Virtual Learning at SAA
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In March 2020, in response to the state’s Stay-at-Home order, SAA promptly transitioned to a Virtual Learning Plan for all students in all grades. Today, we continue to remain steadfast and resolute in our commitment to effectively delivering a high quality educational experience for each child, while protecting the health and safety of our community.
For the 2020-2021 academic year, we are pleased to offer place-based, hybrid and virtual learning options to meet the needs of our students. |
SAA's Approach to Virtual Learning
In order to continue our mission of educating gifted children in an academically differentiated and enriched environment while recognizing the unique development of each child, SAA intentionally uses the term virtual learning learning rather than technology-specific labels such as “e-learning,” or “online classes.”
We believe that quality learning can occur virtually, guided by our faculty, without solely relying on computers and online tools. Effective virtual learning is now an essential component of a quality independent school and we are committed to ensuring that SAA’s virtual learning program reflects our entire mission.
We believe that the learning experiences teachers design and implement in place-based sessions cannot simply be replicated in virtual learning. SAA strives for students to read, communicate, and engage in authentic learning experiences while continuing to be physically active. Teachers use many different methods for facilitating connections and providing timely and specific feedback to support student growth and learning. SAA places a high value on virtual learning opportunities that include invaluable social interactions among students and teachers.
We believe that quality learning can occur virtually, guided by our faculty, without solely relying on computers and online tools. Effective virtual learning is now an essential component of a quality independent school and we are committed to ensuring that SAA’s virtual learning program reflects our entire mission.
We believe that the learning experiences teachers design and implement in place-based sessions cannot simply be replicated in virtual learning. SAA strives for students to read, communicate, and engage in authentic learning experiences while continuing to be physically active. Teachers use many different methods for facilitating connections and providing timely and specific feedback to support student growth and learning. SAA places a high value on virtual learning opportunities that include invaluable social interactions among students and teachers.
Virtual Learning Support
Our Virtual Learning Support Team works with students to ensure they are successful while learning from home. Virtual Learning Coach Margie McEvoy, Lower School Virtual Learning Support Teacher Linda Spataro, and Middle School Virtual Learning Support Teacher Shirley Krzyzyk provide support for faculty, students, and parents throughout the virtual learning program, including frequent check-ins and one-on-one support.
Student Support
The SAA Student Support Team assists families with everything from organization to social and emotional support. Student Support Coordinator Dr. Ama Thompson and School Counselor Carolyn Manley host regular check-ins with students and families virtually.
Anxiety
As different learning models emerged across the country for the 2020-2021 school year, parents are seeking ways to support their children through new situations. Concerns about our health and well-being cause fear and worry for all of us, but especially our students. SAA School Counselor Carolyn Manley offers advice on reassuring our kids through challenging times. Read more »
Executive Function
Executive functioning skills such as planning, time management, and materials management are different in virtual learning, and can present unique challenges. Student Support Coordinator Dr. Ama Thompson shares some strategies for executive functioning in a virtual learning environment. Read more »
Resources for Gifted Students and Families
During this world pandemic, gifted children may experience intense emotions or anxiety, especially if they react intensely or are considered twice-exceptional under normal circumstances. Most families are at home—perhaps huddled around their TVs or smartphones—so there is little escape for those with a predisposition for asynchrony, emotional intensity, or anxiety. To learn more about how to help gifted child during these challenging times, you. may find the following helpful.
As different learning models emerged across the country for the 2020-2021 school year, parents are seeking ways to support their children through new situations. Concerns about our health and well-being cause fear and worry for all of us, but especially our students. SAA School Counselor Carolyn Manley offers advice on reassuring our kids through challenging times. Read more »
Executive Function
Executive functioning skills such as planning, time management, and materials management are different in virtual learning, and can present unique challenges. Student Support Coordinator Dr. Ama Thompson shares some strategies for executive functioning in a virtual learning environment. Read more »
Resources for Gifted Students and Families
During this world pandemic, gifted children may experience intense emotions or anxiety, especially if they react intensely or are considered twice-exceptional under normal circumstances. Most families are at home—perhaps huddled around their TVs or smartphones—so there is little escape for those with a predisposition for asynchrony, emotional intensity, or anxiety. To learn more about how to help gifted child during these challenging times, you. may find the following helpful.
- The National Association for Gifted Children offers advice to help your gifted child through Covid-19.
- Patricia Steinmeyer, Executive Director of the Illinois Association for Gifted Children, interviews Dr. Michele Kane on "Top 3 Strategies for Helping Your Child Cope With Anxiety During Challenging Times."
Learn With SAA
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The art curriculum continues onward at SAA during this period of distance learning. See what Mr. Munson’s art students have been up to since March!
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Mrs. Jacobs works with kindergarteners to make and use ten frames for fun math games at home. Learn how to play “Play-it-to-10” and “Play-it-to-20” by Rainbow Sky Creations.
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See Mrs. Storiz's lesson on nocturnal animal adaptations. Mrs. Storiz and Mrs. Zielke, team teachers for 3rd grade science, invite you to watch this lesson and learn more about how nocturnal animals survive using their adaptations!
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Third and fourth grade math students at SAA explore the dynamic world of dominoes with Mrs. Kukec. In this video, learn how to make your own set at home and the fun "math things" you can do with them.
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Listen to children’s author and friend of SAA, Nancy Churnin, deliver a very special reading of her book, Manjhi Moves a Mountain, just for SAA students.
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Mr. Bott reviews his lesson on using nets to find the surface area of a solid figure. See how he breaks this lesson down for his middle school math students.
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Mrs. Tinaglia welcomes students to the new adventure of virtual learning! Watch her fun introduction for her 2nd grader students.
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Mrs. Maliwanag kicks off virtual learning with her science students and advisory group. Get a glimpse of how she approached schoolwork this spring.
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#SAAatHome
Learning Resources
Science & Arts Academy faculty use a variety of resources in remote teaching. Below is a list of free learning sites you may find useful for keeping your high ability child challenged and engaged:
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