ESCA Quick to Transition to Distance Learning Platform!

On March 13, 2020, East Shoreline Catholic Academy students were dismissed with work-packets and Chromebooks in hand for an anticipated two-week building closure. Soon it was clear that the two weeks would turn to five weeks and five weeks would turn to ten, and potentially, the rest of the school year.

ESCA started on a “distance learning” platform immediately on Monday. That is no small feat! On top of that, this was not planned as a distance learning program. Instead, when faced with a pandemic, an emergency situation arose that called for immediate action. In truth, this is more accurately labeled Emergency Remote Learning, a term coined by A.J. Juliani, a well-known author and leader in instructional technologies, Director of Learning and Innovation for Centennial School District. ESCA’s goal was to ensure that students continue their education, that instruction continues, and that students stay connected as much as possible to the community of their class and of our school.

Thrust into this new learning environment with little preparation along with all other schools, ESCA had tools and curriculum that allowed for a quick transition to distance learning. The STREAM training, the continual professional development, and expertise of the ESCA staff created a support system and foundation for the new platform. ESCA families and students were already familiar with many of the school’s learning and communication platforms such as Seesaw and Google Classroom. Both platforms were already in use for two years to support ESCA’s STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) framework. Additionally, the problem-solving strategy, utilizing the Engineering Design Process, placed the faculty and students swiftly on a path that provides direct instruction through Google Meets daily from PreK-3 through Grade 8. Students attend online small group instruction providing additional support to meet individual students’ needs. In anticipation of many technology needs, the creation of a task force for technology support and integration aids teachers, parents, and students, with direct online support throughout the day and early evening.

While many educators and psychologists are discussing the socio-emotional effects of distance/remote learning, educating the whole child has always been a priority in Catholic education at East Shoreline Catholic Academy. ESCA students continue their faith-life and reflection daily, which is much needed during these difficult times. Daily prayer and reflection continue, as well as weekly masses provided by Fr. Stephen Sledesky at one of ESCA’s three parishes, St. George, in Guilford. Art, Music, and Physical Education continue with weekly interactive assignments rounding out the curriculum. Weekly STREAM engineering challenges, encourage “outside the box” thinking with recycled items on hand, such as toilet paper rolls and egg cartons.

The ESCA faculty believes that our STREAM framework and curriculum that involves real-life problem-solving and project-based learning allowed for a smoother and more flexible transition to distance/ remote learning for its students. ESCA distance/remote learning ensures that students continue their education.

Without a doubt, the trajectory of education for students will look different next year. However, without a doubt, ESCA’s instructional program will continue to allow their students the ability to stay connected to the community of their class and of their school. Despite the unknown changes of tomorrow, ESCA’s faculty will be ready to prepare individual students as our future leaders rooted in faith, service, and academic excellence.

East Shoreline Catholic Academy is a dynamic Pre-K3-Grade 8 STREAM model school located in Branford. ESCA is the successor school of Our Lady of Mercy School in Madison and Saint Mary School in Branford. To learn more about ESCA visit our website: https://eastshorelinecatholica...