Coronavirus

As a result of the ever-evolving pandemic and the toll it has taken, many students are struggling to find summer enrichment opportunities, jobs, and internships or have had their offers rescinded, leaving them in search of ways to gain skills and make the most of this time. This curated list of seminars, workshops, and self-guided learning opportunities will allow students to continue to develop and expand their skills, make friends, and have fun in the Summer of 2020.

Summer 2020 Resources

From the Festival of Learning design team comes This Summer @ MA, your guide to staying active, inspired, and engaged this summer, generated entirely by the MA community. Website design and creation credit goes to Jessie '21. There are numerous places on the site where you can submit ideas and add additional contributions if you would like to. 

Para ver este mensaje en español, haga clic aquí.
Đọc ở đây cho người việt nam.

Dear MA Students and Families,

In my June 26 letter to parents and guardians, I promised to share with you today our return to campus guidelines and other decisions about the start of school.

Since I sent that letter, our decision-making landscape has changed significantly. On July 3, Marin County was placed on the California watch list due to a spike in COVID-19 activity. On Wednesday, the Marin County Office of Public Health changed their guidance for reopening schools, pushing back in-person instruction. Today, the State of California mandated that all schools in counties that are on the governor’s COVID-19 watch list may not begin in-person instruction until the county has been off the watch list for 14 consecutive days. While our hope was to start classes in person, we will likely start school at the Level 4 Learning level, and continue in that mode until restrictions are lifted and guidelines evolve. I will be communicating with you more details in the coming weeks.

Since the first outbreak of the pandemic, our shared goal has been the health and safety of our students and employees. The developments of these past few days have put into very sharp relief for me just how important it is for us all to take personal and collective action to help slow and limit the spread of the coronavirus. We know what to do. Wear masks. Practice physical distancing. Wash our hands frequently. We are all deeply eager to return to campus in person. Now it is up to each and every one of us to take responsibility so we can help make this happen. It starts by doing our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Marin County.

This time has been exceedingly difficult for us as a nation; it has been a challenging set of circumstances in which to lead an independent school. That said, I’ve been encouraged by the enthusiasm and intention with which all members of our community have embraced these new and unfolding challenges. I’m also grateful for the fact that MA is well-poised to navigate the unfolding challenge of COVID-19 for the foreseeable future. First, we have exceptional faculty who have dedicated themselves this summer to extensive professional development in online and flexible learning modes. They are joined by talented administrators and dedicated staff members who are working diligently to ensure educational excellence for all of our students while protecting the health and safety of our community. Second, our campus affords us great flexibility for physically distanced in-person learning, both inside and outdoors. Finally, we have developed an incredibly robust plan for Instructional Continuity that will allow us to pivot quickly and intentionally between different learning levels as the pandemic evolves and guidelines change. In fact, our four-level learning framework and new quarter on/quarter off schedule positions us well for this very moment—and others to come.

We feel confident, well prepared, and nimble. And while we would very much love to welcome you to campus with open arms at the end of August, please know that we will welcome you with open hearts.

We will continue to communicate openly, honestly, and frequently as new information emerges.

Warmest Regards,

• What level will we start at next year?
• What protocols—like mask wearing or temperature taking—will be in place next year?
• What will happen with athletics and co-curriculars?

• 12th grade: Thursday, Aug 20, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
• 11th grade: Monday, Aug 24, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
• 10th grade: Monday, Aug 24, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
• 9th grade: Friday, Aug 21, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

• Seniors can come to campus today (Friday, May 22) between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. or tomorrow, (Saturday, May 23) between 10:00 a.m. and noon to pick up their cap and gown, yearbook, and a couple other special surprises. Please drive in the Circle, up to the porch at Foster Hall, wearing a face covering. You will not exit your car.
• 9th–11th graders can come to campus tomorrow (Saturday, May 23) between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. or Tuesday, May 26 between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. Please drive in the Circle, up to the porch at Foster Hall, wearing a face covering. You will not exit your car.

