Dear Students and Parents,

Today was our first day of remote instruction during what is truly an unprecedented time. As we look ahead at the next couple of weeks with this new learning model, we want to reemphasize a few points to help you feel comfortable with this shift and share what’s new. Below is some important information about academic schedules and assignments, tips for parents and students, guidelines for audio/visual interactions, virtual Daily Chapel, Senior Chapel Talks, and athletics.

Academic Schedule & Assignments

Teachers will be posting their assignments, including any video lessons, and due dates following the posting schedule below. For this week (March 23-27), Wednesday is the only day that students must “attend class” during the Virtual Class Meeting schedule. Going forward, we will be evaluating class needs as we ease into this model and set up a regular virtual meeting time for classes.

Monday: Assignments post for Periods 1-3
Tuesday: Assignments post for Periods 4-7
Wednesday: Virtual Class Meetings (no new assignments post)*
Thursday: Assignments post for Periods 1-3
Friday: Assignments post for Periods 4-7
*Wednesday: Virtual Class Meeting Schedule (Class meetings are all done remotely using video calls and conferences; these are not in person. Wednesday class meetings will be recorded.)
1st: 8:30-8:50
2nd: 9:00-9:20
3rd: 9:30-9:50
4th: 10:15-10:35
5th: 10:45-11:05
6th: 11:15-11:35
7th: 11:45-12:05
Added tutoring/small group time: 1:30-2:30

Expectations and guidelines for students during all audio/visual interactions or recordings:

Students should treat online video conferences as if they were in class. Treat each of your fellow students as a person. Be kind. Use appropriate academic language, no cursing. Engage in civil discourse. Be aware of your air time.
These are short periods of time, and students should be free from distractions (for example other electronic media). Pay attention to the background. Be sure that there is nothing distracting and/or inappropriate. If you set a background for yourself, set it before the call starts and do not change it during the call. Use headphones/earbuds if they are available to help cut down on background noise.
Although we are not in school and do not need to be in uniform, part of being respectful of others is maintaining a reasonable appearance and grooming standards (wear appropriate attire that would meet the requirements of a free dress day–i.e., no bare shoulders, no inappropriate logos, no pajamas, no torn clothing, etc.). Remember, you’re inviting guests into your home, including your teacher.
Each Wednesday Virtual Class Meeting will be recorded and posted in case students need to refer to it. Although students may be used to using social media in a casual environment, these should be considered professional. This means you should not capture images or re-use material in any way that is not for school purposes. This includes re-posting with commentary, making memes, or other use. Remember that we respect the dignity of every person, and we see the light in each other.
Follow the instructions of your instructor and be respectful.
Any inappropriate behavior, cyberbullying, or misuse of teacher or peer images will not be tolerated.

Tips for students to get set up for success:

Make sure you have a device (computer, Chromebook, tablet) connected to the Internet.
Dedicate and make a space where you plan to work; you may have to share a space.
Create a schedule:
Make one that works for you and your family because you may have to share devices and space with siblings or parents. It will also be helpful to establish a daily routine (regulate wake-up time, work time, activity time).
Pace yourself so you don’t have too much to do at the last minute.
Be flexible, we are all starting a new routine!

Student expectations during remote instruction:

Check class schedules so you know when to log into Zoom for online class and when assignments are posted and due.
Log in on the assigned days to check onCampus for new assignments.
Keep a calendar to stay on top of due dates and regular Zoom meetings.
Be an active learner and participate.
Learning and teaching this way is new for some of us, let's give it a try and remember to be flexible.
Participate like you should in class: show up on time, ask questions, provide appropriate comments, do the work assigned.

Parents, you can help support your student by:

Supporting your student in establishing a daily schedule.
Ensuring time is dedicated each day for students to engage in the learning experiences and to work through practice/homework; provide support and feedback to child as appropriate.
Emailing the child’s content teacher with questions or clarifications when needed.

