Students Welcomed Back From Spring Break Into Virtual Classrooms

Hamden Hall has launched its distance learning model, Virtual Halls Under the Pines, with PreSchool through Grade 12 faculty and students connecting online via myriad technology platforms.

Zoom video conferencing has enabled everything from Lower Schoolers having lunch with one another to Upper Schoolers continuing their AP classes. On Monday, members of the Middle School Book Club discussed the book, Life of Pi, by Yann Martel.

Head of School Bob Izzo credited the foresight and dedication of administrators and faculty for a near-seamless transition to the implementation of virtual classrooms and activities following the school’s return from spring break. Hamden Hall’s distance learning preparedness actually started nearly a decade ago when several snowstorms caused Connecticut schools to lose significant time. Through careful investment, Hamden Hall has since built a robust academic technology platform that enables faculty to utilize a full complement of technological resources to benefit students.

“We have an extremely dedicated team of educators who are committed to taking each step with our students in order to guide and support them in whatever manner is required. Teachers have worked tirelessly preparing lesson plans, instructions, and interactive activities as the priority for all of us is the continuance of excellence that is symbolic of a Hamden Hall education,” said Mr. Izzo.

He further maintained that, moving forward, parents and guardians should feel free to reach out to division administrators with any additional needs or assistance they may need.

In a video message to the student body on the last day of spring break, Mr. Izzo spoke of “new learning experiences” for all students no matter the grade level.

“Think of it as a new adventure, and embrace distance learning with a sense of wonderment and curiosity,” he said.

And the adventures have been endless! Music lessons, gym class, chem lab, outdoor gardening, and evening pajama party read-alouds have traversed Hamden Hall’s “cloud.”

Lower School Director Lorri Carroll noted that teachers have been “making the Lower School curriculum come to life” through interactive websites such as SeeSaw, Padlet, and Google Classroom.

“Students can record themselves and their teachers can give live feedback via audio, video, and/or text,” she said. “The students love seeing and hearing their teacher's voice.”

In the Upper School, Academic Dean Kim Porto noted the continuity of the Advisor System, wherein students meet in their respective groups with their assigned advisors to discuss academics, grades, and much more.

And the connectivity doesn’t end in our virtual classrooms. Students have opted in to their various extracurricular and after-school activities as well.

Middle School Director Brian Christman was impressed that students in his division completed the April Fool's edition of the newspaper, The Monthly Buzz, and were able to share it with their peers. Additionally, he said the Middle School Student Council continues its work and is engaging seventh- and eighth-graders with two division-wide initiatives: a Kahoot game and a Breakout game.

Mrs. Carroll cited the popularity and creativity of such community-building events as “Lunchtime with Hornet Friends” and “Mystery Reader,” during which a familiar face within the Hamden Hall community reads their favorite book to students who have opted in to the live afternoon episode.

Virtual assemblies have also become the new “norm.” The Lower School hosted role player/storyteller Anne Pasquale, who shared her program: Liberty Belles with a packed house! Students viewed various performances and engaged in live performer-moderated interactive chats.

The Upper School assembly on Friday featured a walk-thru of campus with Mr. Izzo as he visited – of course within the acceptable six feet apart distance space – with several faculty and staff members. A new student-driven Upper School assembly is also in production, according to Mrs. Porto.