• Classes will start the week of August 24th as originally planned. Orientation for new students, sophomores, juniors, and seniors will take place the week of August 17th.
• Our schedule will be built to flex. We are prepared to meet the challenge of intermittent and unpredictable closures based on the trajectory of this pandemic, as well as the possibility that illness or immuno-compromised health may keep some students and teachers away from school for extended periods. We are building a schedule designed to minimize the impact of these inevitable disruptions in terms of scheduling, grading periods, workload demands, and assessments. Classes may be held face to face, or in a hybrid model, or in 100% virtual mode as circumstances warrant. The important thing to know is this: every day’s class schedule will remain constant even if the learning mode may vary.
• We will use our spaces differently. When we return to campus, we will do so in a way that complies with the most current guidelines and requirements for minimizing the risk of COVID-19 exposure for everyone in the MA community. This may include social distancing, minimizing overall campus density, grouping students and teachers into smaller classes, frequent sanitization measures, deep cleaning between groups, scheduled use of cafeteria and library, and re-envisioning our larger group gatherings such as class meetings, tutorials, and assemblies.
• Financial assistance will be available to families that need it. We recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has created significant economic disruption for our community, and we expect more students will need tuition assistance in the coming academic year. Marin Academy has set aside additional funds for tuition assistance in order to meet the demonstrated needs of our students and families.

• May 15—2020 Senior Art Exhibit: A digital exhibition to celebrate senior art students for their dedication and hard work, both this year and throughout their time at MA. Our wonderful tradition of Night of the Arts, presented by our Visual Arts department, moves online to showcase art work and reflections of senior art students this year with the 2020 Senior Art Exhibition.
• May 26-27—Marin Academy Research Collaborative Wildcat Colloquium: Our Senior MARCers will present the results of their research projects and answer questions during the 2020 Marin Academy Research Collaborative Wildcat Colloquium. Student presentations will be held during two evening Zoom sessions and a virtual reception for all Senior MARCers, their families, friends, and mentors will follow the second evening session.
• June 1—Festival of Learning/Athletic Banquet: We will celebrate our Festival of Learning and honor our student-athletes at this special assembly. All families will receive a Zoom invitation to participate.
• June 6—The 47th Commencement Ceremony at Marin Academy: A blended graduation (some virtual, some partially in person) celebrating the Class of 2020. At 10:00 a.m., we will begin our virtual graduation with speeches and music to celebrate the achievements of this extraordinary class. At 1:00 p.m., in predetermined groupings, the Class of 2020 will come to campus in groups of 10 cars with one family per car, drive up into the Circle and graduates will be able to receive their diploma at MA, in person. More details to follow.

• Routines will be messy or nonexistent, things may feel very out of sorts, and productivity may be at an all time low. And that’s okay! The anxiety of the current situation is a lot for us all to manage, and giving ourselves and our children permission to prioritize our mental health is so important. Reassure your teens that everyone is struggling to adjust to this new reality.
• I find it helpful to focus on this rare and uninterrupted family time. Years from now, our children won’t remember the schedule they had during these strange months. However, they will remember how their families made them feel loved and gave them a sense of safety in a time where so much is uncertain and unknown.

