We believe that the 100% Cyber Model is the safest way for us to open school within the present conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the event that conditions change and are able to meet the following criterion we are prepared to transition to a hybrid model. The criterion for transition to a hybrid model are:
- Moderate or Low Risk for community spread as articulated by the Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health.
- Two weeks of declining cases of COVID as articulated by the Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health.
- City declaration of being in the Green Phase without modification.
In the event that the criteria are met and we transition to a hybrid model parents will still have the option to continue 100% cyber instruction. Details of the hybrid model are posted on our website and will be shared during a Parent Townhall prior to a shift from the 100% cyber model.
Our theme for this year is Wazia Tena which is Swahili for think again/reconsider. We have been challenged to reimagine:
- How we will deliver instruction in the age of covid-19;
- The educational opportunities that we wish to expose our students to
while at the same time continuing to:
- Increase academic outcomes for all of our students.
- Become reflective practitioners of our craft and take ownership of all responsibilities as they relate to our roles.
- Encourage our students each and every day with not only empathy but heshima and love.
- Deepen the relationships with our families to nurture them into being the resources and partners we need to develop our students.
As we reimagine our educational programming we are excited about:
- Expansion of partnerships to include Esperanza College, Arcadia University, Manor College, and Community College of Philadelphia for 11th & 12th grade students allowing them to participate in fully funded dual enrollment courses.
- Additional funding allocated for college and career readiness opportunities.
- Cross institutional courses and professional development.
- Opportunities to collaborate with students across the globe.
- Programming that supports students’ social and emotional health with opportunities to engage with peers, guest speakers, lecturers, professionals, etc.
- Ways to leverage our full-time cadre of student supportive services that include virtual sessions with our school counselor, behavior specialist, school nurse, speech therapist, case managers, ELL specialists, and more.
- Adoption of weekly virtual clubs/workshops/electives for all students that cover an array of high interest topics/content areas.
- Provision of manipulatives to support a robust menu of course/club offerings.
Our school climate is something that we have always been proud of here at Imhotep and we will continue to connect with our families in the virtual environment. Climate Staff will support our students as Village Parents by:
- Checking our student’s grades, reminding them of important upcoming assignments, and keeping track of participation;
- Communicating with parents weekly on their student’s progress; and
- Communicating with students for mental and physical health checks and making referrals for specialized supports when necessary.
Each of our students will be well equipped to fully engage in our cyber model. Every student will be issued a chromebook to connect with their facilitators and online resources. Students will also be provided with manipulatives and instructional materials that will make their online experience engaging and relevant. So, make room on the dining room table for your biology student to participate in a dissection, your art student to paint a canvas, and students in yoga to sprawl across the floor!
These final weeks of August will be very busy as we conduct our summer institute training for our new and returning staff. We will miss staff members who are no longer working directly with our students but remain embedded in our hearts. Please take a moment to welcome our new family members who are joining us this school year:
