Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating Students in PreSchool through Grade 12

Virtual Halls Under The Pines - Distance Learning

Virtual Halls Under The Pines - Distance Learning

Discover our “Virtual Halls Under the Pines” Distance Learning Program

Hamden Hall has always been a leader in educational excellence. Our distance learning model continues that mission and employs the best tools and pedagogy to ensure that the Hamden Hall Experience remains the priority for our school community.

The following is an overview of the commitment we make to our students and their families across all three divisions. Our distance learning plan utilizes a combination of asynchronous and synchronous methodologies for delivery of instruction while integrating other technological and creative elements to foster meaningful interaction and community-building. Our Administrative Team continues to communicate each day with faculty to customize distance learning plans that are age-appropriate and mindful of our students and their families.


List of 6 items.

  • Virtual Halls Under the Pines Overview

    The following is an overview of the commitment we make to our students and their families across all three divisions. Our distance learning plan utilizes a combination of asynchronous and synchronous methodologies for delivery of instruction while integrating other technological and creative elements to foster meaningful interaction and community-building. Our Administrative Team continues to communicate each day with faculty to customize distance learning plans that are age-appropriate and mindful of our students and their families.
    • Distance learning requires the same level of courtesy as a regular classroom. Punctuality, politeness, and participation are as important as ever.
    • Our teachers will seek to keep students as engaged as possible in learning new material and skills so that our semester moves forward.
    • Faculty will continue to assess student work along the way, and there will be multiple ways for students and their families to connect with teachers on those assessments.  For example, Spring Parent Conferences will take place via phone or video conference.
    • Extra help and learning support have been weaved into the schedules of all three divisions. Emotional support and counseling are also available from our in-house professionals.
    • Middle and Upper School students will engage in two synchronous classes during regularly scheduled class times each week. Additionally, students will also partake in two asynchronous assignments each week, which will allow them to work at their own pace.
    • Lower School students will receive their assignments and activities each day by 9 a.m. and are expected to complete their work within regular school day hours.
    • Maintaining community connections - especially in our Lower School - is a priority. As such, we will offer weekly events via Zoom including:  Mystery Reader, Pajama Party Read-Aloud for Early Childhood Families, Lunchtime with Hornet Friends, and Assemblies, replete with the Pledge of Allegiance and our school song.
    • Our entire team is equipped to be responsive to the needs of our school community - especially in terms of what is working and, conversely, not working. Fortunately, our administrators and faculty were well ahead in their planning and embracing of virtual classroom opportunities.

  • Community-Building

    Connectivity during these socially distant times is so important and exactly why community-building events and programming are woven into Hamden Hall's distance learning model currently in place for students at all levels.

    “Obviously a very large part of the school day for students of all ages is the social component and engagement with friends and teachers. We have always likened our school community to that of a family – as was established under our second headmaster, Herbert H. Vreeland Jr., in 1927. As such, it was imperative that our distance learning curriculum include programming and activities that support and advance community-building,” maintained Head of School Bob Izzo.

    Interaction among students may be digital at this point, but it’s widespread within each division – including during the all-important lunch hour!

    Video conferencing has enabled Lower Schoolers to view and chat with their schoolmates while eating lunch and taking a break from their virtual classes. Middle Schoolers have been able to do the same with their Middle School Advocates – those juniors and seniors who mentor and act as role models to the seventh- and eighth-graders.

    Virtual assemblies also help enhance community as students all “tune in” at the same time to view outside guests, fellow students, and familiar faculty faces.

    The Lower School has continued its tradition of singing the school song and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of assemblies.

    The continuation of extracurricular clubs within all divisions is also a critical component of community-building. For example, the Upper School Chess Club coordinates digital chess tournaments for students to engage with one another.

    Lower School extended courses also allow for virtual social engagement.

    Adding an extra day of virtual advisory meetings for Middle School students has also been important, according to Middle School Director Brian Christman.

    “We start and end the week in advisory, so we can talk to the kids about how to stay connected and then follow up with them to talk about how it went. Students are definitely hungry for the connection. Attendance at club meetings has been excellent. They appreciate the opportunity to brainstorm and identify ways to improve their lives and others’ lives during a tough time. They keep coming up with new ideas every time we get together,” said Mr. Christman.

