will offer a distance learning alternative for the period of November 30-December 18.

There are many factors to consider when deciding between distance and in-person learning. For distance learning to be successful, cadets and students must take personal responsibility for their performance. This includes attending class every day and completing assignments on time. Otherwise, your child’s grades and achievements may suffer. Families must have dependable technology and network connections at home to participate in Google Meets, Zoom, etc. Technology in the classrooms is limited to webcams and microphones. Cadets and students will follow their daily academic schedules as usual; however, minimal support services will be available (tutorial, guided study hours, peer tutoring, etc.) Chapel services and character development groups will not be offered via distance learning, as these sessions do not facilitate well over virtual platforms. Also, distance learning participants will miss community service opportunities and special holiday events.

If your son or daughter participates in Junior Varsity or Varsity sports, practices and games will remain mandatory and not optional. Distance learning athletes are required to have their own transportation to and from practice and games.

If cadets and students plan to return for in-person learning, the infirmary recommends cadets and students stay home as much as possible while on break. Please self-monitor for symptoms daily and practice prudent mitigation measures:

  • 6 feet social distancing
  • wearing a mask
  • frequent handwashing

If you choose the distance learning option, the above behaviors should continue until the end of holiday break, staying at home as much as possible for the 14 days leading up to the return to campus in January 2021.

All students will have a temperature and symptom check upon returning to campus.

Domestic cadets and students:

Regardless of the option, families must commit to their choice for its duration. No early leaves, truncated learning periods, or switching options mid-session are allowed.

International cadets and students:

Currently, neither the CDC or Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends self-quarantine for 14 days after international travel. However, recommendations are subject to change depending on COVID-19 activity. Therefore, international cadets and students may only choose the distance learning option if they return directly to their own homes. International students who participate in Thanksgiving or holiday homestays must return to campus for in-person classes.

Kindly notify us if you are choosing the in-person or distance learning option by completing Learning Preference form by clicking here. We ask to please submit your form by October 15. If your family opts for the distance learning option, we will email a distance learning agreement acknowledging the expectations for distance learning. Both parents/guardians and cadets/students must sign the agreement, which will serve as a commitment to the distance learning expectations and procedures.

If you have any questions, please contact the Academic Office.