08/21/2021
Dear Sligo Creek Members,
For the last month, the Board of Directors at SCC has been closely following the current Covid-19 Delta variant. We discussed every possibility to facilitate safe indoor learning, but in the end we decided that classes must be held virtually this semester.
What this means for classes for 5-8 years old
Our classes for 5-8 year olds will be conducted virtually for an age-appropriate length of screen time. Teachers will be encouraged to run these classes for 30-40 minutes, rather than one hour.
What this means for Elementary through High School Classes
Classes for 9-18 year olds will be conducted virtually via Zoom.
What this means for OWL
Because OWL cannot be taught virtually, both of the scheduled courses for this year have been pushed back to next semester when we are more likely to meet in person for classes.
The good news is that SCC has successfully taught virtually before and we know that we can do it again for a few months. However, there will be some BIG changes this year.
We will still be gathering in person!
We will have access to the grounds of Ascension for outdoor activities and gatherings on non-class days.
Each age cohort can expect to receive an email from our Membership Chair, Sara Padrusch requesting a zoom call to discuss field trips, outdoor adventures and activities, movie nights, camping trips, park play dates, Halloween get-togethers, and anything else that members can think of which will provide safe social experiences for our groups. Some activities will be specific to age cohorts, and some will be co-op wide. Each group will choose a lead coordinator who will be in charge of making sure that turn-out is robust and organized. We will also need an Events Coordinator to help each cohort and to work with them on co-op wide events.
We can continue our community service opportunities, in particular Tommy’s Pantry, a food bank located in Church of the Ascension where we usually meet. A Community Service Coordinator will organize this important part of fulfilling one of the founding goals of SCC.
Why virtual?
Some families may wonder, why we won’t have in-person classes if we’re planning in person social gatherings. The logistics of organizing classes outdoors is far more complicated than gatherings. Each class requires two adults who have not been exposed to Covid and are 100% healthy. Any outbreaks within our community will require absences and quarantines that will likely impact the number of teachers and parents available to keep outdoor classes running. Most classes will require overhead projectors, computers, and other electronic devices that are difficult, if not impossible to use outside. Classes cancelled by weather events will hinder academic progress. In addition, the expenses for creating appropriate outdoor learning spaces are significant. Should the church close due to Covid, we will not be able to recover those costs.
The mission of Sligo Creek Cooperative has always been to create strong social and community bonds for homeschooling families. These bonds are the heart and soul of SCC, and this year we need these bonds more than ever. SCC families will continue to come together in our dedication to our mission and to our dedication to each other.
Sincerely,
SCC Board of Directors
President, Erika Sparks
Classes Committee Chair, Alice Gambino
Treasurer, Emily Ellerbe
Membership Chair, Sara Padrusch
Facilities Chair, Katie McGervey
Secretary, Deborah Helzer