• Self care. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and your own needs. It may be tempting to put ourselves aside to care for others in our family, especially when we see that our children are struggling. However, prioritizing our own mental and physical health is just as important.
• Create a safe space for your student to talk, if they want. Let them know that you’re here to talk with them whenever they feel ready, and allow them to determine when and if they want to engage. You might say something like “I know this is all really difficult and overwhelming. I’m here if you want to talk about it, and it’s also okay if you don’t want to talk.” Give them the choice and space to decide what feels best to them.
• See something, say something. If you are worried that something deeper is happening and you’re noticing changes in sleeping/eating patterns and behavior, name your worry. Again, no need to press them to open up, but letting them know that you’re worried might help them feel seen. You could say “I’ve noticed that you aren’t sleeping a lot these days and I’m worried. If there’s something you want to talk about, I’m here. And if you don’t want to talk, that’s okay, though I will probably check in with you about how you’re feeling because I love you and I care about you.” You can let them know that there are other supports available (school counselor, another trusted adult, outside therapist) available to them if they would feel more comfortable speaking to someone else.
• Work to validate and not solve. When your students come to you with a social, academic, or personal issue, I imagine most parents are ready with a list of amazing suggestions to help. However, for many of us when we’re feeling upset or anxious, we just need to talk and have someone hear and validate our feelings. Let your teen know that you completely understand their feelings, and that you’re feeling frustrated too. Let them know that they’re doing a great job balancing all of these new challenges and that if they want to talk through ideas of ways to manage this time, you’re here to help them brainstorm.
• The importance of naming feelings. Right now, emotions are running high and when your teen yells at you, lashes out at their sibling, or won’t come out of their room (all ways of externalizing their emotions), they might need your help in naming what’s happening for them. Simply saying “It sounds like you’re angry that you can’t see your friends, and I totally understand that feeling” can help calm them down and reduce their anxiety.

• 9th Grade Practice Form: Registering for Sophomore Year
• 10th Grade Practice Form: Registering for Junior Year
• 11th Grade Practice Form: Registering for Senior Year

1. You will remain in your regular classes for 4 weeks after break, ending on May 8. As noted earlier, this is one week longer than you originally planned.
2. You will NOT (unlike what I wrote when I thought we would be returning to campus on May 4) continue in your classes working on “non-evaluative work that focuses on creativity and connection.” Instead, between May 11–29 you will work on a “passion project” (individually or partnering remotely with peers) and you will have a range of options from which to choose, including “design your own project.” The restrictions will be looser than the original senior project; instead, you will focus on and dedicate time to a particular area of need, interest, or growth that you would like to pursue. We will create space to virtually share out these projects between June 1–3. Juliet, Lynne, Mya, and I are working on these details, and we will get them to you as soon as possible.
3. There’s no easy way to say this. Senior experiences—WQ, backpacking, environmental studies, and night photography/car camping—have been canceled. We are examining what types of optional opportunities might be able to be put together for the future.

• Although coaches will continue to communicate with their teams, there will be no more practices, games or final contests—the spring season has concluded;
• We will be communicating by the end of next week about the end of year from an academic perspective, including how we will conclude final arts performances and shows;
• I will continue doing Zooms for parents and also with students;
• We are working on our end of year culminating events, including graduation, and will communicate in the next two weeks or so.

@MarinAcademyHOS

• If you need to reach the school during this time of closure, please email reception@ma.org instead of calling.
• If your child will be absent please email attendance@ma.org.
• If you have a concern about your student please email Lynne Hansen.

• If you need to reach the school during this time of closure, please email reception@ma.org instead of calling.
• If your child will be absent please email attendance@ma.org.
• If you have a concern about your student please email Lynne Hansen.

• If you need to reach the school during this time of closure, please email reception@ma.org instead of calling.
• If your child will be absent please email attendance@ma.org.
• If you have a concern about your student please email Lynne Hansen.

1. Please do not call the school during this time and leave voicemails, communicate through email only.
2. If your child will be absent please email attendance@ma.org, and if you have a concern about your student please email Lynne Hansen.

1. Remember to check your email at least daily. Teachers will be communicating through it, and you don't want to miss anything.
2. Look for Zoom or Google Hangout meeting requests from your teachers. That's how you'll be able to "get into" your virtual classrooms. (Pro etiquette tip: always mute yourself when not speaking.)
3. Remember backdrop matters. Whether using Google Hangouts Meet or Zoom, please don't video chat from your bedroom or from other spaces that have overly personal items in the background (the horror stories we've heard ...). I also realize this isn't possible for everyone: with parents, siblings, or others also needing to work remotely, space may be challenging. So wherever you are, DO make sure your background is appropriate for school. Worried about showing any of backdrop? If you're using Zoom, you can also use a computerized backdrop. See how here.
4. As a reminder, we will have regular class times tomorrow and then starting Thursday for one full week. There are no classes this Tuesday and Wednesday (March 17–18), nor are there classes on Friday, March 27.
5. Teachers will be available for tutorial on all class days. Look for Google Hangout/Zoom invites to join. If you need one-on-one support, please email your teacher directly.
6. Advisory will happen on Wednesday, March 25. Look for the invite from your advisor.
7. There are no assemblies during the next two weeks.

