|
On Wednesday 18th March, we joined the ranks of the thousands of schools in more than 100 countries that have closed their campuses. According to the Economist magazine, almost 1 billion students are now out of school. Of all those students, I would wager that fewer than 1% have access to the kind of robust distance learning program that we are offering. Please know that we are here to support your children – and you – during these challenging times. If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be reviewing and refining our programs as they develop, so your feedback will be helpful.
|
Latest school news and information |
Vertical Divider
|
What will August look like?
From the Director, Russell Menard
After careful review and much discussion, the Board of Directors and I would like to share with you an update about the start of the 2020-21 school year. We are cognizant that our community has a strong preference for face-to-face learning over a return to distance learning; however, we are also aware that the number of COVID-19 cases in Zambia continues to increase as we prepare to start the new school year. We have legal and moral obligations to prioritize the health and safety of the AISL family while respecting the Government of Zambia’s requirements. Based on a review of the work of the Campus Reopening Task Force and the school’s leadership team, we are confident that we can meet Zambian and international health and safety standards for a limited campus reopening for certain grade levels. Currently, the Ministry of General Education has permitted schools to reopen their campuses to teach Grades 7, 9, and 12.
Based on the above factors, I will outline our plan for starting the new academic year. Our ultimate goal is to prepare for a phased, full reopening of our campus when it is safe to do so. For now, all grade levels will resume classes via our revised Distance Learning 3.0 program on 6 August 2020. Additionally, we are tentatively planning to bring Grades 7, 9, and 12 on to campus by 20 August. When conditions permit, we plan to continue with a gradual resumption of on-campus learning for other grades.
We understand that some families may prefer to keep their children at home; therefore, all on-campus learning will be optional should families wish to participate in our Distance Learning program instead.
As the context in Zambia is changing daily, we will continue to review these plans and update you accordingly. Since the health and safety of our students and staff is paramount, we may reconsider this campus reopening at any time as the situation requires. We sincerely hope to welcome all students back to our campus before long.
Based on the above factors, I will outline our plan for starting the new academic year. Our ultimate goal is to prepare for a phased, full reopening of our campus when it is safe to do so. For now, all grade levels will resume classes via our revised Distance Learning 3.0 program on 6 August 2020. Additionally, we are tentatively planning to bring Grades 7, 9, and 12 on to campus by 20 August. When conditions permit, we plan to continue with a gradual resumption of on-campus learning for other grades.
We understand that some families may prefer to keep their children at home; therefore, all on-campus learning will be optional should families wish to participate in our Distance Learning program instead.
As the context in Zambia is changing daily, we will continue to review these plans and update you accordingly. Since the health and safety of our students and staff is paramount, we may reconsider this campus reopening at any time as the situation requires. We sincerely hope to welcome all students back to our campus before long.
Our full complement of teachers is now in Zambia to support both on-campus and distance learning. We are planning to offer two versions of distance learning. One will be primarily synchronous, in line with AISL’s normal operating hours. The other version will be primarily asynchronous, to support our learners in distant time zones. We are confident that these options will help us meet the varied needs of our families.
We are also exploring the possibility of hosting short, in-person meet your teacher sessions for all grades across the first few weeks of school. These sessions will help ensure a smoother transition for students and allow us to distribute necessary materials to support distance learning. We believe this may be especially beneficial for our younger students. We will share more information about these meetings in the coming weeks.
We welcome your comments and questions and invite you to join us for another Zoom community meeting at 18:00 on 29 July (link to follow). During the session, we will review our plans for distance and on-campus learning. We will also share with you the Campus Reopening Task Force and school leadership team’s health and safety protocols that will support a safe reopening. We look forward to sharing information and to having an opportunity to answer your questions.
We are also exploring the possibility of hosting short, in-person meet your teacher sessions for all grades across the first few weeks of school. These sessions will help ensure a smoother transition for students and allow us to distribute necessary materials to support distance learning. We believe this may be especially beneficial for our younger students. We will share more information about these meetings in the coming weeks.
We welcome your comments and questions and invite you to join us for another Zoom community meeting at 18:00 on 29 July (link to follow). During the session, we will review our plans for distance and on-campus learning. We will also share with you the Campus Reopening Task Force and school leadership team’s health and safety protocols that will support a safe reopening. We look forward to sharing information and to having an opportunity to answer your questions.
