Washington County area schools are taking initiatives to make sure students don’t lose significant academic momentum as public schools throughout the state have been ordered to remain closed until April 17.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announced the signing of such executive order last Thursday morning as it will give officials a four week period to evaluate further effects of this particular virus.
“I’ve talked to education officials around our state, and they’re already being innovative in finding ways to ensure that our kids are continuing to learn during this school closure,” Reeves said.
Donna Thomas, an English teacher in the Hollandale School District (HSD), is a testament to that.
“Working in a synchronous environment where we’re able to provide face-to-face instruction has been the mode that we’ve fostered daily. Even though online instruction is provided for some AP and dual credit courses, most educators, including myself, were still functioning in the traditional setting,” Thomas said.
According to Thomas, HSD has viewed this epidemic as an educational opportunity for not only its students, but for the educators as well.
“An educator’s mantra is always inclusive of the belief of remaining a lifelong learner. This mantra has been manifested by this phenomenon that is sweeping the country,” she said.
As the district moves to provide instruction amid everything that is unfolding, their instructional skill set has been infused with embracing online learning.
Thomas highlighted asynchronous learning environments are now the nonnegotiable platforms that are serving as the vehicle for instruction.
“Google Classroom, Zoom, PBS LearningMedia, Edulastic, GoFormative, IXL and a plethora of other resources have been petitioned to provide engaging learning opportunities for our students,” Thomas shared. “We certainly do understand that technology is not a staple in some homes. Because of this, we are still providing packets for pickup for scholars that don’t have access.”
Thomas added many see this as a trying time, but she sees this as a unique opportunity for educators to reload and gain ground in instructional pedagogy.
Reeves himself said, “This is a time to continue learning.”
“I also see this as a time for our scholars to be proficient in a dual learning environment,” Thomas said. “Because education is an ever-evolving necessity, educators and students will rise to the occasion of progressing towards mastery.”
Science teacher Tamara Strahan said adjusting to distance learning has been quite a challenge, but will be very beneficial in the future.
“Although we have been taken out of our comfort zones which is the classroom, new innovative ideas have been developed so that’s a plus,” she said. “Being a mother of four as well as an educator has definitely been an adjustment with all of us being home under one roof, but I have been enjoying the time bonding.”
Strahan also said, “This pandemic has definitely made an impact. I’m praying we all get through this and can return to our normal lives soon. I miss my colleagues and seeing the faces of my students.”
As of Tuesday morning, Washington County has a total of five confirmed COVID-19 cases as reported by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH).
“I am committed as your governor, to not allow anything, including COVID-19, to slow that momentum,” Reeves said in reference to the recent successes of Mississippi public education.
Area schools are certainly on par with Reeves.
Western Line School District has also provided opportunities for parents and students to stay abreast and on top of academic resources by having its schools open from 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays and Wednesdays for public service.
WLSD has homework packets available for pickup during those hours as well as its daily feeding time hours, which are from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Leland School District (LSD) has a contingency plan in place for its high school and elementary school students as well, which can be accessed on the district’s website.
The Greenville Public School District (GPSD) has shared resources such as a link, mdek12.org/LearningAtHome, from the Mississippi Department of Education, which allows students to access learning-at-home resources in addition to a daily schedule for all GPSD elementary school to use as a guide for extended learning and resources while the closure is in effect.
GPSD also used local radio, 97.9 as means to provide an “Educational Update” to GPSD listeners and encourages those with question or concerns to email the district at askgpsd@gville.k12.ms.us
