At ICS, the Education of Our Students continues through Remote Learning

As our school building closed on March 13th, ICS immediately prepared to use platforms that allow for remote and virtual learning beyond our classrooms. We wanted to ensure that there was not a break in learning due to the closing of the building. Since we utilize the G Suite for Education, on Monday, March 16th, our students began accessing instructional materials through Google Classroom. Even though all teachers are utilizing Google Classroom as a method of communication and instruction, the implementation of technology looks different at every grade level.

In the primary grades (Pre- K to grade 2), students left school on March 13th with worksheets and packets for the students to complete. Teachers use Google Classroom to post directions and additional activities that parents can complete with their students. At the intermediate level (grades 3 to 5) and in middle school (grades 6 to 8) students can assess assignments and work directly through Google Classroom, not only receiving the directions for the assignments, but also utilizing other G Suite applications, such as Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Forms, and Google Sheets to complete and submit the work directly to the teachers. Students in grades 3-5 are utilizing the devices that are available in their homes while middle school students are using the iPads that are purchased in grade 6 for instructional purposes. The great thing about the G Suite is that it is accessible anywhere there is an internet connection and on any device. There is technology support available for students and parents, if problems arise.

As the closures extended into April, all teachers are recording lessons (asynchronous learning) and posting them in Google Classroom for students to watch at a time that works for their family. These recorded lessons allow teachers to talk through a lesson while showing students how to do the work. Teachers are utilizing applications that allow for voice-over in slide presentations, casting work from their own computer or iPad screens, or even working on a white board or chalkboard in their own homes. We are also using video conferencing tools so that teachers can be face to face with their students at least once a week (synchronous learning). The live sessions allow students at all levels to interact with their classmates and teachers regularly.

Although we would all prefer to be in school with the students daily, we are very proud of the way in which our families, students, and families have adjusted to remote learning. As a community, we are tackling this challenge together and supporting each other along the way. There is no better way to explain how the ICS community has faced the necessary school closure than Philippians 4:13, “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me”.

ICS is Proud to Extend a First Responder/Military Grant

ICS is very proud to announce that new for the 2020-2021 school year is the availability of our First Responder and U.S. Military Tuition Grant! We are proud to offer a First Responders/Military Tuition Grant as a show of our appreciation for the important work undertaken by full-time police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and active duty military personnel in the service of their fellow citizens. This $1,000 per family tuition grant is available to both current and newly enrolling families and is renewable each year contingent upon continued verification of employment. For more information, contact admissions@theimmaculate.org.

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