Based on current guidance from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Town of Tyngsborough (the Academy’s host community), the Academy of Notre Dame is preparing for and planning on starting the 2020-2021 School Year with in-person learning for full days for all grade levels, PreK through Grade 12.
Located on a 200+ acre campus, NDA is planning to take learning outdoors! Noted NDA Head of School Dr. Vittoria Pacifico, “We have truly missed our students here at NDA and we are excited that NDA has the capacity to welcome students back to campus. Our model for success has always focused on small class sizes where students receive individualized attention in a safe and supportive learning environment. This year our learning environment will include taking teaching outside.”
When teaching is moved indoors, the Academy fully expects to meet state guidelines for maximum social distancing (6 feet) between students due to their small class sizes, spacious classrooms and available space within the school building. NDA is also planning to monitor younger students' tolerance for masks and social distancing and bring in additional classroom aides if needed.
Over the summer, the Academy reinforced connections with NDA families and local residents by providing free virtual classes for kids. Classes include everything from computer programming to juggling and clowning to first aid. With these fun and interactive classes, NDA students and area children enjoyed opportunities to socialize with peers and to help combat summer learning loss.
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“We are hearing from many parents who are concerned about educational assessments and whether their students truly learned during the period of prolonged distance learning." Dr. Pacifico said. "At the Academy, classes resumed on March 16th, just a few days after schools closed, with well-planned and comprehensive remote learning. In addition, all children in PreK through Grade 12 were expected to participate in regular weekly scheduled video conference classes as well as present completed work. Our Middle and Upper School students received marks for the end of the school year.”
According to Dr. Corinne Merritt, incoming NDA Academic Dean and Principal for PreK-5, the first few days of the 2020-2021 school year will be spent administering assessments to ensure that students have learned and retained core curricula. Dr. Merritt will work with faculty at all grade levels to create personal learning plans for those students who may need support and extra resources to catch up to grade level expectations.
“Taking the time to meet with every student and determine their base knowledge of core concepts is critical to ensure students do not become frustrated or discouraged with their own learning,” said Dr. Merritt. “This is especially important for the lower grades when students learn fundamental concepts such as multiplication and reading comprehension.”
To learn more about enrolling your student at NDA, please visit their website at https://www.ndatyngsboro.org/, review the Admissions information, and schedule a personal tour.
Academy of Notre Dame
180 Middlesex Rd
Tyngsboro MA 01879
(978) 649-7611
Website: http://www.ndatyngsboro.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ndatyngsboro/
