Those who have returned to on-campus learning may have seen the horde of young children wandering around campus. No, they’re not the new freshmen, but rather attendees of the Camp KO Micro School.
Several public schools have adopted a hybrid learning model, alternating between online and in-person classes every week. For many of our teachers with young children, it is difficult to find ways to care for their own children on remote learning days. This is where the Micro School, headed by Summer Programs Director Sheri Shea, came in.
“The program was created to allow KO faculty and staff the ability to work in-person on campus while we are caring for their children,” Ms. Shea said. “These children are currently in public elementary and middle schools, and so we take care of them on their weeks or days where they are not in school.” Depending on the schedules of each child’s school districts, the Micro School hosts anywhere from six to 14 children each day.
From 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the children engage in a wide variety of activities. “In the mornings we generally help the kids with their homework, play board games or wall ball, tennis, kickball, and basketball in the field house,” Ms. Shea said. “In the afternoons, we get the kids online with their teachers and make sure they attend their online classes. When their work is finished, we allow them to play some video games on the big screen, such as Mario Kart.”
History teacher Katie McCarthy is grateful for the support given by the Micro school. “This has been such a great experience for my children and myself in a lot of ways,” she said. “Without [the Micro School], my husband and I would be completely scrambled, and it makes me really proud to be a part of a community which supports working families in such a way.”
Creative arts teacher Katie Burnett also has children attending the Micro School, and expressed great gratitude to those who organized it. “I think it’s awesome,” she said. “My kids love it, and they can’t wait to go to it each day. I feel that the program adds a certain kindness to the community as having these younger kids mix in with the older students on campus is truly a beautiful thing.” Mrs. McCarthy shared a similar sentiment. “I have a sincere gratitude for Mr. Dillow, Ms. Shea, and those behind it because it makes a real difference for working parents to have this support, which allows me to do my job as a teacher,” she said.
As Director of the Micro School, Ms. Shea is responsible for organizing the program and its activities while prioritizing safety. Ms. Shea is assisted by Reid Collins ’14, Maeve McDonald ’19, Esha Kataria ’20, and Ainsley Vaughn ’20. Esha, who is able to help out at the Micro School during her gap semester before beginning college, loves being given the opportunity to work with kids in the program. “My favorite part about working with kids is their energy and playfulness,” Esha said. “We have a lot of fun, and as a competitive person, I love playing games, and my day is always full of laughter and joy.”
The Micro School is much more than just a substitute for regular school. It gives the children an experience they wouldn’t get anywhere else, especially during these trying times. Not only do the kids involved become more closely connected with the community where their parent(s) work, but they can also connect with other kids through fun and engaging activities. In addition to learning to play tennis and win at Mario Kart, the children also learn many important life skills.
“I think they are learning how to manage their time better,” Mrs. Shea said. “Most young kids really want to play, but they know that they need to get their work done first or that they can work a little, play a little and then go back to their work. The goal is hopefully that when their parents come to pick them up, they are done with all of their schoolwork and are able to relax with their family for the rest of the night.”
The Micro School prioritizes safety over anything, following the standard social distancing, sanitation, and mask procedures. The program is planned to continue as long as there are faculty children on hybrid learning schedules and if KO continues to hold in-person classes.
