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Staff hands out laptops at Swain Middle
Educators across the United States have had to make some huge adjustments to see that students can continue learning through the ongoing public health crisis of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 that has closed schools nationwide.
In Swain County, as soon as word came the school closures were to go through May 15, the public school system started by getting laptops into the hands of students. Students throughout the school system have had access to Chromebooks since grant funding with the Golden LEAF foundation made them widely available. The switch was the easiest for high school students who were used to taking their laptops home already. For grades third-eight every student has a device but the students don’t take them home.
“When the news came that we were going to be continuing with remote learning until May 15, Swain County Schools Technology Department personnel were swift to devise the best way to get Chromebooks to our children in grades 3-8,” said Katrina Turbyfill, director of the office of school improvement. “Charging towers were disassembled and the Chromebook and charger were placed in a plastic bag. Parents were then notified of pick up times and dates.”
For the youngest grades, Kindergarten-second, the students don’t have one-to-one devices, instead they share iPads in the classroom. So, teachers for those grades communicated with parents to see who needed a device.
The second challenge in Swain County is that many students don’t have reliable internet connection at home. Swain County Schools has identified community hotspots and is working with SkyWave to add more access points so students can connect their devices. To access locations, visit: sites.google.com/swainmail.org/remote-learning-resources/getting-connected.
“We are working on some mobile hotspots that would move to various communities,” Turbyfill said.
Beginning Monday, teachers were tasked with continuing curriculum but now without students in classrooms but through digital platforms.
Turbyfill acknowledged that there would be modifications to the curriculum since there is no direct instruction available and many students lack reliable connections.
“Teachers are using a variety of technology tools to provide instruction to students, such as Google Classroom, SeeSaw, Edgenuity, MobyMax, Letterland Online, Achieve 3000 and others,” she explained. “ All teachers are holding office hours during the day so that families may contact them in order to ask questions. Teachers are using Google Meets to have virtual class and using recordings to provide further instruction, read alouds, etc.”
The district still has the same motto “to prepare every student to pursue a career and to lead a balanced life,” through the adjusted curriculums.
“We still want the kids to grow academically but we are also concerned about how they are fairing through this crisis, both physically and mentally,” said Turbyfill. “So, we want them to complete their work and continue to learn but we also want them to check in with their teachers and to let them know if there are other needs that we might meet.”
To that end, the district has also been continuing to provide meals to students during the week opening cafeterias at East, West, and Swain Middle School and delivering packed lunches by bus.
Turbyfill said the biggest message to parents is a big thank you. Next, she asks they be patient as teachers had to make a quick transition to their curriculum to be taught remotely.
With classroom education out until at least May 15 and the school year ending May 26, one of the biggest questions really falls for those who are set to graduate this year.
“Our hearts ache for our seniors. This crisis has taken a lot of experiences from them that cannot be controlled. Hopefully, school will reopen and they can have some of those special times at the end of the year,” Turbyfill said. “As for GPAs, college decisions, etc., we are currently waiting on guidance from the NC Department of Instruction on how to proceed.”
Lastly, she asks that parents and guardians don’t hesitate to reach out to the schools for help.
Finally, Turbyfill commended the staff for stepping up. “I know they have been extremely stressed and many are doing jobs that are not in their normal job description. However, they are taking care of our kids and families and I am so proud to be part of this #SwainFamily,” she said.