Supporting the community and each otherThese are extraordinarily challenging times. We are all carefully monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and wondering how it will impact our lives. Social distancing and extra attention to hygiene are vital. But so is social support and extra attention to ourselves and our loved ones. It is easy to let panic and anxiety overwhelm us; however, we must stay focused on those parts of our lives over which we have control: among them are staying healthy; supporting the health of our community and our loved ones; and staying informed.
Keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility. Please review and adhere to the following action items:
|
|
Distance Learning at AISL
Primary School
Secondary School
Parent Support
Digital Citizenship
Primary School
Primary Distance Learning Program: Ensuring Success
As we embark on ‘distance learning’, we aim to make this learning experience to be as intentional and authentic as possible. Our teachers have worked hard to develop a balanced learning experience for our AISL students with a range of online and offline activities encompassing all areas of the AISL curriculum. We understand that there will be challenges with internet connection, power outages, and other factors that may affect student learning but we hope that, with a strong school-family partnership, this could be overcome.
Role of Parents/Guardians
Your role, as a parent/guardian, is to guide and encourage students, access the activities, and be the link between the child and the teacher, especially for our younger learners. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the support network mentioned below as we are more than happy to help.
We ask parents/guardian for the following support:
Provide students with:
How can my child access the main learning platform (Seesaw) in Primary School
Parents currently access Seesaw through the ‘Family’ app - this is where you, as a parent, get notifications regarding announcements, newsletters and posts by students. You are able to comment and ‘like’ your child’s posts through the ‘Family’ app.
The Seesaw ‘Class’ app is how students access seesaw. It is already on their school device (KG-G5) but would need to be downloaded for a device at home, particularly for ELC. This app is where teachers set work for and communicate with students. Students (KG-G5) know how to use this app. ELC students will need support from a family member/guardian.
Engaging in the distance learning program
All students are expected to participate in the distance learning program and attendance will be noted through the regularity of student engagement. This may include a simple question prompt at the beginning of each school day that students answer as they are able to get online. For exceptional circumstances or illness, parents of students who are unable to participate should inform the school (primaryoffice@aislusaka.org) and their child’s homeroom teacher so that we are aware of the situation.
Building and balancing synchronous and asynchronous learning in the PrimaryWith regards to synchronous and asynchronous learning in Primary, we requested teachers to start very ‘gently’ the first two weeks as students and families settled into their new rhythm, whether that be a transition to a new country and/or a new routine at home. We wanted to begin by having students utilize Seesaw in a way that was comfortable and have teachers begin building a structure for their class(es). Beginning in Week 3, synchronous learning sessions were introduced in many grade-levels as well as from our Guidance Counselor and Teacher Librarian.
This week, in Week 4, all grade-levels from ELC-G5, Guidance and Library have set up synchronous learning sessions. Our Student Support Team continues to work with students they currently support. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to engage in the Parent-Teacher Conferences this week. Homeroom teachers sent out a sign-up sheet to families, while the specialists can be contacted via email to arrange a time.
Beginning in Week 5 (27-30 April), we will be introducing synchronous sessions for French/Spanish for G3-5, Visual Arts for KG-G2 and Performing Arts for ELC.
Beginning in Week 6 (4-8 May), we will be introducing synchronous sessions for French/Spanish for KG-G2, Visual Arts for G3-5, and the Performing Arts (KG-G5).
Role of Parents/Guardians
Your role, as a parent/guardian, is to guide and encourage students, access the activities, and be the link between the child and the teacher, especially for our younger learners. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the support network mentioned below as we are more than happy to help.
We ask parents/guardian for the following support:
- Increase your familiarity with Seesaw as our primary instructional tool. Seesaw is our primary platform for distance learning during a campus closure. Teachers will be posting learning experiences and providing feedback to students on a daily basis.
- Read the Seesaw updates from your child’s teachers regularly.
- Sit with your child as they watch any videos that have been posted and help them respond.
Provide students with:
- access to an internet-connected device.
- a responsible adult to support learning, as needed, and provide encouragement particularly for our younger learners.
- a comfortable, quiet space to work that is set up to help your child remain focused and on task.
- a daily routine that includes breaks and opportunities for possible virtual social engagement
- an understanding about expectations for participation and work completion. Please allow time to reflect on what worked and what was challenging and encourage your child to share these with his/her teacher(s).
How can my child access the main learning platform (Seesaw) in Primary School
Parents currently access Seesaw through the ‘Family’ app - this is where you, as a parent, get notifications regarding announcements, newsletters and posts by students. You are able to comment and ‘like’ your child’s posts through the ‘Family’ app.
