Mount Pleasant Magazine July/August 2020

149 www.CharlestonSchoolDirectory.com | www.MountPleasantHomes.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com new, but to “build upon Ashley Hall’s core program pillars that support the school’s academic foundation.” Ashley Hall teachers and administrators worked together to choose online tools that would best “enhance learning and encourage student voice, choice, self-direction and independence,” and teachers worked diligently to promote student success during the pandemic. Director of the Early Education Center Betsy Quirin said that her staff never lost sight of individual student needs. Ashley Hall teachers worked behind the scenes to capture the attention and interest of students — specifically those who struggled adapting to the new learning environment that differed from what they were accustomed to before quarantine. “Sometimes this meant going to read or have a conversation in a driveway with a child who was really missing the social connection, and other times it meant dressing up like a witch to grab the attention of a Halloween-loving student,” Quirin explained. “During this time, the most important element for our faculty was keeping the connections that were established during our time together with the students, as we know social and emotional growth and development are most important of the developmental areas for our youngest students.” Furthermore, Ashley Hall placed an emphasis on keeping the school community alive during quarantine, specifically to spotlight successes and positive takeaways of distance learning. Weekly electronic newsletters and social media platforms kept Ashley Hall families engaged, involved and aware. Despite the obvious challenges present during a nationwide pandemic, teachers worked diligently to develop and adapt their methods of teaching, and as a result, students were able to “develop many life skills, such as adaptability, independence and perseverance — and they were able to see learning in a new light,” Quirin said. These are life skills our future generations undoubtedly need, and our community as a whole will greatly benefit from. Independent Schools » SC & CA Credentialed Teacher » K-12 Mathematics » Other Subjects upon request » Located in Mount Pleasant » Online, Private & Group Tutoring » Over 20 years experience Lamorinda Tutoring Is your child ready for school in August? 925.708.4213 • Lamorindatutoring.com