TBS Bridge
(Home-Based Learning)
Community
Connection
Rich learning
opportunities
Civic
engagement
Responsiveness
Equity
At The Berkeley School, we rely on our professional knowledge of children’s needs and educational best practices as we adjust to our new circumstances. We know that returning to campus-based learning is a family choice and many will choose to remain in home-based learning. Since the spring, we have been constantly working to strengthen our home-based learning program to ensure that it meets the academic and social needs of our students and families.
Bridge Highlights
1-on-1 time between students and teachers with multiple 1:1 check-ins providing continuous accountability for each student’s individual growth.
Focus on inclusion & community with virtual all-school assemblies, student club and affinity group meetings by Zoom, and join moderated virtual recess 4 days a week.
Zoom tutorials after each lesson giving students the opportunity to meet with teachers about what they’ve just learned.
Our online platforms allow teachers to provide learning opportunities and offer feedback, though student learning doesn’t happen solely online.
Google Classroom (4th-8th) is a tool we have used for many years in the 4th-8th grades. Students and teachers manage assignments, work in Google docs and other Google apps, and engage in discussions through this platform. All class assignments, videos, and announcements live here, along with Google calendar links to online classes.
Seesaw (Preschool-3rd) is an online platform for students in our Early Childhood classrooms and kindergarten through 3rd grades. Students can see personalized assignments, view video lessons, and upload evidence of their learning in many ways, including pictures, writing, videos, and audio; and teachers can provide feedback.
Zoom (Preschool-8th) is a video conferencing platform used Early Childhood through 8th grade for live (synchronous) lessons, classroom meetings, learning support, club and affinity group meetings, moderated recess, and assemblies.
DreamBox (K-5) is an adaptive, interactive math tool used in grades K-5th for exploration of mathematics. It personalizes instruction from intervention through enrichment and mixes instruction with assessment to meet students where they are.
Flipgrid (MS) is a social learning platform used in our middle school. We call it the TikTok of distance learning! Students share short videos in response to a prompt like a photo or video. This tool allows students to asynchronously share their thoughts and learning with classmates and teachers, even when they are at a distance.
Feedback from Our Families
“All of you are amazing. Since Distance Learning began, I have been even more grateful that Andy is at TBS. I can only imagine the hours and the surreal amounts of coordination involved to make the whole thing work! It is impressive how TBS has continued to reassess how Distance Learning has been going, instead of simply settling into a plan that already was working well. One consequence of the campus closure has been unexpected and welcome: In working with Andy at home, I have been able to see firsthand what Andy has been learning at school and see how solid Andy’s educational integration has been from attending TBS.”
– Isabel, Andy’s mom (1st Grade)
“The teachers and admins have created a virtual school that is almost identical to an actual school day. The kids get to see their teachers and classmates, have class discussions, get help with homework—all live. They even have their after-school clubs up and running in virtual form! I’m amazed at how quickly they put the whole program together and at how well it is functioning. The online system for tracking assignments is very organized, but that’s not new—it’s the same one the kids have used all year to keep track of their work.”
– Cindy, Kieran’s mom (8th Grade)
“Our family is grateful for the intention and care The Berkeley School puts into everything they do. The Distance Learning Plan has been no exception. The leadership and the teachers have provided structure, learning and connection for our children throughout our time at home.
The clear structure and thoughtful combination of traditional learning and new avenues into learning engaged our third grader and motivated him to organize and take ownership of his work.
Our first grader grew into distance learning because of the careful, gentle and purposeful work of her teachers. She looks forward to her meetings, her work and the community activities every day.”
– Michele, Hannah and Carter’s mom (1st Grade, 3rd Grade)
“I feel that the Sweet Briar Creek Team and all who support/lead them has communicated well and performed admirably in the face of adversity. While we are apart physically from campus, we still feel connected to the vibrant TBS community and find comfort when the teachers meet us via Zoom each morning. The implementation of the Distance Learning Plan and the excellence of the teachers in the midst of global chaos is a testament to the school’s leadership, professionalism, and care for the TBS community.”
– Rex, Max’s dad (Kindergarten)
The Berkeley School welcomes students of any race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin and accords them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students at The Berkeley School. TBS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, scholarship programs, and athletic or other school administered programs.
Our Mission
Ignite Curious Minds
Awaken Generous Hearts
Engage a Changing World
K - 8 Campus
1310 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
Early Childhood Campus
2030 Francisco Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 849-8340
Connect
The Berkeley School welcomes students of any race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin and accords them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students at The Berkeley School. TBS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, scholarship programs, and athletic or other school administered programs.
Ignite Curious Minds
Awaken Generous Hearts
Engage a Changing World
K - 8 Campus
1310 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 665-8800
Early Childhood Campus
2030 Francisco Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 849-8340