The Seesaw ‘Class’ app is how students access seesaw. It is already on their school device (KG-G5) but would need to be downloaded for a device at home, particularly for ELC. This app is where teachers set work for and communicate with students. Students (KG-G5) know how to use this app. ELC students will need support from a family member/guardian.
Engaging in the distance learning program
All students are expected to participate in the distance learning program and attendance will be noted through the regularity of student engagement. This may include a simple question prompt at the beginning of each school day that students answer as they are able to get online. For exceptional circumstances or illness, parents of students who are unable to participate should inform the school (primaryoffice@aislusaka.org) and their child’s homeroom teacher so that we are aware of the situation.
Building and balancing synchronous and asynchronous learning in the PrimaryWith regards to synchronous and asynchronous learning in Primary, we requested teachers to start very ‘gently’ the first two weeks as students and families settled into their new rhythm, whether that be a transition to a new country and/or a new routine at home. We wanted to begin by having students utilize Seesaw in a way that was comfortable and have teachers begin building a structure for their class(es). Beginning in Week 3, synchronous learning sessions were introduced in many grade-levels as well as from our Guidance Counselor and Teacher Librarian.
This week, in Week 4, all grade-levels from ELC-G5, Guidance and Library have set up synchronous learning sessions. Our Student Support Team continues to work with students they currently support. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to engage in the Parent-Teacher Conferences this week. Homeroom teachers sent out a sign-up sheet to families, while the specialists can be contacted via email to arrange a time.
Beginning in Week 5 (27-30 April), we will be introducing synchronous sessions for French/Spanish for G3-5, Visual Arts for KG-G2 and Performing Arts for ELC.
Beginning in Week 6 (4-8 May), we will be introducing synchronous sessions for French/Spanish for KG-G2, Visual Arts for G3-5, and the Performing Arts (KG-G5).
Secondary School
Secondary Distance Learning Information
Let us begin by expressing our gratitude for your patience while we ironed out the final details of our Secondary Distance Learning Plan. We also greatly appreciate the understanding and calm with which our students, parents, and teachers have handled the news of the unavoidable school closure. This has aided us in the process of making a smooth transition to the new distance learning format.
Please find the extensive, yet concise, Secondary Distance Learning Plan at this link. Please ensure that you have read through this document and understand it thoroughly. We have tried our best to anticipate as many hurdles as we could and devised structures and procedures for overcoming these. As more questions come to us from you, we will continue to add to this document. Please note that it is inevitable that there will be hiccups along the way. We kindly ask for your continued patience as we address these in a timely manner.
As your child engages in distance learning, we highly encourage them to establish a daily routine. As part of this routine, please consider adding time for school work, exercise, socializing with friends (perhaps online), reading, chores, etc. This has been a simple tactic that has greatly aided student success in schools that have been engaged in distance learning for some time. Here is a possible sample schedule. These will obviously differ by child and students of different ages and work preferences. We also encourage students to spread out the work of each course across the week and not do all of the work for one course in a single stretch.
Please find the extensive, yet concise, Secondary Distance Learning Plan at this link. Please ensure that you have read through this document and understand it thoroughly. We have tried our best to anticipate as many hurdles as we could and devised structures and procedures for overcoming these. As more questions come to us from you, we will continue to add to this document. Please note that it is inevitable that there will be hiccups along the way. We kindly ask for your continued patience as we address these in a timely manner.
As your child engages in distance learning, we highly encourage them to establish a daily routine. As part of this routine, please consider adding time for school work, exercise, socializing with friends (perhaps online), reading, chores, etc. This has been a simple tactic that has greatly aided student success in schools that have been engaged in distance learning for some time. Here is a possible sample schedule. These will obviously differ by child and students of different ages and work preferences. We also encourage students to spread out the work of each course across the week and not do all of the work for one course in a single stretch.
Balancing synchronous and asynchronous learning in Secondary
We care about making sure that every student thrives. Therefore, we are adapting our teachers’ current office hours schedule to a hybrid synchronous/asynchronous schedule. Each Monday and Tuesday, teachers will host synchronous, or face-to-face, learning sessions for their classes. The schedule can be found below. During the synchronous times, teachers may conduct direct instruction, host class discussions, provide whole-group feedback, or conduct a student Q&A open forum. The structure provided by the teacher teachers will be dependent upon the subject, the module lessons, the learning objectives, etc.
