Paul Waechtler is a member of our club, and the principal of New Trier Northfield.  Paul gave an enlightening presentation about how the New Trier staff is coping and overcoming the obstacles of having to close the school during the pandemic.  The primary areas of concern were teacher's pay and evaluation, grading students, curriculum (remote learning), managing illness of teachers and school-wide events that needed to be canceled. Payroll for teachers was continued for all teachers and coaches.  A detailed schedule of remote classes was developed for Zoom meetings. 
 
School administrators had to determine what was essential to continue academic success for the students, and ensure that students don't fall behind during this time. Student assistance programs created special problems, but using Zoom, Special Ed, social worker access, advisors and tutoring were made available. Food service was continued for those who relied on this in the form of gift cards and arranged pick-ups. Much attention was given to reaching "disengaged" students and supporting stressed-out teachers. 
 
Major school events like the prom became a virtual event.  Graduation included a virtual address and the names of graduating seniors were announced.  Eights stages were set up in different locations to video students accepting their diplomas.  Summer school will be all remote and offer more classes.  Athletes will receive virtual training.

Current seniors are concerned about college entrance in the fall; some are considering a "gap year" and not going to college.  Juniors missed taking the ACT and SAT; some colleges may  not require these tests.
 
For the future, New Trier may be blending live and virtual classes; offering virtual classes to outside students, and generally reviewing how to transition to a new way to view education.