Friday, July 31, 2020

We know that for many of you, the virtual learning experience -- while appreciated and valued -- didn’t provide the same rich environment that you want for your child.  We understand.  The new modality was, to be honest, draining and difficult for teachers, too.  Might we be forced, by a renewed surge of the virus, to adjust once again?  No one knows.  But we do know that this year’s expanded roster of talented instructors stands ready to deliver on the school’s mission regardless.

 

When you joined Jackson Hole Classical Academy, you chose a strong curriculum, and you recognized the benefits of a classical education presented by capable Christian teachers.  Our commitment to this challenging and rewarding program stands firm: we seek to equip a generation of clear thinking, articulate, and capable citizens.  We need you, now more than ever, to commit with us to authentic education.  Your involvement represents not only a way to educate your children, but an investment in their future as contributing members of the communities they will one day join.

 

Our plan to re-open Jackson Hole Classical Academy on Tuesday, September 1st gives priority to the physical safety and emotional well-being of our entire learning community, and adheres to the Wyoming State and Teton County recommendations and ordinances. The Academy’s 40 acres of land, 18,000 square feet of teaching space, and 12,000 square feet of athletic/gathering space together allows for social distancing, classroom handwashing, outdoor learning, meal preparation, and proper gathering.  The attached “Back to School 2020-2021 Plan” lists our 30 faculty and staff, with their teaching and managerial responsibilities.  We have an exciting academic year ahead, with gifted new teachers and new courses!

 

The success of our school community in minimizing any impact of COVID-19 will depend upon more than policies.  Lord Moulton, in a 1924 essay in “The Atlantic Monthly” titled “Obedience to the Unenforceable,” described an essential element of what will assure our success in this effort.  He states there are three domains of human action:  First, Positive Law, where our actions are prescribed by laws binding us.  Second, Free Choice, which includes all actions we claim and enjoy in freedom.  And finally, the “domain in-between,” where there is no law which determines our course of action, and yet where we also sense we are not free to choose as we would: Obedience to the Unenforceable.