Each Wednesday and Thursday, teachers will host office hour sessions for individual and small groups. While we feel it is important to add direct contact time with teachers for entire classes of students, we also want to make sure that we are preserving the time for individuals that are struggling the most with distance learning. The structured office hours times ensure that students have a reserved time to speak to their teachers about that class that is not in conflict with other office hour sessions.
Lesson times have been adjusted to later in the afternoon to meet the needs of all members of our community.
We care about making sure that every student thrives. Therefore, we are adapting our teachers’ current office hours schedule to a hybrid synchronous/asynchronous schedule. Each Monday and Tuesday, teachers will host synchronous, or face-to-face, learning sessions for their classes. The schedule can be found below. During the synchronous times, teachers may conduct direct instruction, host class discussions, provide whole-group feedback, or conduct a student Q&A open forum. The structure provided by the teacher teachers will be dependent upon the subject, the module lessons, the learning objectives, etc.
Each Wednesday and Thursday, teachers will host office hour sessions for individual and small groups. While we feel it is important to add direct contact time with teachers for entire classes of students, we also want to make sure that we are preserving the time for individuals that are struggling the most with distance learning. The structured office hours times ensure that students have a reserved time to speak to their teachers about that class that is not in conflict with other office hour sessions.
Lesson times have been adjusted to later in the afternoon to meet the needs of all members of our community.
|
Monday
Synchronous lessons A block: 14:00-14:30 B block: 14:45-15:15 C block: 15:30-16:00 D block: 16:15-16:45 |
Tuesday
Synchronous lessons E block: 14:00-14:30 F block: 14:45-15:15 G block: 15:30-16:00 H block: 16:15-16:45 |
Wednesday
Office hours A block: 14:00-14:30 B block: 14:45-15:15 C block: 15:30-16:00 D block: 16:15-16:45 |
Thursday
Office hours E block: 14:00-14:30 F block: 14:45-15:15 G block: 15:30-16:00 H block: 16:15-16:45 |
Friday
synchronous PSE lessons/Advisory/individual or small group office hour sessions Grade 6: 14:00-14:30 Grade 7: 14:30-15:00 Grade 8: 15:00-15:30 Grade 9: 15:30-16:00 Grade 10: 16:00-16:30 Grade 11 as scheduled by advisors |
All lessons will be recorded so that students who cannot attend lessons can watch them afterward on their own time. ELL and SEN support will continue with times that work for the supported students.
Parent Support
Our counseling team will provide parents with support during our campus closure through regular online “coffee mornings.” Topics will include ideas on how to support your child at home academically during the campus closure and how to support your child’s emotional and social needs. If you have ideas about topics that you might like to learn more about, please e-mail us to let us know. We are happy to take parent requests for these counselling “coffee mornings.”
The schedule for the online “coffee mornings” will be shared via the School Calendar and the Leopard’s Tale once we know more. You can write to Driekie Smith at dsmith@aislusaka.org to share your ideas; she will coordinate with the team about the sessions.
The schedule for the online “coffee mornings” will be shared via the School Calendar and the Leopard’s Tale once we know more. You can write to Driekie Smith at dsmith@aislusaka.org to share your ideas; she will coordinate with the team about the sessions.
Digital Citizenship
Through parent coffee mornings, we have regularly shared information and resources about social media and balanced use and how parents can support from home, all of which can be found here on the Parent LibGuide. Now, more than ever, we are all aware of the importance of being a good digital citizen. With increased screentime at home, challenges related to balance and appropriate use are more prevalent. As a parent, you have the opportunity to support at home and even ‘manage’ the child’s iPad. Please read below for some practical suggestions and solutions:
Make Space for Learning
Your child will work best in a quiet, comfortable space that they helped design away from other distractions and in a public area of the house. Keep in mind that students will be in this space for many hours each day.
Avoid Multitasking/ Distractions
Monitor your children’s social media use, especially in a distance learning setting. Make sure that time spent on social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp is monitored/restricted to help students focus on school work.
Digital Recess
Make sure that your children take plenty of breaks in order to get physical activity and plan off-screen activities for the whole family.
References
‘COVID-19 and At-Home Learning’. Children and Screens, https://www.childrenandscreens.com/media/press-releases/covid-19-and-at-home-learning/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2020.
