Covenant Distance Learning

Q: How long do we expect this season of distance learning to last?

A: School closures have been recommended by Governor Abbott through at least Friday, May 1, to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. While we are closing our campus, we are not “closing” the school. We intend to continue delivering excellent instruction, and facilitating learning on behalf of our students, despite changing circumstances. We will continue to assess the situation and consult with public health officials to determine the best course of action beyond that.  

Q: How will our family know what to do at home?

A: On Fridays afternoons, each grade level page on our website (found on this page) will be updated with links to the next week’s instructions, due dates, teaching videos, documents, assignments and optional Q&A meeting times. This will allow you to use Friday afternoon or the weekend to plan your week ahead. 

Q: What platforms will be used?

A: We are adopting the use of a few easy-to-use online tools, including Zoom for live, interactive meetings with teachers, Loom for the creation of original video content, and Google Docs for scanning and submitting student work. Grammar and Upper School families will need to become familiar with Zoom and Google Docs. Training videos are provided on this page.

Q: What kind of technical support will be available?

A: If you have technical questions during the school day, please email help@covenantfw.org. 

Q: What tools can I use for planning my school week?

A: Careful consideration has been made to make an “at-home” Covenant experience as smooth as possible for our families. Browse our Printable Resources for Distance Learning (on this page) that will help you prepare. 

Q: Any suggestions for managing our time?

A: Knowing that each family’s routine and schedules will be different, we have designed our learning plan to be completed at your own pace over the course of the usual school week. To help you plan, you may consider making a family schedule or a schedule for each student. Browse our Printable Resources for Distance Learning (on this page) for sample planning sheets. We know our families will get creative!

Q: Is every subject included in the Distance Learning Plan?

A: Distance learning will prioritize core content that is fundamental to each subject and foundational to future success. Students will also be encouraged to engage in the recommended enrichment opportunities. For example, between completing required assignments, a student may choose to compose a work of art, enjoy listening to music or complete an exercise routine. These enrichment opportunities are not required in any way, but may be welcome additions to your time at home!

Q: Will my student be able to get help from teachers on assignments?

 A: Yes! Our teachers are committed to remaining accessible and providing timely, personalized feedback via email and live online chats in scheduled class Zoom calls. (See next question.) All of our teachers are ready to help you navigate this season of distance learning. Please do not hesitate to ask for help! They will be available via email between their normal teaching hours and emails received outside of these hours will be responded to at the teacher’s earliest convenience:

Kindergarten through 2nd Grade – Monday through Thursday (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

3rd through 12th Grade – Monday through Thursday (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Friday (8 a.m. to noon)

Q: What about “face-to-face” time with a teacher?

A: Students may also choose to join their classmates in optional Q&A sessions hosted by their teachers via Zoom. (The schedules for these meetings are on each grade level page.) During this time, teachers will be available to field student questions and facilitate meaningful discussion regarding the big ideas of each week’s assignments. These sessions are not instruction-based or required, but are available for those who would like to maintain a sense of class community, pray together, laugh together and see some friendly faces!

Q: Can my student communicate with his or her teacher directly?

A: All teachers will copy at least one parent on email communications to students. Scheduled class Zoom calls are scheduled throughout the week and will be recorded as well.

Q: Are parents welcome to “attend classes” with their students?

A: Yes! We realize that our younger students, especially, will require assistance online. You are welcome to sit in with your student and help them ask questions via Zoom’s chat feature.

Q: How will Student Support play a role in distance learning?

A: We understand that distance learning will impact each student differently. If your student is constantly struggling with the requirements, we encourage you to reach out to your student’s teacher directly. Student Support will work closely with teachers to identify how best to aid students and families during this time. You can find additional resources by clicking on the Distance Learning Overview on this page. 

Q: What will school communication look like during this time?

A: You will still receive our weekly Covenant Connection eBlast on Mondays. The Friday website updates will be your touchpoint for all things academic. As new developments occur, you can expect to hear from school leadership through email and via our website.

Q: How can I help families in our school community who have suffered financial setbacks?

A: Covenant has a Bridge Fund set up to assist families met with unexpected needs. This fund is used to assist with tuition payments with the intent of freeing up cash for other needs. If you would like to donate to this fund, please click here. If you are in need of assistance, please reach out to Eric Cook.

Q: How does this closure affect our plans for the new addition to our campus?

A: While the needs and vision for the school remain the same, we are pausing our fundraising efforts to focus on the health and well-being of our families and distance learning for our students. If you have specific questions regarding the campaign, please reach out to Lana Kennedy.