Intensives Amended to Fit Distance Learning Format
Administrators detailed plans for “Extension” courses and LaunchPad given closure
Photo: Markus Spiske / Unsplash
Given the pandemic-induced campus closure, Intensives have been shortened and renamed. New “Extensions” will take place over 10 days — instead of the usual 13-day grading period — whether on campus or online.
Anticipating the end of spring semester and potentially prolonged distance learning, administrators announced plans for changes to the Intensive program and LaunchPad projects.
Described in an excerpt from an April 2 email from Interim Head of School Lila Lohr, Intensives will take on a new name — “Extensions” — and have been shortened from 13 to 10 school days.
Students and families should anticipate several days off typical classes to allow for the design of Extension courses, according to Lohr. The first Extension faculty planning days will occur on April 15 and 22, weeks prior to the planned start of Intensive classes on May 27.
“During the month of April, [faculty] teams will re-envision their courses, focusing on the most critical learnings and activities, and work through the details of how the days will be structured with both synchronized and asynchronized meetings,” Lohr said in the email.
Regardless of whether students remain in a virtual learning setting for the remainder of the school year, Lohr wrote that Extensions in their new form will take place.
As Lohr explained, courses will be designed “in a way that [will] only necessitate one plan that could be successfully implemented, whether we are still online or are fortunate enough to return to campus.”
Lohr shared that “a series of optional activities and suggestions” will be provided to students to explore during no-class days.
Beyond the shakeup of traditional Intensive courses, senior LaunchPad projects are also in flux due to prolonged distance learning. LaunchPad is a University Prep graduation requirement and has previously involved networking with community professionals.
Assistant Head of School for Academics and Strategic Initiatives Richard Kassissieh clarified the changing expectations of LaunchPad projects.
“We’re working on it,” Kassissieh said. “So far, I have asked seniors to submit their project idea and not worry about securing a mentor. We’ll see how things stand a few weeks from now and then determine what’s the best way to run a LaunchPad experience within the current environment.”
Lohr relayed that Extension plans will be shared once they become solidified.
“We will share those specific details when they are formalized,” she said.