PARENT’S GUIDE TO DISTANCE LEARNING | ACS International Schools. https://www.acs-schools.com/parents-guide-distance-learning. Accessed 22 Apr. 2020.
Make Space for Learning
Your child will work best in a quiet, comfortable space that they helped design away from other distractions and in a public area of the house. Keep in mind that students will be in this space for many hours each day.
- Regularly check in on their progress and their focus. Position them somewhere where you can check their screen regularly as you walk by. If you’re suspicious of ‘multi-tasking’, a quick check can be done of the browser history and other tabs/windows open on the device.
Avoid Multitasking/ Distractions
Monitor your children’s social media use, especially in a distance learning setting. Make sure that time spent on social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp is monitored/restricted to help students focus on school work.
- Consider limiting your children’s cell phones use so that schoolwork receives their undivided attention.
- On the iPad, try using ‘Guided Access’ to focus your child on one specific task or activity at a time. This is a simple video explaining what it is and how it works.
- If you want more control of the child’s iPad then try using the Screen Time feature in ‘Settings’ (full, detailed instructions) to manage Downtime, App Limits, and Content & Privacy with all of the limitations that you want for your child.
Digital Recess
Make sure that your children take plenty of breaks in order to get physical activity and plan off-screen activities for the whole family.
- Set alarms for ‘recess’ and other breaks similar to those at school
- Encourage students to get up, get some fresh air, go for a walk or bike ride, or have a snack.
References
‘COVID-19 and At-Home Learning’. Children and Screens, https://www.childrenandscreens.com/media/press-releases/covid-19-and-at-home-learning/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2020.
PARENT’S GUIDE TO DISTANCE LEARNING | ACS International Schools. https://www.acs-schools.com/parents-guide-distance-learning. Accessed 22 Apr. 2020.
Supporting parents with learning platforms (Seesaw, ManageBac, Google Meet)Parents should feel free to reach out to us and let us know what areas of tech they could use the most support. If we don't have the answers, we can point them in the right direction to get the support needed. We have linked a 'Distance Learning Tech Support' form below where parents can identify the areas where they would like support. Frank Louw will assist with Seesaw support, Tony Potts will assist with ManageBac and Google Meet and our IT Department can support with any other issues. Please remember that our team is ready to help.
In Focus...
Talking with Children about COVID-19
AISL Infectious Disease Protocols
Zambian Health Authorities' Documents
Community Communications
What to do if you show symptoms?
Talking with Children about COVID-19
- NASP Talking to Children About COVID-19
- CDC: Talking with children about Coronavirus
- Harvard Medical: How to talk to teens about the new coronavirus
- CDC: Stigma Related to COVID-19
- Reassuring Conversations with Children
- Talking to Teens and Tweens About Coronavirus
- The WHO has posted a helpful animated video about the Novel Coronavirus to use with older children.
- ‘Students Are Lonely:’ What Happens When Coronavirus Forces Schools Online
- Brain Pop 4 min video
AISL Infectious Disease Protocols
It has become increasingly apparent that schools must be prepared to deal with the threat of disease epidemics/pandemics. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services emphasizes the importance of developing screening processes and providing public health education; cutting down access to students, staff and teachers possibly infected with the virus; and developing policies and procedures for closing down schools and creating a virtual school in the case of a pandemic, especially before vaccines are available or when they are in short supply.
A rubric outlining AISL’s various levels of responses to a pandemic (Ebola, Avian Flu, etc.) is outlined on the following below.
A rubric outlining AISL’s various levels of responses to a pandemic (Ebola, Avian Flu, etc.) is outlined on the following below.
Zambian Health Authorities' Documents
|
Tuesday 17th March Government update
Statement on COVID-19 and additional preventative and control measures
What you need to know
|
Ministry of General Education: Notice of closure
Health alert for travellers
|
Community Communications
Posted: 16/3/2020
Like you, the Board of Directors and School Director have been carefully monitoring the spread of COVID-19 around the world. We have been in regular contact with the local health authorities and the U.S. Embassy. Although there are currently no confirmed cases in Zambia, we believe that it is only a matter of time before the first cases are detected.
Therefore, in the interest of the safety of the school community, the Board of Directors has decided that the campus will close to students and parents at noon on Wednesday 18 March until Tuesday, 28 April. This timeline will be evaluated over time and any changes will be communicated well in advance.
This decision was made in light of the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. We believe that we have a social responsibility to our community and the people of Zambia to do our part to slow the global spread of COVID-19. During this campus closure, we strongly encourage all AISL community members to take measures to protect themselves and others from the risk of infection.
