International Remote Learning School — August 6, 2020
This plan is as of August 4, 2020. This is an interim plan and is subject to change if MBA is approved to have on-site learning.
Pastor Kevin "PK" Bowen describes the new International Remote Learning School program designed to help MBA students who are living overseas to be successful with remote learning.
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MBA SWITCHING TO REMOTE LEARNING
In late July, Governor Newsom issued a state-wide mandate prohibiting schools – including public, charter, and private - located in counties on the California state watchlist monitoring for COVID-19 concerns to open for on-site learning.
Santa Cruz County has been placed on that list, which means Monterey Bay Academy cannot re-open for on-site learning, but we are still looking at any available options for us to re-open later this semester. It is our goal that we re-open soon, which is why we cannot estimate how long we will be doing remote learning.
Last spring, MBA offered crisis online classes; this fall, we have planned ahead and have acquired tools and resources to facilitate an organized remote learning program. We are committed to providing the best learning experience for our students.
RE-OPENING CAMPUS IN THE FUTURE
When we re-open campus, we will follow the State Guidelines and share the plan accordingly. We are planning on having a closed campus with dorm students only and continue remote learning for those who are unable to move into the dorms.
I-20s AND STUDENT VISAS
The US government has allowed MBA to keep international student’s I-20s active as long as they are enrolled as a student at MBA. This includes students who are enrolled in remote learning from their own country. For Student Visas and I-20 to remain in active status, students must have completed enrollment and paid their tuition and fees by the start of school on August 17, 2020. At this time, we are unable to transfer any student’s I-20 to other schools.
Finances
Unused cafeteria and dorm fees will be credited to students' accounts for the period when they are not attending on campus. Students who graduate in 2021 will receive any refund credited by the discount. Students who do not graduate in 2021 will have any credit applied to their account for the 2021-2022 school year.
ONLINE SCHEDULES
Due to the time difference, international students (not residing in the US) will be on an asynchronous schedule. Students will not be attending classes in real-time, but will be able to access class lectures and course material on demand. Overseas students will still have daily check-ins to meet academic requirements. Students residing in the US will be expected to follow MBA’s synchronous schedule (where students will be attending classes in real-time). Here is the link to our Remote Learning Class Schedule 2020-2021.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
International students located overseas are required to have a daily individual meeting with our International Student Advocate.
International students located in the US will need to log into their classes daily. Normal tardy and absences policies will apply to all students.
HOMEWORK
Teachers will assign homework and provide the resources for students to complete their daily tasks. Teachers will coordinate with the Academic Support Committee to make sure that their class curriculum is appropriate and aligns with the student’s overall academic workload. Each teacher will coordinate deadlines accordingly.
TEACHER AVAILABILITY
For International Students located overseas, our International Student Advocate will be available via WeChat, Zoom, or email during her designated office hours (these hours will be convenient for your time zone). The Student Advocate will be a liaison between students and teachers, connecting with teachers and making sure there’s continuous communication.
For International Students located in the US, teachers will be available during their normal class times and will have designated times to schedule individual appointments. Teachers will be available to students and parents by phone or email to provide help and support.
TEXTBOOKS
We will be providing digital textbooks for each class. Any supplemental materials such as workbooks will also be provided.
ELECTIVE CLASSES AND SPIRITUAL PROGRAMS
For International Students located overseas, MBA will have a required weekly assembly along with other planned activities.
MBA will also continue spiritual programs throughout the week with chapels, assemblies, and weekend programs, which all students are welcome to join.
MBA values the social and spiritual aspects of every student’s life and will work to provide connection points for our MBA family.
Overseas students registered in elective classes such as band and choir will receive further details from their teachers on how the elective classes will operate.
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS
MBA will work with students to complete their community service hours for the fall semester. The Academic Office will communicate the details of approved activities to earn community service hours.
INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION
We would like to invite all International Students to join our special event on Sunday, August 16th at 6 pm PDT via ZOOM, click here.
Meeting ID: 823 531 0051
Passcode: MBA
This will be our first required event.
CONNECT WITH US
We would love to hear from you. If you have any questions you can contact:
Pastor Kevin “PK” Bowen — International Student Administrator
(831) 728-1481 x 1221
WeChat ID: pkisrad
Amy Deming — International Student Advocate
ademing@montereybayacademy.org
(831) 728-1481 x 1356
WeChat ID: AmyDeming
Marcia Quiliche — International Student Support
mquiliche@montereybayacademy.org
(831) 728-1481 x 1246