Seven Bridges School Goes Virtual

Since Seven Bridges School is now closed until April 15, 2020, due to Governor Ron DeSantis’ mandate for closure of public and private schools to protect us from exposure to the Corona Virus COVID 19, the students at Seven Bridges School are seeing their teachers and classmates virtually.

Faculty and leadership team of SBS put together a platform for teaching students virtually utilizing the latest technologies available. From Google Classroom, to Zoom, to YouTube, and other applications that vary with grades, students are able to sign in at roll call and continue their daily course work.

Online learning is not a novelty at SBS where it is common for students to be engaged online in programs such as Scientific Learning’s Fast ForWord, Reading Assistant Plus, Mathletics and many more.   The virtual classrooms still feature SBS small class sizes and as much one-on-one attention from their teachers as possible during those classes. Private zoom classes are scheduled as requested.

“I have been conferencing with other heads of school around Florida through the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) to gather any information from other school leaders that would make our transition to a virtual school easier,” commented Director Nancy W. Alberts, M.Ed., BCCS.  “What I discovered was that with our style of teaching at SBS, which already consists of the utilization of computers and communication technologies, it would be much easier for us because we are almost already there.  However, during lunch period in Ms. Tully’s class one day this week I walked by and heard behind the door the laughter and conversations of children. It sounded just like the children were in class enjoying each other’s company and friendship, and they were not physically, but virtually. Our students and your children are leading us in a time of crisis to the joy we are able to find in each other’s company virtually, if only for a while.”

On March 23, teachers dedicated a single day to adapting their lessons plans on Google Classroom for the Zoom online meeting platform. Even though most of them have never led virtual classrooms, they were teaching online the very next day.

Over the last week, SBS teachers have developed a routine and schedule leading their students through a Virtual Learning Platform.

“The biggest thing is staying connected with each student.  We acknowledge that it’s really hard for everybody- parents, teachers, and students. Everyone at SBS is striving to keep things as typical as possible during this time of uncertainties,” commented Ms. Alberts.

Some teachers have established temporary classrooms in their homes, complete with motivational posters, whiteboards and charts. Teachers who opt to teach from the school have direct access to their classrooms, and they can avoid interaction with staff.

For all the students at Seven Bridges School, their days still revolve around the study of English, science, math, history, Spanish, and reading and joining their classmates, every day Virtually. Even music, art, robotics, computer, movement, ASL and more are rockin’!