Letter from the Head of School March 23, 2020 Dear Perkiomen Community, Today we officially began Virtual Perkiomen. I hope you found joy in reconnecting with one another and embraced the challenge of exploring this new system of learning. Mr. Yorgey shared with us that 148 class, advisory, and conferencing meetings took place today in our community via Zoom. Nearly everyone was synchronously participating for a portion of the day - an excellent start! Let's remember to be patient with each other and ourselves as we adjust. Author and researcher Dr. Brene Brown recently shared a thought that resonated with me: "showing up and pushing ourselves past the awkward, learner stage is how we get braver." As I have shared before, the Perkiomen community digs in, gets started, and pushes through. We are all in this together and we will come out stronger on the other side. Something to keep in mind is that the ways in which we measure things now – milestones, knowledge, productivity – are all shifting. One way to adjust may be to accept that there will likely be new metrics - whether that's how we take an AP exam, what will be required for college applications, how much screen time is appropriate, or even our exercise routines. Let's be open-minded. We are receiving new directives from state and national authorities on a regular basis. We pledge to keep you as informed as we are able and appreciate your patience as their directives will likely cause a shift in our plans. Our intent is to continue the Perkiomen experience – remaining future-focused, knowing what we learn today will prepare us for tomorrow. We are reworking a few things to deliver the experience virtually.
- Parents, join us for a Virtual Parent Coffee on Tuesday, March 24, at 8 am EDT. Grab your own coffee and breakfast and we will meet via Zoom. Parents, this will be a great time to ask questions, check in on each other, and connect.
- Zoom information for the Parent Coffee can be found on our Virtual Perkiomen Resource Page.
- Consider joining the Parents @ Perk Facebook page to stay connected. Carol Dougherty will be sharing helpful tips, apps, and resources.
- Admissions will begin hosting Virtual Revisit Day programs this week. Because accepted students are not able to come to campus, we are recreating that experience. If you are a student, parent, or alumni who is willing to connect with a prospective family, please contact Abby Parish Moser, Director of Admissions & Financial Aid.
- The Perk Update newsletter will resume a weekly distribution. Look for an edition on Wednesday of this week, and then on Mondays.
Academic Updates - Our Virtual Perkiomen schedule can be downloaded here. If you are having any issues with technology, materials or timing, please reach out to faculty for assistance.
- We will begin X period programming that mirrors the type of experiences we are planning for next year's X Days.
- On Wednesday, March 25, during first period: 8 – 9:10 am EDT, we will host a Zoom meeting with Bracalente Manufacturing Group, a contract manufacturing solutions provider. Zoom information can be found on our Virtual Perkiomen Resource Page.
- The interactive presentation will include Scott Keaton P' 17, VP/CFO, and Grayson Keaton '17, 3rd Year Mechanical Engineering Student at Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as Braclaente's Quality Manager and Human Resources Manager.
- Topics will include Manufacturing in Society & the Economy, Becoming Multi-National, and Conducting Operations during a Pandemic.
- Advanced Placement Courses
- On Friday, the College Board released new information regarding AP testing. This link can be found on our Virtual Perkiomen Resource Page.
- Perkiomen is evaluating our response to these changes. In the near future, you will hear from Jonathan Moser, Head of Upper School, with details.
- College Counseling
- All seniors and juniors received a letter from the Office of College Counseling with directions on how to schedule a virtual meeting with their counselor.
- Our counselors will continue to find great options and opportunities for life after Perkiomen.
I want to thank you all for your continued flexibility and support as we begin Virtual Perkiomen. Please continue to communicate – with faculty, classmates, and colleagues. Find the pathways and methods that work for you. Share the ways you are putting our motto of Solvitur Vivendo in action. We look forward to celebrating each success with you. Sincerely, Mark A. Devey Head of School Confidentiality Notice: This communication and any accompanying documents are confidential and privileged. They are intended for the sole use of the addressee. If you receive this transmission in error, you are advised that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or the taking of any action in reliance upon the communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact me using the above contact information. Perkiomen School 200 Seminary Street • Pennsburg, PA 18073 • 215-679-9511 • perkiomen.org |