  • Distance Learning Curriculum Content Lower School

    Our Lower School distance learning curriculum was designed with two goals in mind:

    First, to maintain the continuity of learning as much as possible.

    Second, to ensure that our students continue to feel the strength of the Hamden Hall community and our unwavering support for them.

    Lower School virtual classrooms are in session between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, with teachers extending their availability until 4 p.m., if needed. Students are expected to complete their work during these scheduled times and days.

    Our OnCampus Learning Management System is the hub of assignments and activities posted. Each weekday morning by 9 a.m., homeroom teachers post assignments and activities to be completed that day. Throughout the week, live sessions are scheduled for activities such as Morning Meeting, whole class and small group instruction, individual lessons, family check-ins, and extra help. Specialists (art, science, music/theatre, physical education, language, and library) will assign one activity per week on a predetermined day. Our teachers have considered developmentally appropriate ways to instruct, collaborate, and provide feedback.

    Google Suite products such as: Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc., are predominantly used, especially with older students. Additionally, our Pearson Math program has an online module. Homeroom teachers communicate additional details about the specific tools and materials needed for each student’s grade level. These can include but are not limited to: Zoom, Padlet, Seesaw, WriteReader, Epic! and FlipGrid.

    Our entire learning support team is available to help students and caregivers navigate online resources. Additionally, our school psychologist Dr. Tom Fahy is also available for emotional support, as needed.

    Given the ages of our students, it is especially important for caregivers to monitor student’s work throughout the day. We encourage parents to create as much of a school-like atmosphere at home as possible. It would also be useful to identify a productive space in the house where work can be completed without additional distractions. While we understand that everyone will have different circumstances during distance learning, the more we can all do to maximize student productivity, the better off everyone will be.

  • Distance Learning Curriculum Content Middle School

    We designed the Middle School daily schedule for distance learning with two goals in mind:

    First, to maintain the continuity of learning as much as possible.

    Second, to ensure that our students continue to feel the strength of the Hamden Hall community and our unwavering support for them.

    The Middle School daily schedule reflects a modified weekly schedule that includes time for both synchronous classes via Zoom and asynchronous classes that include a wide variety of learning experiences, as appropriate for each specific academic discipline. Each full-year course meets twice a week via Zoom and works independently (but in close contact with the teacher) twice a week to allow students more flexibility in when they complete their assignments or spend time online.

    Class periods are scheduled for the same time each day, with morning breaks of 15 minutes to allow students to take a break or stay after class to talk to the teacher and a consistent lunch break before the afternoon class. Extra help is available between 11 and 11:30 a.m., with all Middle School faculty offering special Zoom meetings that students can join and leave as necessary. Additionally, the virtual school week begins and ends with advisory meetings to better facilitate communication and connectivity with students.

    The Director of Middle School along with faculty post weekly challenges that engage the entire division and are inclusive of components such as community service, individual creativity, physicality, and more. Virtual assemblies generate ongoing community spirit among students and faculty as does a Middle School Student Council-generated TV show that features humor, good news, and tips for staying happy and healthy. Other community-building initiatives include division-wide virtual experiences such as Kahoot games and Escape Room challenges, virtual lunches with Middle School Advocates, the online version of the Middle School newspaper, The Buzz, and after-school clubs and activities such the Book Club and Mathcounts.

    A variety of athletic activities are shared via Zoom to help students maintain fitness while staying at home.
    Information and reminders about classes, required materials, and assignments are shared with students via our OnCampus learning management system at the beginning of each week, as always during the school year.

  • Distance Learning Curriculum Content Upper School

    We designed the Upper School daily schedule for distance learning with two goals in mind:
    • First, to maintain the continuity of learning as much as possible.
    • Second, to ensure that our students continue to feel the strength of the Hamden Hall community and our unwavering support for them.
    The Upper School daily schedule reflects a modified weekly schedule that includes time for both synchronous classes via Zoom and asynchronous classes that include a wide variety of learning experiences, as appropriate for each specific academic discipline. Each full-year course meets twice a week via Zoom and works independently (but in close contact with the teacher) twice a week to allow students more flexibility in when they complete their assignments or spend time online.

