Parents attend first virtual back-to-school nights
Ransom Everglades parents didn't exactly go back to school on this year's Back-to-School Nights – they gathered in living rooms across South Florida, opened their laptops and clicked into each of their child's classes, popping onto tiled screens with other parents to virtually meet their child's teachers and experience 12-minute forays into each class. These first-ever REmote Back-to-School Nights illustrated just how experienced, agile and engaging RE's faculty have become on the school's remote platform.
The Middle School Back-to-School Night on September 10 and the Upper School Back-to-School Night on September 17 also allowed parents to hear from various school leaders – including Head of School Penny Townsend and board chair Jeff Hicks '84 – during an opening assembly. At the middle school event, families also connected with Head of the Middle School Rachel Rodriguez, Assistant Head of the Middle School and Dean of Student Life Pete DiPace, and Dean of Studies Doreen Johnson.
Upper school parents heard from Head of the Upper School Patricia C.A. Sasser, Dean of Students Lindsay Danielson and Dean of Studies Greg Cooper. Parents also had the chance to visit with representatives from college counseling, the wellness centers, athletics and technology.
On both evenings, Hicks lauded the head of school and administration for prioritizing the continuity and quality of education in formulating the school's reopening plans, and working toward a more diverse and inclusive campus. He noted that the board had provided its full support, and approved a significant investment in technology, PPE and other measures to ensure that the school would be safe when students return to in-person learning. That effort, combined with the completion of the Constance & Miguel Fernandez STEM Center, and the new quad and parking lot, have left both campuses in great shape.
"When students do come back in October," he told middle school families, "they're going to find our campuses in the best condition they've ever been in."
Townsend spoke to parents, she said, as much as a parent and grandparent as a school leader. "We thank you for your flexibility and understanding; we are all working through the most challenging of times," she said. "... Our teachers have been absolutely fabulous. They spent a lot of time this summer perfecting their skills with remote learning. The brought in a lot of new programs, new technology. They are doing an incredible job."
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Upper school parents heard from Head of the Upper School Patricia C.A. Sasser, Dean of Students Lindsay Danielson and Dean of Studies Greg Cooper. Parents also had the chance to visit with representatives from college counseling, the wellness centers, athletics and technology.
On both evenings, Hicks lauded the head of school and administration for prioritizing the continuity and quality of education in formulating the school's reopening plans, and working toward a more diverse and inclusive campus. He noted that the board had provided its full support, and approved a significant investment in technology, PPE and other measures to ensure that the school would be safe when students return to in-person learning. That effort, combined with the completion of the Constance & Miguel Fernandez STEM Center, and the new quad and parking lot, have left both campuses in great shape.
"When students do come back in October," he told middle school families, "they're going to find our campuses in the best condition they've ever been in."
Townsend spoke to parents, she said, as much as a parent and grandparent as a school leader. "We thank you for your flexibility and understanding; we are all working through the most challenging of times," she said. "... Our teachers have been absolutely fabulous. They spent a lot of time this summer perfecting their skills with remote learning. The brought in a lot of new programs, new technology. They are doing an incredible job."
Middle School
2045 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 250 6850
Upper School
3575 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 460 8800
Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 - 12 located on two campuses in Coconut Grove, Florida. Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it." The school provides rigorous college preparation that promotes the student's sense of identity, community, personal integrity and values for a productive and satisfying life, and prepares the student to lead and to contribute to society.