July 1, 2020


Dear Congressional School Families,

I hope you are enjoying a restful summer and that this email finds you well and safe. As we continue to develop plans to bring Congressional School Together on September 2, I will share regular updates with the community. This communication is the first of a series of updates that will be delivered on the 1st and 15th of each month through the summer. 

In this letter I will share information about:
  • Congressional School’s Health & Safety Guidelines for a Safe Return to School
  • Bimodal learning, participation request form, bimodal town hall invitation
  • Four short videos outlining our flexible teaching and learning plans

HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR A SAFE RETURN TO SCHOOL

The goal of our Health & Safety Guidelines is to establish a framework for a safe reopening of campus. These guidelines are based on the most recent information and guidance from a number of different authorities and groups, including Virginia Department of Health, the Center for Disease Control, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Virginia Department of Social Services among others.

As we develop our plans to reopen our preschool - 8th grade classes on campus this fall, we have published a Health & Safety Guidelines webpage with policies and practices designed to keep our community healthy and safe. As our plans are finalized, updates will be posted to the page, so check back often. We will also notify you of any updates to this site in subsequent communications.   
BI-MODAL LEARNING

In our recent survey to parents, many of you expressed interest in learning more about bi-modal learning. This learning scenario will be available to students in kindergarten - 8th grade who must remain out of school temporarily due to COVID-19 related concerns. Bi-modal includes two separate modes of education with students learning in the classroom with simultaneous virtual learning for those students who must remain at home. Learn more about bi-modal learning .
Bi-modal learning will be offered on a trimester basis and families are asked to indicate their interest by completing a request form. After completion of the form, a virtual meeting will be scheduled with you to discuss your request. If you are interested in registering your student for bi-modal learning, please use the button below. NOTE: Requests must be received no later than July 15 .  

We are also planning a town hall meeting on Thursday, July 9 in which we will discuss bi-modal learning and answer questions you may have. There are two opportunities to participate, 1:00 pm or 7:00 pm, and as with previous town halls, you can pre-submit questions. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions during the town hall.
FLEXIBLE TEACHING AND LEARNING PLANS

In my previous communications, I mentioned our flexible approach to delivering a robust Congressional School education during the uncertainty of COVID-19. This approach involves four possible learning scenarios.

I am pleased to share with you our new animated videos that offer a brief overview of each of the scenarios. In addition, we have launched a Congressional School Together webpage with information, links, and answers to questions relating to our plans for this fall. 

Click any image below to watch the videos.
The summer months are proving to be very busy and productive for the Leadership Team and myself. We are celebrating our one month anniversary since welcoming our Infant and Toddler students and teachers back to campus, and we are looking forward to opening Congressional Camp on Monday, July 6.  

Plans are coming together quickly for modifications to campus to help us bring preschool - 8th grade students safely back to campus on September 2. I plan to communicate with you often over the summer and you can expect to receive another update on Wednesday, July 15. In the meantime, thank you for your continued support, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.  

Sincerely,
Edwin P. Gordon, PhD
Head of School