school closure

[hiwotabbott]

Dear ICS Team
Going through our sixth week of online learning, our frustration is growing day by day. We are facing difficulties with toddle, slow internet and dealing with frustrated and emotional kids.

 

While I appreciate the efforts of the school to overcome challenges, I am still deeply disappointed by the decision made by the school management  to close the campus for the remainder of the year in early April. Parents were particularly interested in the possibility of closing for few weeks in response to the rising covid-19 cases and then assessing the potential to reopen - as other schools in Addis did. 

The school management felt that the covid peak would be extended and prevent reopening the rest of the year. Fortunately, over the past month we have seen a significant decrease in the # of new cases each day as well as the national positivity rate. With all the challenges and uncertainty we are currently facing, it would be a huge boost for the education of the children and wellbeing of students and parents if the school were to reopen the campus and resume in person learning.  

Hiwot,

Mom of 3 young kids Ey5, G2 & G4

[ICS Comms]

Thanks for your posting.  

We are all struggling with the internet in Addis and  frustrations with Toddle.  We are sorry for the inconveniences.  We continue to monitor the health and safety of the current situation in Addis and the impact on the ICS Community. 

We do encourage you to reach out to your teachers and the Elementary leadership to help better support your students during this online learning time.

Best,

[Dr.Cho]

Indeed, the local school just across the Gate 5 of ICS has never been closed. I believe ICS can apply better and stricter hygiene principles than the local schools, and ICS is better prepared for COVID-19 than the local schools. If the local school can continue the on-campus learning, why can't ICS? I really wonder why...

2021년 5월 11일 화요일 오후 7시 27분 15초 UTC+3에 hiwotabbott님이 작성:

[ICS Comms]

Thank you Dr. Cho for your email.  

Yes we do have a different level of Covid-protocols and preparedness then other schools and they allowed us to stay on campus for the majority of the school year.  HERE is a link to the Head of School Q&A Session follow-up that was sent to all parents on 2 April.  This provides detailed answers as to why we moved to online learning.  If your child or if anyone's child is struggling, please reach out to your teachers and to your divisional counselors  or divisional leadership for help and support.  We are here to help ensure all students are successfully.

Thank you.