1. The student wants to work on the project and chooses to be on campus
2. The parent(s)/guardian(s) consent to the student being on campus to work on their MARC project
3. There are no more than 2 students in the lab at a time
4. Stori or Mary Kay voluntarily choose to be in the lab with the student(s)
5. The day/time is scheduled with Stori or Mary Kay during appointed times and KaTrina is made aware

Dear Scholars,

As you read from Travis, out of an abundance of caution, we have made the decision to transition from on-campus classes at Marin Academy to our distance learning model, based on a protocol we’ve developed for when school is closed for up to 6 days, beginning next Thursday, March 19. Athletics and other co-curricular activities (including Outings) will be suspended beginning today, March 13th. Marin Academy itself is not ‘closing’; academics will continue online as previously shared.

Timeline and Virtual Instruction Processes

As indicated just a few days ago, we will move to a distance-learning model using the video conferencing software Google Hangouts/Meet, something you already have access to. (Note: it is possible some teachers will use Zoom, but they will prepare you for that if it occurs.) As a reminder, the MA class schedule will remain constant, though online, with students and teachers meeting at their regular times but in a virtual classroom. Learning will happen both synchronously (students working together), and asynchronously (students learning at their own pace, not all at the same time). We will follow this schedule through Thursday, March 26th.

Here are what the remaining days leading up to spring break will look like:

I have greatly appreciated hearing from many of you about your desire to continue learning and from seeing your willingness to move forth with flexibility and generosity. Thank you. We will do this together!

With care (but with appropriate social distance),

KaTrina

• MA Promise: Fund-a-Need: Please consider supporting this innovative program to fund next year’s MA Promise Scholars. Under the MA Promise, any admitted family whose income falls below $100,000 annually will pay no tuition. Additionally, families who earn more than $100,000 annually will pay only what they're able to afford. Our goal is to fund several students for next year’s 2024 class. You can donate in increments from $250 - $25,000.
• Parties & Gatherings: Secure your spot at 20+ incredible MA Parties! There is something for everyone - class parties, intimate dinners, Ultimate Frisbee, CrossFit, yoga, and outdoor hikes. These parties are fun and engaging ways to connect with other MA families. Parties fill up quickly!
• MA Exclusives: Our community members have donated an unbelievable array of unique vacation homes, sporting events, and once in a lifetime experiences. Here you will find your only chance to buy Dead & Company tickets with backstage passes, BACKROADS trip or coveted MA student parking spaces. Bid soon, as these items are going fast.
• Wine: We have over 90 lots of unique and collectible wine donated by our MA community. Help us reach our two bids per item goal by placing your bid today! We have an outstanding online wine catalog - lots range from $60 to $1,000. Historically we have sold about 90% of the auction wine at the actual event, so this year it’s even more important to bid online. Don’t miss out on these rare finds.

1. Stay home if you are sick or if you have a persistent cough. Teachers, advisors and class deans will support your catching up while out. Please remain home for 48 hours after you are free from fever and a productive cough.
2. For students recovering at home, check MyMA and contact your classmates and teachers to determine the best way to stay involved with the work at school.
3. Wash hands right before and right after class.
4. Protect others from your cough or sneeze. Your best choice is to cough/sneeze into a tissue and quickly dispose of it, and the second choice is into your elbow. Clothes that you cough/sneezed into should be washed before wearing again.
5. Avoid hand to hand contact by waving or greeting with elbows instead of handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, etc.
6. Be informed: follow and listen to the CDC and county departments of health and be mindful of the rise in racism towards Asians and Asian-Americans—in both the media and in our communities—since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak.