Daily Chapel & Senior Chapel Talks

With classes back in session through remote instruction, our Head Chaplain, Fr. Nate, invites the TMI community to join him for virtual Daily Chapel at 9:50 a.m., Monday-Friday, by visiting our TMI YouTube channel here. He will be live-streaming chapel from his office with morning prayer and Scripture readings. A live chat feature will also allow you to interact during chapel.
Senior Chapel Talks will resume as well, with a modified schedule during the remote instruction phase. Senior Chapel Talk videos will post at 10:00 a.m., after virtual Daily Chapel, on the dates listed below. Senior students received an email with detailed instructions on how to submit their Senior Chapel Talk video, which is due the day before the talk is scheduled to air.

Revised Senior Chapel Talk Schedule during remote instruction:
03/26 Thu – Tongge "Susan" Sun
03/27 Fri – Kurt Bliss
03/30 Mon – Ileana Molina
03/31 Tue – Olivia Iskander
04/01 Wed – Brandon Collins
04/02 Thu – Nicholas Proffitt
04/03 Fri – Bryce Bolton

Athletics

At this time, athletics continues to remain in a holding pattern. TAPPS has suspended all athletic activity through April 12th and will reassess the situation as that date gets closer. UIL has suspended all contests until May 4th. TMI Athletics and the administration is continuing to monitor the athletic situation as well as providing regular communications and updates with our coaches, players, and parents.

We ask that you continue to be cautious and follow all CDC guidelines to stay safe and help keep your family healthy and well as the world continues to fight the Coronavirus. While we are definitely navigating new territory, it is encouraging to watch our community come together in new ways to support one another and continue our mission of providing an exceptional education and raising servant leaders.

3/20/20 – TMI Coronavirus community update

Dear TMI Community,

Yesterday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took statewide action and issued an Executive Order, which mandates schools–among other businesses–close until April 3, 2020. The order is in addition to the declaration of a statewide public health disaster. Our plan to start remote instruction on Monday, March 23, remains in place and our faculty have worked hard this past week to adapt to these challenging times to be able to continue providing our students with the best educational experience possible.

We know that you still have questions about what lies ahead and how other activities will continue to be impacted, and we will continue to provide updates and information as we have it while the situation continues to unfold.

Below is an video message from Fr. Scott as well as important information, including a new opportunity for virtual counseling for our students, and reminders for our community (all previous updates and communications about the COVID-19 situation and how it affects TMI can be found at www.tmi-sa.org/coronavirus):

Video Message From Fr. Scott

Remote Instruction:

Please login to your OnCampus portal before Monday, March 23. All of the teachers will have welcome messages posted in the bulletin board section for their classes where you can find general information about what to expect in the coming two weeks.
During this time, assignments will continue to be graded as we recognize the importance of not losing academic ground. Currently, report cards with 3rd quarter grades are ready and available to be viewed in onCampus.
While the learning might look and feel different from the traditional classroom experience, our standards have not changed, just our delivery method. Our teachers are also aware that most students do not have their books, so they are designing learning that does not require textbooks.

Virtual Counseling:

Beginning on Monday, March 23, and continuing until April 3, students may use the online form here to request virtual counseling for academic, personal, or social issues and concerns. Virtual Counseling sessions will be held between 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Campus Access and Security:

At this time, any individual who does not reside on campus will not be allowed to enter campus until circumstances change. This includes staff, faculty, students, visitors, contractors, and vendors. In addition, the Welcome Center will be asking screening questions regarding possible exposure or infection of COVID-19 for individuals who arrive on campus and are authorized to be on campus.
All usage of recreational facilities on campus is suspended until further notice. Our facilities crew has been busy sanitizing our entire campus and keeping people out of all spaces is the best way to support our maintenance crew and keep our spaces as clean as possible.

Let’s Stay Positive!

Although we won’t be together on campus, we want to continue to highlight our student activities and accomplishments. While your students are engaging in classes through remote instruction these upcoming weeks, please continue to share your photos and shoutouts with us. We’d also love to see your students in action, learning at home!

To submit your student accomplishments, photos, or news, you are always welcome to email the Director of Community Relations, Stephanie Gish, directly at s.gish@tmi-sa.org or submit your student news using the form here. Despite the physical distance, let’s use technology, compassion, and support to bring our community closer together than ever before–we belong to each other!

