“We are basically starting a new program from scratch,” Ms. Eera Sharma, Director of Summer Programs, said. Graphic by Sesame Gaetsaloe/The Choate News
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Choate Summer Programs will take place online this summer. The modified program will offer all of the originally planned courses, but teachers will now be converting classes traditionally taught on campus to virtual classrooms.
Choate Summer Programs coordinators are working hard to prepare for the upcoming summer and make it as enjoyable as possible. Director of Summer Programs Ms. Eera Sharma explained, “We are doing a lot. We are basically starting a new program from scratch. We are trying to recreate as much as possible of what we were doing before online [classes]. What is it that’s special about the Choate Summer Programs that we can show in an online format?”
To accommodate the program’s transition, a larger array of courses has been made available for students. Choate Summer Programs will offer Choate classes only offered in the academic year, such as Algebra II and Contemporary Issues, along with “bridge courses,” which act as a preface for courses that are scheduled to take place during the school year, to support Choate students preparing for their classes come the fall.
Day-long signature programs will be modified to hourly courses that everyone can take, providing students with both more course options and a break from their screens. The Theater Art Institute signature program has been expanded to include art classes offered in the academic year, such as acting and playwriting. The Choate Summer Programs Office is also finding ways to continue teaching traditionally hands-on courses like robotics with online tools.
The Summer Programs are also adopting a new daily schedule. Programs are now scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m. and run until 10:00 p.m. to accommodate students in different time zones.
The program also had to address the loss of opportunities for students to socialize with one another. An important part of the experience has always been meeting new people and establishing a close and diverse community. So, for this purpose, Choate Summer Programs has created plans for social events such as virtual dances. The office of Choate Summer Online Programs is working on rebuilding a community similar to the one in the normal school year, according to Ms. Sharma. The office hopes to represent “who we are at Choate,” she said.
If the Choate Summer Programs run smoothly, more online courses may be offered during upcoming years in addition to on-campus summer programs.