Although the campus will be closed, school will still be in session. The Principals, Darlene Huson and Ty Smeins, will share more information about our distance learning programs on Wednesday, 18 March. As always, we are committed to providing a rich, meaningful, and engaging learning experience that meets the essential learning goals for each course and grade level. Distance learning will be most successful when families work with us in a spirit of partnership and flexibility. Despite our significant preparations, we anticipate that there will still be some challenges. If you encounter problems, AISL staff will be ready to help. The principals will clarify that process later this week.
Since Wednesday will be their last day on campus, it is important that students take home all necessary books and other learning materials. Like the secondary school students, Kindergarten through Grade 5 students will be allowed to take home their school iPad and charger to support their learning during this period. We encourage you to also take advantage of the library’s vacation checkout policy to stock up on good books to read during this time period.
There will be no public events nor school trips during this period of campus closure. Regrettably, this means we have postponed the Zambian Model United Nations conference, the upcoming Jazz Concert, and the Grade 4 Explore Zambia trip to Siavonga. We will strive to reschedule these events after we return to normal operations.
We will continue to communicate on a regular basis as this situation develops. You may wish to explore the COVID-19 Information page on our website. There are several good resources there including some guidance about how to talk about COVID-19 with your children. We plan to use this page as a focal point for announcements and community resources. Naturally, we will continue with email communications as well.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and support during these trying times.
Take care of yourselves and each other!
Sarah Crites, Board Chair
On behalf of the Board of Director
Like you, the Board of Directors and School Director have been carefully monitoring the spread of COVID-19 around the world. We have been in regular contact with the local health authorities and the U.S. Embassy. Although there are currently no confirmed cases in Zambia, we believe that it is only a matter of time before the first cases are detected.
Therefore, in the interest of the safety of the school community, the Board of Directors has decided that the campus will close to students and parents at noon on Wednesday 18 March until Tuesday, 28 April. This timeline will be evaluated over time and any changes will be communicated well in advance.
This decision was made in light of the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. We believe that we have a social responsibility to our community and the people of Zambia to do our part to slow the global spread of COVID-19. During this campus closure, we strongly encourage all AISL community members to take measures to protect themselves and others from the risk of infection.
Although the campus will be closed, school will still be in session. The Principals, Darlene Huson and Ty Smeins, will share more information about our distance learning programs on Wednesday, 18 March. As always, we are committed to providing a rich, meaningful, and engaging learning experience that meets the essential learning goals for each course and grade level. Distance learning will be most successful when families work with us in a spirit of partnership and flexibility. Despite our significant preparations, we anticipate that there will still be some challenges. If you encounter problems, AISL staff will be ready to help. The principals will clarify that process later this week.
Since Wednesday will be their last day on campus, it is important that students take home all necessary books and other learning materials. Like the secondary school students, Kindergarten through Grade 5 students will be allowed to take home their school iPad and charger to support their learning during this period. We encourage you to also take advantage of the library’s vacation checkout policy to stock up on good books to read during this time period.
There will be no public events nor school trips during this period of campus closure. Regrettably, this means we have postponed the Zambian Model United Nations conference, the upcoming Jazz Concert, and the Grade 4 Explore Zambia trip to Siavonga. We will strive to reschedule these events after we return to normal operations.
We will continue to communicate on a regular basis as this situation develops. You may wish to explore the COVID-19 Information page on our website. There are several good resources there including some guidance about how to talk about COVID-19 with your children. We plan to use this page as a focal point for announcements and community resources. Naturally, we will continue with email communications as well.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and support during these trying times.
Take care of yourselves and each other!
Sarah Crites, Board Chair
On behalf of the Board of Director
Posted 09/03/2020
Dear AISL Community,
I hope that you are healthy and well.
The Board has been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in Zambia and around the world. This has included gathering data from many sources, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of General Education, the Embassy of the United States, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Based on the information available, we have concluded that we will be unable to reopen our campus on 28 April, as previously hoped. We will continue to review the situation on a regular basis and will communicate a campus reopening date as soon as one can be established. In the meantime, please know that our emergency distance learning program will continue for as long as necessary to support our students in any location. Our teachers have been working diligently to adapt and improve our distance learning based on your feedback and emerging best practices from schools around the world.
