Administrative Update - 03/31/2020

We are social beings, and the fact that we are unable to gather to worship, study, work, or socialize affects us. The psychological implications of quarantine and self-isolation are real, and the angst of not knowing what's next or how to plan ahead generates concern. However, we are all a part of the Archmere community - one that values each person, one that contemplates God's Word, and lives it in worship and service. With our mission always before us, we want to assure you that Archmere will continue to be with you throughout this challenging time, and we care about you.

First and foremost, we care that our students are receiving the best possible education we can provide, and not only their academic needs, but their physical and mental wellness needs are met. Our online distance learning model is working well, as is our modified day schedule. Much discussion and research on the part of the academic leadership and faculty members at large developed the current schedule, which attempts to balance synchronous online class time with independent work time. We have found, and it has since been confirmed with other schedules of independent schools around the country through our membership with NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools), that the traditional seven-period, face-to-face day schedule often does not effectively translate to an online schedule. We continue to focus on delivering a college preparatory, skills-based curriculum in this new format. As this is a new experience for all of us, and much like any action research project, we are processing outcomes as we go. Mr. Jordan will engage the faculty, with feedback from the students, to assess the current schedule and consider potentially meaningful activities over the Easter break.

Second, but just as important, we recognize that the current state of affairs can place a number of financial pressures on families. We realize, too, that every family's situation is different. We will work with any family that is experiencing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to work with families to ensure that their student(s) remain at Archmere. Just as many of you may be experiencing financial uncertainty, so is Archmere, as the current operating budget is dependent on fundraising and interest income from the endowment, as well as tuition. With fundraising events postponed and lower projected future income from reserves, Archmere has the challenge of maintaining appropriate staffing to ensure effective delivery of programs. We also have a moral obligation to try to help our most economically vulnerable employees, just as we intend to do for our families and students with financial need.

Although we face these challenges, we are blessed and excited to welcome the Class of 2024. With 116 contracts and 5 additional verbal commitments, we are approaching our enrollment goal of 122 for the Class of 2024, in addition to 5 students newly enrolled in the Class of 2023. We anticipate welcoming these students and their families, as well as all of our returning students in August . . . in person, God willing!

Until then, let us continue to pray and to serve one another in "communio." With Palm Sunday and Holy Week beginning in just a few days, we have a wonderful opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Gospel accounts of Jesus' final days on earth, and living the Word - that miraculous Triduum story of sadness and suffering, joy and hope - each day.

We will continue to communicate with you through the Easter holiday. Stay well and safe!

Sincerely,

Michael A. Marinelli, Ed.D. '76
Headmaster