Running a school during a global pandemic was never in anyone’s lesson plans, but still, there are some important things we learned – and are learning! From the beginning, our first goal was to fully support our students and families, academically, socially, and emotionally. We made sure our students had the technology and access they needed to remain part of The Forum School’s vibrant and tightly knit school community. We sent frequent emails, made phone calls, and sent resources to student’s homes.

Teachers designed synchronous art lessons so our on-site and remote students could participate together.

Initially, remote instruction was like learning to swim in a tsunami, but quickly became a routine, with students and staff adjusting to new ways of doing things. We got (even more) creative with individualized instruction, with lesson plans that engaged students who were often miles apart physically, but in a single virtual classroom.

#ForumStrong

We learned to take every safety precaution, but not allow fear to limit our work. We were among the first schools in the state to re-open for in-person learning in the summer of 2020 with five full days of on-site learning each week. We have remained open ever since. Our spring semi-formal and other Forum traditions, including our living museum took a new form and location, but went off without a hitch.

We were reminded of our deep well of support. This spring, our 10th Annual Walk-A-Thon raised nearly $30,000 to help pay for new technology to support remote learning, as well as to develop new educational programs.

We also learned to make music 6 feet apart. Using safety protocols and an outdoor classroom, our choir began practicing together, creating connections through sound and song.

And of course, we dug into our core values as a school community and shined, knowing that options, choices, and flexibility would allow us to keep everyone moving forward.