    Class periods are scheduled for the same time each day, with morning breaks of 15 minutes to allow students to take a break or stay after class to talk to the teacher and a consistent lunch break before the afternoon class. Extra help is available between 2 and 3 p.m., and clubs and advisory groups are scheduled to fit the participants’ availability throughout the week.

    In addition, the Academic Dean posts a creative challenge to students each week and shares a student-generated assembly. A variety of athletic activities are shared via Zoom to help students maintain fitness while staying at home.

    Information and reminders about classes, required materials, and assignments are shared with students via our OnCampus learning management system at the beginning of each week, as always during the school year.
     
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  • Technology and OnCampus Learning Management System

    Through careful planning and investment, Hamden Hall built a robust academic technology platform that enables our faculty to utilize the technology and Internet resources at their disposal to the benefit of our students. Teachers are able to interact, at the appropriate grade level, with students through our learning management system, OnCampus and GSuite, as well as via email. Our distance learning program builds off of this foundation to provide continuity of instruction in ways in which students are already familiar. 
     
    • In Upper and Middle School, our OnCampus Learning Management System and the Google Suite will support the bulk of our learning. In addition, we will be using Zoom for Education to facilitate synchronous virtual classes. We have chosen platforms that work with devices students already own. If families need to purchase a new device, we have recommendations on our website.     
    • In Lower School, students should have access to a device with internet access and the ability to participate in online virtual classes and activities. Students will be using a variety of online learning tools that have been thoughtfully chosen based on grade level. Our OnCampus Learning Management System will become the hub of assignments and activities posted.
    • A reliable internet connection is critical for distance learning, particularly when using tools that involve video and audio. We have provided students and families with some helpful tips for improving WiFi at home. 
    • The Information Technology staff is available to help support students and families during this time. Students can request support through their teacher, advisor or dean. 
    Read More

Wellness Resources

While the Hamden Hall school community is engaged in our distance learning model, please note that our school psychologist, Dr. Tom Fahy, and other members of our faculty and administration are available to assist students with counseling and emotional support.

Dr. Fahy, along with Administrator Suzanne Hamlin-Smith, suggest the following counseling resources to assist students and families with their emotional health and wellness during this time.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus / PBS

Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 | CDC

APA COVID-19 Information and Resources

COVID-19 and your mental health - Mayo Clinic

Coping With COVID-19-Related Stress As A Student

COVID-19 Resources

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List of 6 news stories.

Archive

A Day in Our Virtual Classrooms

Early Childhood Virtual Classroom


Learn more about our Early Childhood Distance Learning Model from Early Childhood Director Catelin Fee, who walks viewers through a typical virtual school day for PreSchoolers and PreKindergartners. Click above to view.

Grade 2 Virtual Classroom


Learn more about our Lower School Distance Learning Model from Director of Lower School Lorri Carroll, who walks viewers through a typical Grade 2 virtual school day. Click above to view.

Grade 4 Virtual Classroom


Learn more about our Lower School Distance Learning Model from Director of Lower School Lorri Carroll, who walks viewers through a typical Grade 4 virtual school day. Click above to view.

Middle School Virtual Program


Learn more about our Middle School Distance Learning Model from Director of Middle School Brian Christman, who expounds on the weekly schedule and synchronous and asynchronous classes. Viewers are also offered a glimpse of some live Grade 7 and 8 Zoom lessons. Click above to view.

Middle School Challenge: Backyard Obstacle Course


Our Middle School faculty provide a weekly challenge to students that can incorporate myriad elements, such as community service, physicality, creativity, and more. Click above to view an example of the recent backyard obstacle course challenge. Try your hand at creating an obstacle course for your family using everyday resources from around your home, such as snow tires and athletic equipment!

Turtle King Video Series

Hamden Hall has a variety of marine life throughout many of its science classrooms on campus.  Our special "Turtle King" videos feature live Friday afternoon feedings of the three turtles who reside in our Bayer Family Lower School Science Center. 

1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.