By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer
(April 16, 2020) Last Friday marked the end of the second week of online learning for Worcester County Public School high school students and the first week for middle and elementary school students.
Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor
Students, teachers and parents are using an online school management system called Schoology to remain academically involved while schools continue to stay closed under the orders of Gov. Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon.
High school students began online schooling on Monday, March 30 (for students in AP courses and dual enrollment) and Monday, April 6 for middle and elementary school students.
Within the first week of online learning, educators acknowledged there were some connectivity issues but have otherwise shown significant progress.
“The first week has certainly brought plenty of challenges, but so many rewards as well,” Chief Operating Officer and Chief Academic Officer Grades 9-12 Dr. Annette Wallace said. “We continue to face connectivity issues, which seems to be our biggest challenge thus far, which we will continue to address as additional hot spots arrive.”
The county is expecting a new shipment of either computers, iPads or other technology to be used for online learning, and are awaiting a ship date on the final installment of hotspots.
Despite these internet setbacks, Wallace said the teachers have been working hard to continue providing educational needs for their students.
“Our teachers have been absolute rock stars,” she said. “They have accelerated their own learning on our platforms all the while making significant changes to the way they are delivering content.”
It comes to no surprise, however, that many students are excelling at the online learning, if not for their well-versed experience with the online world, whereas some adults might be taking a longer time to adjust.
“We have to remember our students are digital natives, so as they are adjusting, in some cases, to our online platform many of our students are enjoying the new challenges and are asserting themselves as the digital learners that they are,” Wallace said.
Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor praised the staff and students for their efforts during an online announcement Friday, April 3.
“Being able to begin continuity of learning so quickly is a testament to the incredible work of our teachers, instructional and school leaders, and our staff, who truly mobilized our plans to launch us forward with device and hotspot distribution, trainings, and more,” he said.
“Distance learning is new for all of us, and while our educators have been working hard to learn new techniques to provide ongoing, engaging learning experiences for your child, we also understand that many of you are navigating how to be facilitators of learning in your own homes,” he continued. “There will undoubtedly be challenges along this journey, but we will persevere through them … together.”
Taylor also took the time to thank the board, teachers, parents and students for their collaboration during the covid-19 pandemic.
“Thank you to our associations, our instructional and school leaders, and most especially – our teachers,” Taylor said. “Your love for and commitment to our kids is awe inspiring. I am humbled every day by your willingness to go above and beyond for the children of Worcester County.”
There have been concerns regarding the future for students who were expected to graduate this year. No plans have been officially made yet, as the schools wait for further instruction from Hogan and Salmon before making any decisions, though Wallace assures there will be a celebration for Worcester County students.
“As a former high school principal … I can promise you that we will celebrate the Class of 2020, and we will celebrate them in a big way,” Wallace said. “Our seniors have led through the covid-19 challenge with bravery and compassion. This time has been difficult and scary for us all and I have watched our seniors face the unknown fearlessly while taking care of younger siblings and reassuring their classmates.”
Wallace added that while times might be difficult now, but the students (and rest of the world) will overcome it.
“The Class of 2020 has missed some instructional time behind desks in a classroom, as have all of our students, but I can tell you this, they will move past this and become very successful teachers, surgeons, builders, attorneys and leaders in our community,” she said. “The Class of 2020 will not be forgotten and when we are all allowed to gather together again, I assure you, we will celebrate the Class of 2020 with the celebration that they all deserve.”