Remote Learning as a Coordinated Effort
The following letter was shared with K-12 parents, faculty, and staff at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14 regarding conversations among heads of schools as well as between USN and local public health leaders.
Dear USN families and faculty,
Checking in from the desk here now that Spring Break has begun, we are more determined than ever to keep in touch. There’s nothing substantial to report — still no documented or suspected COVID-19 cases in our school community, but a broader concern continues to guide our efforts.
We’re part of an independent school group in Nashville that announced a plan Friday afternoon to toggle to remote learning mode in the week of March 23. At last count, the cohort included 20 of our Nashville neighbors, all with familiar names, and we aim to make a statement about the importance of doing our part. My sense is that other schools will join next week. The emerging consensus within that group is that we should plan for at least two weeks without face-to-face schooling from that time forward, but I want you to know that we’ll communicate week by week at USN. Conversations with colleagues on the West Coast and overseas convinced us that a weekly approach, with no specific end date suggested, makes sense.
Meanwhile, we’re gearing up on the communication front, making sure our special webpage is comprehensive, confirming that our faculty have what they need on all fronts, and configuring all school offices to best combine work-from-home mode with a presence on campus as appropriate, given the evolving circumstances. My main message to you is please let us know what you need and how we can help. There’s nothing easy about any of this but I’m certain that the strength and talent under the big USN tent are unrivaled.
One particular case in point, and with his reluctant permission for me to even mention his name, is USN parent Alex Jahangir, Vanderbilt University Medical Center surgeon, Metro Board of Health chair, and now leader of the Mayor’s Metro Coronavirus Task Force. His support and counsel have been invaluable to me and for us all along. Steady and smart as we could ever hope to see. Please check the Metro Nashville Health Department coronavirus webpage on a regular basis to stay current on local recommendations and news.
Past that, let’s give ourselves a few days to adjust to new routines and new expectations of one another. I’ll try to follow that advice and be back in touch midweek. In the meantime, take that deep breath, circle up with your family at an appropriate social distance, and remember that USN is not closed. We’re learning new ways to function in a time that’s calling for our very best. Together.
Take care all,
Vince Durnan
Director
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies
The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.Read More -
USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success
For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.Read More -
Middle School Quiz Bowl competes at national championship
The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.