BFS
 Our Strategic Vision

*These messages and materials represent our communications and resources from Spring 2020. An updated COVID-19 resources page is forthcoming.*

From Our Head of School, Crissy Cáceres

Virtual BFS: Middle and Upper School

Please enjoy video greetings and read written communications from Glen Pinder and Lisa Arrastia below. All written communications from the Head of School and Division Heads can be found at our COVID-19 Communications and Resources page.

March 30, 2020

March 30, 2020

March 26, 2020

 

March 26, 2020

 

March 13, 2020

 

March 12, 2020

Upper School –  April 3, 2020

Middle School – April 3, 2020

Upper School – March 30, 2020

Apps and Tutorials 

Necessary Technology Equipment & COVID-19 Information

  • Chromebook, Mac, PC,  or tablet preferred; smartphone if no other equipment is available.
  • Wired or wireless preferred; cellular less preferred but permitted.
  • Please continue to refer to the Virtual BFS Hub and BFS COVID-19 web pages on the Brooklyn Friends School website.
  • Please contact US and MS Leadership if you are in need of any technology hardware or support with WiFi.

Attendance

  • Teachers will take attendance in every class synchronously or by other means that can be shared with the divisional leadership team.
  • UPPER School student absence: email usaa@brooklynfriends.org.
  • MIDDLE School student absence: email kclinchy@brooklynfriends.org and advisor.

  • Use only your BFS-assigned email account for communications.
  • Phones should not be out unless instructed by the teacher.
  • Photos/videos in any form should not be taken or shared including any form of social media (e.g., Snapchat, etc.).
  • Dress in clothes that are not pajamas or a robe. Wear clothing similar to what you would wear to school.
  • Do not video conference from your bed.
  • Find a space that is optimal for learning. Be mindful and locate yourself in a space separate from family members or pets that might distract you or your classmates.
  • Make every effort to sit at a table or desk. Ideally, have a wall behind you to minimize distractions of those who can see you.
  • Be present during the entire class period. There are breaks between each class. The break time should be used to get beverages, food, use the restroom, and tend to other needs. Class time should not be used for these purposes.
  • Please be mindful that if you are not prepared for class in the ways described above (e.g., appropriate dress, background, workspace, phones away), your behavior will be addressed with you and your family by the divisional leadership team.

Virtual BFS: Lower School

Parents in need of technical support should email parenttech@brooklynfriends.org.

Families will need access to the internet or will need to use data to read and view messages from teachers and/or access a link; however, we do not intend, nor encourage long periods of screen time. We have designed our assignments to be age-appropriate and largely hands-on. Your child will need to be supported by an adult to read directions or gather simple materials (paper, pencil, deck of cards, dice). Depending on the age of your child, you may need to engage with your child in activities that require a partner or closer adult supervision. Some of your teachers have shared links and websites that your child will likely need assistance accessing. An adult should always be present whenever children work online, view youtube videos, and the like.

Virtual BFS: Preschool and Family Center

Virtual BFS Athletics

The camaraderie, fitness, and important life lessons of BFS Athletics continue at Virtual BFS!

Each Monday and Thursday from 4pm to 4:30pm, Middle and Upper School Athletes on our spring teams (Baseball, Softball, Track, Boys Volleyball) meet with their coaches via Zoom sessions. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Athletes participate in live workouts on Zoom with Coach Lydia Gonzalez from 4pm to 4:30pm. The goals of Virtual BFS Athletics are to maintain connections as teams, to learn about the sport, and to remain active. Team Zoom sessions include watching sport-related videos, skills and drills videos, discussion of rules and regulations, game scenarios, sports trivia, Q&A, and much, much more! Any questions?  Reach out to David Gardella, Director of Athletics, at dgardella@brooklynfriends.org

Virtual BFS: Support From Our Counselors and Psychologists

Service Learning and Civic Engagement at Virtual BFS

Informed and responsible service learning and civic engagement take on added significance during a crisis. Natania Kremer, BFS Director of Service Learning and Civic Engagement has started a document to gather resources for the BFS community. This is a work in progress. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please reach out to Natania, nkremer@brooklynfriends.org.

Virtual BFS Afterschool

Afterschool has gone Virtual! Afterschool will continue as a part of Virtual BFS for registered students following the schedule below. Registered students will receive class links. If you have questions, please contact Afterschool at afterschool@brooklynfriends.org.

Monday:
3:30-4:30
Magic Forest K-2
Beg. Chess K-3
4:30-5:30
Electronic Sound Lab 3-4
Int. Chess 2-4
3:30-6:00
Music Lessons

Tuesday
3:30-4:15
K-4 Grade Playgroup
5-6 Study Hall
3:30-4:30
Beginning Karate
4:30-5:30
Intermediate Karate
3:30-6:00
Music Lessons

Wednesday
3:30-4:30
Friends Of Color K-4
Drama Zone- Lion King K-1
Food Justice K-1
4:30-5:30
Drama Zone- Annie 1-3
3:30-6:00
Music Lessons

Thursday
3:30-4:30
Mad Science- K-2
Robo Zoo- 1-2
4:30-5:30
Animation Adventure- 2-4
World Percussion- K-2
3:30-6:00
Music Lessons

Friday
3:30-4:30
TV Production K-2
Beg. Fencing K-2
3D Video Game Coding- 2-4
Mythomagic 3-4
4:30-5:30
TV Production K-2
Int. Fencing 1-3
Adventures in Mythology K-1
3:30-6:00
Music Lessons

Virtual BFS In Action

Related Pages

Spring 2020: BFS COVID-19 Updates and Resources

Spring 2020: Creative Ideas and Resources for Home

BFS Tuition Assistance Emergency Relief Fund