This unprecedented historical moment has required our students, parents, and teachers to show tremendous strength and resilience. Thank you for all of the support and school spirit that you showed as we closed our campus and transitioned to our distance learning program. It has been a powerful reminder of why we are proud to be Leopards.
Please continue to refer to updates and details on distance learning through the Leopard’s Tale and the AISL COVID-19 webpage.
Sincerely,
Sarah Crites, Board Chair
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Dear AISL Community,
I hope that you are healthy and well.
The Board has been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in Zambia and around the world. This has included gathering data from many sources, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of General Education, the Embassy of the United States, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Based on the information available, we have concluded that we will be unable to reopen our campus on 28 April, as previously hoped. We will continue to review the situation on a regular basis and will communicate a campus reopening date as soon as one can be established. In the meantime, please know that our emergency distance learning program will continue for as long as necessary to support our students in any location. Our teachers have been working diligently to adapt and improve our distance learning based on your feedback and emerging best practices from schools around the world.
This unprecedented historical moment has required our students, parents, and teachers to show tremendous strength and resilience. Thank you for all of the support and school spirit that you showed as we closed our campus and transitioned to our distance learning program. It has been a powerful reminder of why we are proud to be Leopards.
Please continue to refer to updates and details on distance learning through the Leopard’s Tale and the AISL COVID-19 webpage.
Sincerely,
Sarah Crites, Board Chair
On behalf of the Board of Directors
What to do if you show symptoms?
Here are some hospital procedures for handling suspected COVID-19 cases:
Government Assigned Phone Lines For Covid-19 (+260-974493553, +260-964638726, +260-953898941)
1. If You Call The Numbers – Phone Assessment Takes Place
2. If It Is A Suspected Case, Health Team Will Be Dispatch To Your Home
3. Health Team Will Do Assessment, Collect Swab Sample & Make Decisions
4. Test Result Takes 2 – 5 Days
5. If Negative – Will Still Enforce 14 Days Home Quarantine
6. If Positive – Will Tranfer Patient To Isolation Facility To Reduce Spread Of Disease
Medland Hospital
1. Health Screening Before Entry (By The Gate)
2. Suspected Covid-19 Case Will Be Taken
To The Red Zone (Screening Room)
3. Gp Will Attend To The Patient Who Will Make Decisions Based On The Outcome
4. Medland Hospital Will Admit The
Patients (Serious Cases Only) In Their 2 Isolation Rooms
Cfb Hospital
1. Temperature Scan & Detailed History Will Be Taken On Arrival.
2. You Will Be Asked To Fill In A Form.
3. If Your Symptoms Are Strongly In Favor Of A Covid-19 Infection, Then The National Team Will Be Notified & The Samples Will Be Sent For Testing At The Virology Lab At Uth Or Unza.
4. If Your Illness Does Not Warrant Admission, Then You Will Be Treated Symptomatically As Per Guidelines And Advised Self-isolation At Home.
5. There Is A Temporary Isolation Facility At Cfb.
Government Assigned Phone Lines For Covid-19 (+260-974493553, +260-964638726, +260-953898941)
1. If You Call The Numbers – Phone Assessment Takes Place
2. If It Is A Suspected Case, Health Team Will Be Dispatch To Your Home
3. Health Team Will Do Assessment, Collect Swab Sample & Make Decisions
4. Test Result Takes 2 – 5 Days
5. If Negative – Will Still Enforce 14 Days Home Quarantine
6. If Positive – Will Tranfer Patient To Isolation Facility To Reduce Spread Of Disease
Medland Hospital
1. Health Screening Before Entry (By The Gate)
2. Suspected Covid-19 Case Will Be Taken
To The Red Zone (Screening Room)
3. Gp Will Attend To The Patient Who Will Make Decisions Based On The Outcome
4. Medland Hospital Will Admit The
Patients (Serious Cases Only) In Their 2 Isolation Rooms
Cfb Hospital
1. Temperature Scan & Detailed History Will Be Taken On Arrival.
2. You Will Be Asked To Fill In A Form.
3. If Your Symptoms Are Strongly In Favor Of A Covid-19 Infection, Then The National Team Will Be Notified & The Samples Will Be Sent For Testing At The Virology Lab At Uth Or Unza.
4. If Your Illness Does Not Warrant Admission, Then You Will Be Treated Symptomatically As Per Guidelines And Advised Self-isolation At Home.
5. There Is A Temporary Isolation Facility At Cfb.
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday: 08:00 - 15:00 / Friday: 08:00 - 13:00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|