With the extended spring break coming to a close, our weekly News & Notes emails will resume next Friday. We will also continue to update you regarding the COVID-19 situation and how it affects our community as it continues to develop. Remember, we are all in this together. Let’s focus on things that add value and show gratitude for what we can adapt to and overcome.

3/19/20 – Remote instruction information for next week

Dear Panther Families,

I hope that this note finds you and your families safe and healthy.

As we quickly approach our first week of remote instruction, I wanted to connect with you to check in with you and give you a preview of what to expect. The teachers are hard at work preparing learning that is appropriate for asynchronous, distance learning. Please be patient with us as we make this move. I promise you that we will be patient with you. This is new for everyone and there will no doubt be some bumps in the road. The mantra we have adopted is “patience and grace.”

During this time, assignments will continue to be graded as we recognize the importance of not losing academic ground. While the learning might look and feel different from the traditional classroom experience, the learning is not meant to be surface level. Our standards are not changing, just our delivery method. Our teachers are also aware that most students do not have their books, so they are designing learning that does not require textbooks.

As a first step, please log in to your OnCampus portal sometime after 12:00 p.m. on Friday. All of the teachers will have welcome messages posted in the bulletin board section for their classes. There you can find general information about what to expect in the coming two weeks. Some will have specific apps/websites for you to explore or download in preparation for learning. Because this is so new for many of our teachers, you will be interacting on a number of different platforms. The rule of thumb for the first two weeks is that teachers should not be introducing any platform that has not previously been used in class unless it is really intuitive. We recognize that everyone needs to get up to speed and develop some level of comfort with this new environment before we start to expand our digital toolbox. Additionally, because Wednesdays will include opportunities for video calls, we will be sharing expectations for students with regards to best practices for these video conferences. You can watch for that information next week in advance of Wednesday.

Again, we realize that this will take some time to get used to for everyone and we truly hope that this is a short-lived practice. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 progress and maintaining communication with the San Antonio Health Department in order to make the best decisions possible for our community health and well-being. TMI will be in regular communication with you so that you know what our plans are. We are here to support you and your families as we make this adjustment to keep the learning going. We understand the questions and uncertainty that you are feeling, especially our seniors, and are committed to providing the best experience possible under the circumstances.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you all a safe and healthy weekend,

Anne Schaefer-Salinas
Associate Head of School

3/17/20 – Coronavirus Update: Stars Over TMI

3/17/20 – TMI responds to Coronavirus; alumni events postponed

Dear TMI Alumni,

As you know, the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting nearly every aspect of our daily lives, including day-to-day operations here at TMI. Our students are currently taking this week as an extended spring break, which we hope our families are using to spend quality time together while our faculty and staff prepare for remote instruction to begin next week on Monday, March 23.

Yesterday, Head of School Fr. Scott Brown shared an important message with the community as we continue to navigate the hurdles presented by COVID-19. We are including his message below so that you know how your alma mater is taking care of its community and responding to these challenges. If you would like to keep up with all of our community updates on the COVID-19 situation, visit www.tmi-sa.org/coronavirus.

During this time, we are temporarily postponing our upcoming alumni events scheduled during the next few weeks while the situation continues to develop. We will be in touch with new dates for alumni reuinion lunches and other activities when we know that classes will be back on campus and normal operations can resume.

Please watch your email and social media to learn more about the status of upcoming alumni events. We are grateful for your continued support of TMI.

TMI Alumni Relations
advancement@tmi-sa.org

Event Notifications:

The following alumni events are postponed. We will email you as new dates are set for these events. If you have any questions or would like to get involved in future events, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Email advancement@tmi-sa.org and our Alumni Relations team will be in touch.

March 25, 2020 (New date TBA): Alumni Career Panel

April 1, 2020 (New date TBA): 1960s Alumni Reunion Luncheon

April 3, 2020 (New date TBA): Alumni Career Panel

April 22, 2020 (New date TBA): Battalion Commanders Luncheon

Dear TMI Community,

As you know, the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread around the globe. In San Antonio, Mayor Ron Nirenberg declared a State of Public Health Emergency last week and, here at TMI, we are continuing to do our part to help mitigate the spread of illness from this virus. We hope that our students and families have had a chance to rest and spend quality time together during the extended break this week and want you to know that our faculty and staff remain committed to providing your students with the excellent educational experience TMI offers.

