Palmer Trinity School

S INCE P TS INITI A LLY PI VOTED to online learning last spring, faculty have continued to ask the same questions: What opportunities will online learning provide teachers and students? What content, concepts and skills must we prioritize and why? And, most importantly, how are we growing as educators? One benefit of online learning has been the way in which professional development has been amplified. Out of sheer necessity, we have embraced a spirit of collaboration, creative problem solving and innovation like never before. Specifically, teachers are reinventing the notion of the "classroom." It is no longer limited to the physical space, the constraints of the school day or deliberation over logistics such as types of seating, print resources or electronics. The COVID-era classroom is neither entirely physical nor fully virtual. It's a combination of the best of both. It comprises the tangible four walls, as well as everything and everywhere to which and when we can connect. This shift from solely relying on the utilization of the classroom has led teachers to prioritize concepts and skills, optimize more authentic and varied instruction and forge connections with other learning communities, near and far. Our teachers expand classrooms by introducing content and concepts and then broadening the parameters for time, space and participants in all learning activities. A few examples of expanded classrooms over the last semester include: JOINING VIRTUAL LIVE TOURS: EDGAR ALLAN POE MUSEUM 10 th Grade American Literature with Ms. Tara Harrison and Mr. Alex Rojas Our 10 th Grade American Literature classes wrapped up a unit about American author Edgar Allan Poe in October, cleverly titled "Poe-Tober." Dean Knight, Program Director at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, hosted a live tour and question-and-answer period with students on the life and writings of Poe. Students saw original short fictional pieces, artifacts and images that corresponded with the month-long lesson they had recently completed. The tour and interaction with the host allowed students to make connections and analyze the influence the author's background and upbringing had on his work. CONNECTING WITH DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI Danielle Befeler '09 and Ms. Laura Massa's Women's Studies Class Danielle Befeler, an immigration attorney, joined the Women's Studies class to introduce the legal framework under which certain communities can receive protection. Specifically, Ms. Befeler introduced the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the current U.S. immigration policy. By reviewing case studies, students explored the complexities of issues that women face under the ever- changing political landscapes of the executive branch of government and the role that each administration may play, either strengthening or eroding these forms of relief. Special attention was given to political concerns involving family petitions for green cards, asylum seekers, gender-based violence and other humanitarian visas. PARTICIPATING IN A MINI COURSE: THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE Mr. Fred Truby, 8th Grade American Studies Teacher, and students Leading up to the most recent election season, Mr. Truby partnered with Anne Harold and Laura Rocha from Envoys Global Learning. Their evening virtual sessions with invited students American Studies provided an opportunity for those students to gain a deeper understanding of the national election machine in the United States, with particular attention to polling, fundraising, voting, reporting and campaigning. Jason Parquet, Policy Advisor to the 2020 Mike Bloomberg Presidential Campaign, joined the group and initiated lively and engaging dialogue. PA RTICI PA NTS: Andrea Ortiz '25, Elianny Michelle Matos Galva '25, and Anabella Dodd '25. EXPANDING OUR CLASSROOMS AND OTHER BENEFITS OF TEACHING DURING COVID By Adrianna Truby, Academic Dean palmertrinity.org 22 PERSPECTIVES

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