A few months ago when the COVID19 pandemic broke out, the school had to stop its operations. Being out of our homes not only posed a threat to our own families but to the rest of the world. Our crucial role as educators, parents, and teachers alike, was challenged. We can’t physically be in the school where we were most comfortable and where things seemed to be more convenient.

Berkeley School decided not to sit and wait. We believed that learning still had to happen without compromising the health and safety of our students. We were supported by a community of parents, teachers, and students who continued to learn from each other. Feedback and communication were key to this endeavor.

The Distance Learning Program was difficult and was a cross to bear but with the support provided by the school, we were able to accomplish the tasks that we needed to do. Contents from Week 1 to Week 6 evolved to be better each week. The teachers were very considerate and responded to our needs as students and working parents.

Berkeley School, in its very essence, is a learning institution, and this crisis made us realize that more than ever. Project BLINK is the beginning of a new era of Berkeley. We realized that this is not just a temporary fix. It IS the actualization and coming into being of the seeds that were planted by our founders more than a decade ago. It was THAT culture of GRIT, RESILIENCE, COMPOSURE, and CREATIVITY that moved us into action to immediately respond to the crisis, without a doubt as to the expected outcome.

From here on out, Berkeley School, though remaining true to its core values and inherent culture, will be an evolving learning organization- adaptable to the requirements of our changing way of life - modern and tech-powered. A true embodiment of a school of excellence in the 21st century. Project BLINK is what our school year 2020-2021 will be - an online learning platform until it will be safe to come into the physical school.

BLINK will be our meeting place, our virtual classroom. The hub of classes, lessons, resources, assessments, and assignments. Teachers will be accessible online as the primary educators in this setup. They will be holding a virtual face to face sessions with their students via Google Meet. Students will engage with Learning Blocks, integrative subjects focusing greatly on depth, not just breadth. Content is carefully curated and built for a meaningful learning experience at home and eventually in school, built through the collaboration of teachers from different subject areas.

Equipping the teachers is key. All our teachers are being certified to teach online. We are a team that is capable and adaptive. You, our parents will always be our partners in all our endeavors. We will also prepare you as the managers of learning in your homes. You will create a conducive learning environment at home but not necessarily teach. A training course for parents will be a key component of BLINK.

All of this will be backed up by a fully integrated administrative support system where our parents can inquire, enroll, transact, and give feedback online. Our student services offices will make sure that the children’s physical, mental health, and wellbeing are fully taken care of in this program.