Please click below to watch a special announcement from Fr. Scott as we continue to move forward, adapting and overcoming the challenges that COVID-19 is presenting–not only to us, but all around the world:

Watch video here

On Monday, March 23, we will begin remote instruction for all our TMI students. Our faculty members are working diligently this week to transition their lessons and projects into online formats. As we prepare for this, many parents have asked about picking up their student’s books this week. Please know that while we are not allowing any students on campus this week, all of our faculty members are making alternative arrangements for instruction so that students do not need their books. We will have detailed information later this week on the schedule we will be using for remote instruction and what your students can expect.

We know that you still have many questions about upcoming activities and what’s to come. While we don’t have all the answers yet, we promise to continue sending important information and updates as we work through details and adapt to this current situation.

As we continue the extended spring break and go into our remote instruction phase next week, we want to encourage our families and community members to practice social distancing in your lives outside of TMI. Social distancing actions help to slow down the spread and exposure of the virus and works best when started early, even before there is evidence of the disease in the community.

It is our hope that all members of the TMI community remain safe and healthy during this time, however, if you do become sick or have traveled to any location with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19, we ask that you seek appropriate medical care and reach out to both the TMI Health Center and the Health Department. Please see detailed information below on what to do if you are sick or have traveled to any locations with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

What to do if you are sick or
if you traveled to a location on the CDC list:

If you have traveled to a country or city on the CDC’s list of locations with widespread or ongoing community spread or are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to the virus, please contact Stacy Smith, TMI Healthcare Coordinator, at s.smith@tmi-sa.org. We also ask that you contact the Health Department at (210) 207-8876 (this is a 24/7 number) if you are experiencing symptoms or are concerned about exposure.

If you become sick, we ask that our community members follow the CDC’s guidelines outlined below:

Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.

Monitoring your symptoms

Seek medical attention: Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing).
Call your doctor: Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19.
Wear a facemask when sick: Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed.
Alert health department: Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.

For the most reliable and up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation, we recommend the following sources:

3/16/20 – Coronavirus update; access to campus and reporting illness

Dear TMI Community,

As you know, the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread around the globe. In San Antonio, Mayor Ron Nirenberg declared a State of Public Health Emergency last week and, here at TMI, we are continuing to do our part to help mitigate the spread of illness from this virus. We hope that our students and families have had a chance to rest and spend quality time together during the extended break this week and want you to know that our faculty and staff remain committed to providing your students with the excellent educational experience TMI offers.

Please click below to watch a special announcement from Fr. Scott as we continue to move forward, adapting and overcoming the challenges that COVID-19 is presenting–not only to us, but all around the world:

Watch video here

On Monday, March 23, we will begin remote instruction for all our TMI students. Our faculty members are working diligently this week to transition their lessons and projects into online formats. As we prepare for this, many parents have asked about picking up their student’s books this week. Please know that while we are not allowing any students on campus this week, all of our faculty members are making alternative arrangements for instruction so that students do not need their books. We will have detailed information later this week on the schedule we will be using for remote instruction and what your students can expect.

We know that you still have many questions about upcoming activities and what’s to come. While we don’t have all the answers yet, we promise to continue sending important information and updates as we work through details and adapt to this current situation.

As we continue the extended spring break and go into our remote instruction phase next week, we want to encourage our families and community members to practice social distancing in your lives outside of TMI. Social distancing actions help to slow down the spread and exposure of the virus and works best when started early, even before there is evidence of the disease in the community.

It is our hope that all members of the TMI community remain safe and healthy during this time, however, if you do become sick or have traveled to any location with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19, we ask that you seek appropriate medical care and reach out to both the TMI Health Center and the Health Department. Please see detailed information below on what to do if you are sick or have traveled to any locations with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

What to do if you are sick or
if you traveled to a location on the CDC list:

If you have traveled to a country or city on the CDC’s list of locations with widespread or ongoing community spread or are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to the virus, please contact Stacy Smith, TMI Healthcare Coordinator, at s.smith@tmi-sa.org. We also ask that you contact the Health Department at (210) 207-8876 (this is a 24/7 number) if you are experiencing symptoms or are concerned about exposure.