• Test the camera and microphone on your laptop and make sure they both work. If not go to the tech office for help ASAP.
• If you do not have reliable internet service at home, please let KaTrina and/or Kyle know so we can help find a solution for you.
• View and read emails daily.
• Bring home textbooks, novels, classwork, folders, devices, chargers, and any other resources that might be necessary for learning daily.
• Determine, with family support, the best place to attend class virtually. This should be a spot with minimal distractions and with nothing too personal (or inappropriate for school) in the background.
• Make sure your laptop is fully charged or able to stay plugged in before classes begin.
• If you have them, identify headphones/earphones you can wear and make sure they are charged if necessary.
• Run a practice Google Hangouts Meeting to test equipment and space. Family members can assist you with this, being a collaborator from another room, or you can set up a test meeting with a group of peers.
• If your teachers review their online plans with you as a class, help them think of any ways you as students can be helpful in a virtual school experience. Also, help them to think about obstacles that you might encounter in the type of work you typically do in that type of class.
• We all need to work together to move through this with flexibility and generosity.
• If you know school will be meeting virtually, look for and accept any Google Hangouts/Meet “invites” by teachers (for classes, advisory, etc.)

• Continue to dress in school-appropriate attire
• Continue to follow school and class guidelines for respectful discourse and behavior
• Get online several minutes before each class; have MyMA course page open as well as Google Hangouts Meet
• Login to your classes using the Google Hangout Meets calendar invites sent by teachers
• Follow your teacher’s instructions for each class
• If you become ill while at home, please 1) have your parents email lneville@ma.org and report your illness and 2) inform your teachers, advisor and class dean, all of whom will support you getting back on track once you are feeling better.
• Communicate! If you are struggling with the lessons or workload for any reason, please let your teachers and advisor know so you can get the support you need.
• be flexible
• be curious
• be generous of spirit

• Students and teachers will begin together at the start of class on the regular schedule. Classes should all start with a Google Hangouts/Meet.
• Class time and work time should equal 75 minutes. Learning can happen both synchronously (students working together), and asynchronously (students learning at their own pace, not all at the same time).
• Advisory and tutorials will continue online. Your teachers/advisors will communicate more about this.

• A Block: Day 1 (8:00–9:00)
• B Block: Day 3 (1:00–2:00)
• C: Block: Day 5 (1:00–2:00)
• D Block: Day 2 (8:00–9:00)
• E Block: Day 2 (9:30–10:30)
• F Block: Day 4 (9:30–10:30)
• G Blocks: Day 6 (9:30–10:30)

1. The advisor contacts all of the teachers asking about missed work. Missed work is usually collected in a Google Doc and shared with both the student and family.
2. As needed, the advisor (in conjunction with the class dean) puts together a plan for making up missed assessments.
3. Teachers show empathy as students get back on track.

• Increased and regular van cleanings and disinfection, as well as the accessibility to disinfectants, hand sanitizer and face masks for “positions” that need them.
• We are requesting students to stay home when they are sick. Also students should follow preventive measures provided by the CDC.

• Encourage students and staff to stay home when they are sick.
• Those who have a fever at school should go home and stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication.
• Separate sick students and staff from others until they can be picked up to go home.
• The Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
• Promote hand hygiene among students and staff through education, scheduled time for handwashing, and availability of soap and water and/or hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Teach and encourage proper cough etiquette—cough or sneeze into a tissue, sleeve, or arm (do not use hands).
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash or sanitize hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing

• wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• avoid contact with people who are sick
• stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others
• cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing

• you have traveled from affected geographic areas in the 14 days before your illness began, OR
• you have been identified by the health department as a recent close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case or had recent close contact with someone who is being evaluated for novel coronavirus infection.

Before you go to a doctor's office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions about how to get care quickly while preventing exposure to others. Your healthcare provider will evaluate you to determine whether you should be tested for COVID-19.