When we shifted to all virtual programming in the spring of 2020, we never could have imagined that over one year later we would still be operating remotely. This experience has taught us that our community is strong, our educators are life-changers, and our students are resilient.
Based on our comprehensive analysis of the current situation, including the recommendations and updated guidelines from the scientific community, we are thrilled to be welcoming students back to campus for in-person services starting with Hill Summer in June and continuing with Hill School in the fall. Hill Tutoring will continue to offer virtual individual tutoring with an anticipated phased return to campus this fall for those requesting in-person instruction. Limited in-person and virtual small-group classes are available throughout the year.
To prepare for the safe return to campus, we have established a cross-functional task force to plan and are investing in meaningful changes to both our facility and our protocols, including the following updates thus far:
- Installed new, upgraded HVAC units in the school building which will allow us to maximize fresh outside air usage based off of CDC recommendations.
- The entire campus is now equipped with iWave air filters that use an ionization process to kill mold, bacteria, and viruses in the evaporator coil and throughout the breathing space.
- Classrooms have been refreshed by removing computer carrels to create more physical space and received a welcoming fresh coat of paint.
- New classroom furniture will allow the teacher and each student to have their own individual work space that is distanced according to CDC guidelines. The unique design of the furniture will allow us to return to our familiar kidney-shaped table arrangement if and when guidelines allow us to. Both set-ups support the intimacy and individualization that are hallmarks of the Hill instructional approach.
- New Wi-Fi enabled, wall-mounted projectors have been installed in all classrooms that will allow for interactive lessons and increased collaboration.
- iPad devices will be provided to all students for instructional purposes and to ensure equitable resources for all.
- Hill will stay abreast of evolving CDC guidelines and will implement the training and resources to ensure strict adherence to said guidelines.
- As programs resume on-site, all students, families, faculty, and staff will receive tailored orientations and written guidance around health and safety protocols and expectations.
We invite you to learn more about our approach to Student Programs by scheduling a visit.