If you become sick, we ask that our community members follow the CDC’s guidelines outlined below:

Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.

Monitoring your symptoms

Seek medical attention: Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing).
Call your doctor: Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19.
Wear a facemask when sick: Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed.
Alert health department: Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.

For the most reliable and up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation, we recommend the following sources:

3/12/20 – Coronavirus updates; extended break and distance learning

Dear TMI Community,

As you know, we have been closely monitoring the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. With COVID-19 dominating national news, we know that many of you have concerns about how this will affect our community and day-to-day operations at TMI after the spring break.

In addition to being in communication with the San Antonio Health Department, our TMI administration has been involved in ongoing conversations with other schools in our area. While some of our peer schools may be making similar announcements soon, each school has to make difficult decisions for their own communities.

After much discussion and careful consideration, we believe that taking a conservative approach will keep our community the safest and prevent unnecessary spread of illness. Therefore, we are extending spring break for one additional week, through March 22. During this time, our faculty will be working on implementing distance learning (classes to take place online) to begin Monday, March 23.

While we will be prepared for at least two weeks of this format, depending upon how the COVID-19 situation unfolds, we may shorten or extend the duration of distance learning. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the school year will not extend beyond May 21 and online instruction will allow students the opportunity to receive all necessary credits toward graduation.

Please keep a close eye on your email over the next few weeks as we will remain in contact with you and provide updates as we have more information for when classes on campus will resume. Details for online classes and how to access them will be shared next week.

Our primary motivation is to protect the health and safety of all members of our community. Following the recommendations of the CDC, the impetus of this decision is to limit large group gatherings and other meetings that require being indoors and in close proximity of others for prolonged periods of time. By doing so, we hope to contribute our part in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

Please see below for additional information and answers to what are most likely some of your initial concerns:

Overall timeline:

Spring break is extended for one week, March 16-22;
During this time, all classes, athletic practices/games, and extracurricular activities are cancelled. Faculty will be using this week to prepare to conduct their classes using a distance-learning model.
Distance learning will begin March 23 for all classes.
We will return to on-campus classes as soon as possible.

Academic, athletic, Corps, & extracurricular activities:

For athletic and extracurricular activities, we will continue to assess and monitor the situation and provide more details for the following weeks. At this time however, all practices and games are cancelled for March 16-22 and athletic facilities are closed.
For members of the Corps of Cadets, the Adventure training day that was scheduled for Friday, March 27, is cancelled.
All Senior Chapel Talks for the upcoming three weeks will be rescheduled. For those who have talks scheduled for the next few weeks, more information will be coming directly from Fr. Nate.

Campus activities that will continue:

During the next three weeks, the Facilities Department will be conducting a deep clean of our campus and basic operations–including security, maintenance, and janitorial–will continue on an adjusted schedule.

Residential Life:

Families with residential life students will be receiving more information from the Director of Residential Life on options for the next few weeks. However, please know at this time that we will reopen the dorms for our boarders as scheduled on Sun., March 15.

We know that more developments in the COVID-19 situation will happen over the next few weeks and we will continue to monitor what is happening. All decisions will be based on best available information from the CDC, SA Health Department, and our Independent and Episcopal School networks.

We understand that for many families this decision will be inconvenient and highly disruptive to your normal routines. We have not made these decisions or changes lightly and are taking these actions to protect the health and safety of all members of our community. While we are happy to address any questions or concerns, please know that we will share information and updates as soon as we have them.

For continued monitoring of the virus, we recommend the following resources below for the most up to date and reliable information.

Admission

About

Academics

Athletics

Military

Spirituality

Summer Enrichment

Campus Events

List of 4 events.

Remote Instruction

Daily Chapel Online

Remote Instruction

Senior Community Service Hours Due

Support

Quick Links

Community Updates

Recommended Sources

Video Update, 3-16-20

Message from Fr. Scott, 3-20-20

Community Emails

List of 12 items.

3/25/20 – Stars Over TMI follow up

3/24/20 – Update: preparing for extended remote instruction

3/23/20 – Coronavirus update; first day of remote instruction