Lower School "Yellow Plan" Learning Model - Winchester Thurston School

Lower School

WT Yellow Learning Model

When WT is operating under the WT Yellow model described in the Response to the Spread of COVID-19, the Lower School will operate fully in-person (with an option for families to select remote learning). This page provides details about this re-imagined model of teaching and learning.

Questions? Our Admission Team is available to provide a deeper understanding of WT's commitment to preparing students for the demands of a changing world.

On-Campus Model:

Class Sizes and Cohorts

To meet physical distancing guidelines:

Pre-K students are in learning cohorts of 8-9 students

Kindergarten students are in cohorts of 12-13 students

Students in grades 1-5 are in learning cohorts of 12-14 students

Learning cohorts are built by balancing the learning needs, social and emotional needs, and dynamics of our students. The cohorts do not mix throughout the day.

Classroom Locations

Safety Measures

Detailed information about the school’s physical distancing and safety protocols are listed on the Response to the Spread of COVID-19 page. In general, cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, ventilation, and physical distancing protocols are in place and follow local and national agency guidelines. As part of these policies, all students in Lower School are required to wear a mask and specific mask breaks are built in to the students’ daily schedule.

Core Classes and Specials

All Lower School classroom teachers will teach the core subjects of math, literacy, and social studies in their homerooms. Specials Classes, including Computer Science/Science, Music, Dance, Art, Library, and World Language will also be taught in students’ homerooms by the Specialist teacher. Physical Education will be outdoors, and students will need to be prepared for all types of weather. Outdoor spaces will also be used as options for learning in other subjects.

Recess

Schedule

Lunch

Overview

All classrooms are fitted with a Logitech Meet Up camera so that students who cannot attend school for on-campus instruction can connect via Zoom for class meetings, math, and literacy lessons, and some Specials.
Students who choose this option will need to remain with this option for a full trimester at a time. This model will evolve to reflect what is best for the ages and grades of the students who select this option.

Home Learning Team

Technology and Learning Tools

To support both remote and on-campus learning, WT has a 1:1 device program for all Lower School students. The Lower School uses Seesaw and Google Suite to support learning in all classes, and parents access MyWT for all-school information.