Blog
Online Learning Updates & Highlights
shareOur lives look very different these days; so does our school. But our mission, vision, and core values have stayed the same. Friendship Christian School is committed to the present and future education of each student!
On March 18, FCS transitioned to online instructional days. The short-term plan was to continue classes this way for a week and a half leading up to Spring Break. No one knew exactly how the situation with COVID-19 would progress, but before leaving for Spring Break, parents were sent details on a long-term educational plan as well. Due to government restrictions on the national and state levels, the school transitioned to remote learning that will continue through the end of the academic school year. As Mr. Nelson, Head of School, put it so clearly back when all of this began to unfold, God is the Captain, and we are safe and secure in His arms. We could not be more proud of our teachers, students, and families. Together we have transitioned smoothly to online learning, and we want to share some highlights with you!
Daily Videos
In order to make sure all educational requirements are fulfilled, middle school and high school classes are operating on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday and Tuesday/Thursday alternating block schedule. Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle school, and high school teachers are using Screencastify to record and share new lesson videos with their classes.
Classroom Organization
For preschool and elementary classes, an email is sent home every evening with the videos, assignments, tests, and quizzes for students to complete. Teachers also send information on specials (choir, music, PE, computer, Spanish, and art).
Middle school and high school classes have organized all materials in Google Classroom. Students know where to check for daily videos, attendance forms, participation checkups, emails, and any extra items needed for class.
Live Meetings
Preschool and elementary classes meet live twice a week through Zoom meetings. Middle school and high school classes meet once a week. These meetings are in addition to regular lectures and classwork for the day and are not required, though many students enjoy having a time to catch up with their teachers and classmates and get any questions answered that they may have. Mrs. Pedder (1st grade) said, “I’m praying for God’s protection for my families daily and our quick return so I can see those beautiful smiling faces in person! We are thankful to God for the technology to bring us face to face to connect with our friends each week.”
First grade is having lots of fun connecting through their Zoom meetings! They had Bring Your Pet Day last week, Silly Hat or Hairstyle Day this week, and next week they will have Little Chef Day – students will be making and showing their food creations! Special times in first grade!
Mrs. Howze’s senior speech class is using Zoom to complete their Lincoln-Douglas debates. Students worked with partners and debated through Zoom!
In addition to these class meetings, Mr. Nelson holds a weekly Head of School Zoom meeting where school parents are welcome to attend and ask questions.
Activities and Projects
We have loved seeing other fun projects and activities our students have completed during this time!
Mrs. Goodson’s fifth grade class did a science project at home. They created their own lung!
Transitional Kindergarten celebrated Easter with lots of fun Easter crafts and activities from home.
Mrs. Loy’s third grade completed a weather project.
We are proud of our students and all they have accomplished already! Miss Boehme (6th grade) said, “I am so thankful to have a group of students who love to learn and engage in the classroom. They have been no different during online learning. My sixth graders have stepped up to the challenge and become responsible for their own learning. Most students are online first thing in the morning completing assignments. They have shown great maturity and responsibility. I miss interacting with them face to face, but it has been a privilege to watch them grow and adapt during the last few weeks.”
Mrs. Pedder (1st grade) said she loves when she receives pictures from students who are being faithful and diligent in their learning! “When a student emails me a picture of them happily working it just makes my day!”
A few other quick highlights:
- The teachers in the Specialized Learning Center are continuing to work with students and parents enrolled in this program!
- Grade-level chapel devotionals are being sent each week for students and parents.
- We will be introducing virtual tours in the next week! If you’re not a part of our FCS family yet but are interested in hearing more about our school, watch our general virtual tour, or schedule a personalized virtual tour with our admissions director, Sherry Bovard – admissions@friendshipchristian.net.