(German Below)
Dear GISSV Community,
Since the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak, we have strived to consistently provide you with the latest information about the situation and how it may affect us at GISSV. As you are aware, this situation is evolving hour by hour, and we view our responsibility to ensure the health and well being of our community very seriously. Our decisions have been made thoughtfully, using all resources available and with the best interest of our community in mind.
After careful consideration and as a precautionary measure, we have made the decision to transition to a distance/online learning plan and close the physical campuses temporarily effective Monday, March 16, 2020. At this time, the school will continue using the distance/online plan through April 3, 2020.
As we all head into spring break (April 6-17), please keep in mind the ever-changing travel restrictions and plan accordingly. Information about the spring camps will follow in the next days.
We had already planned for tomorrow, Friday, March 13, as an independent study day for students and a development day for staff. In light of the transition to distance learning, we have shifted our agenda for staff day to ensure a fast and smooth transition. The staff will continue this work next week on campus. If you need to pick up student materials (textbooks, iPads, binders, etc.), you can get it Monday through Wednesday, 7.45 am-9 am (MV) and 8:15-9:15 am (SF at 4 Funston). Teachers will notify their classes if there are designated packets to be picked up. Please sign in at the front office (MV) or at 4 Funston (SF) before entering the campus.
We will be sending out our detailed distance learning plan by the end of day this Friday. Students in grades 11 and 12 will still have their exams on campus during the upcoming weeks. They will receive detailed information about this tomorrow as well.
Parent-teacher conferences will take place online. Information will follow.
We understand that this can place an extra burden on families to find alternative solutions for their childcare on short notice. Therefore, we would like to offer temporary assistance until families find a more firm solution. GISSV will offer emergency childcare for children Preschool-Grade 5 (or until 12 years of age) from 8 am - 1:30 pm Monday through Wednesday of next week, only to families in need. If you are in need of emergency childcare, please sign up here by noon this Friday and sign our waiver so we may plan accordingly.
We will keep you informed continuously throughout the next weeks. Please monitor our weekly Brief newsletter and other potential school emails.
We are truly grateful for your continued support during this unexpected situation. We would also like to thank all of our staff who continue to go above and beyond for our students.
Best regards,
Kathrin Röschel
Head of School
PS: No GISSV Brief will go out today. Thank you for your understanding.