Change...

By Frieda Dahdah-Khayat /  Lower School Principal          

Years ago, at a professional development workshop, I was asked to use one word to describe the world. I responded, “Change.”

The world is dynamically changing and evolving by the second. Throughout the infamous year of COVID-19, society witnesses change that transforms the world at a pace beyond its control. The novel corona virus took everyone by surprise with surreal changes that we thought only belonged in science fiction stories.

So, what does change mean for Ramallah Friends School?

At Last, Back to School!

Since the unfortunate abrupt school closure last March, elementary schools were finally given the green light to welcome students back from kindergarten through fourth grade.  Mixed feelings filled the hearts of every member of the RFS community. This was what everyone had been wishing for! Parents, teachers, administrators and even the students missed those draining school days! There was excitement and hope at the thought of kids being back at school. Unfortunately, feelings of uncertainty and fear also lingered at the mere thought of a fresh outbreak of the virus in the community.

Since 1869, the RFS community has overcome endless challenges, and COVID-19 is simply going to be another victory added to its list. As the principal of the RFS Lower Campus, it is my responsibility to gingerly prepare and secure our school with tactical changes for this unprecedented challenge.

Teacher Schedules

Ramallah Friends School robustly is experimenting with three methods of instruction, in-person, online, and hybrid, seeking the best learning experience for the children. Teachers and staff schedules have been resourcefully changed to cater to the dynamic situation. Additional teachers are assigned for reduced-student classes to meet distance requirements for in-person lessons. An online schedule, in-person schedule, and a hybrid schedule were formulated, so teachers seamlessly transition into the called-for method of instruction.

 

School Entryways

Ramallah Friends School has opened five entrance gates to welcome its students. As one of the major changes, parents are no longer allowed to stroll through campus to supportively guide their children to their classrooms. Crowds and close contact of students of different grade levels have diminished with the designation of gates to specific grade levels, except for one gate designated for siblings only. On every promising morning, two to three teachers and staff members check student temperatures before permitting their entry. And at the end of the school day, teachers monitor school grounds to ensure required safe distance between all students awaiting pick-up.

New Essential Agreements

The first week of school at RFS was like no other in its past. Essential agreements were made for online classes and in-person classes. The entire school day was devoted to training students on face mask rules, hygiene procedures and safe distancing. Over and over, students practice in their classrooms and all around campus to master each and every rule.

Technology

When it comes to technology, Ramallah Friends School has surpassed all schools in Palestine. All classrooms are equipped with smart boards, desktops, and webcams for endless learning experiences. Risk-taking teachers broadcasted their in-person classes for students that were unable to attend school due to isolation or just fear of the virus. While other isolated teachers broadcasted a lesson to their entire class of students sitting in their very own classroom from home.

 

Change is an inevitable part of life that should be perceived as an opportunity to make us stronger to better weather the next challenge. Amidst change, RFS is vigilantly committed to delivering a valuable and transformative education while fostering a safe and nurturing environment for its entire community.