School Days Amidst a Pandemic
by Michelle Van Horn
As students return to school, they carry over new practices of global norms that the COVID-19 pandemic has required of them: mask-wearing (over the nose for the safety), social distancing, preventative hand-washing and disinfectant sprays on a regular basis. As New Lebanon’s school leaders congregated for the regular monthly board meeting, they imitate what the students are required to do-sit in individual student desks instead of large community tables once used in classrooms, faces covered (over the nose), conducting business, not quite as usual, 6 feet apart. Despite the tumultuous times the pandemic brings (because it’s still not over yet folks), instructing students must go on-for everyone’s sake. To this end, New Lebanon school leaders, teachers, faculty, and staff pull together and rock it for the students and everyone involved. Here are a few experiences of students’ return to school during a pandemic:
Remote Learning
Learning the good ol’ fashion way- by trial and error:
Remote learning is possible when both teachers and students have devices, like computers and laptops. And then, of course, internet connection is necessary to make it work. Some students don’t have computer devices, some students don’t have internet, and some students don’t have either. Per New York’s executive orders, remote learning options are crucial for students, teachers, staff, and faculty to remain healthy and COVID-19 free. Luckily, New Lebanon’s school district has some devices available to give to students for the school year who need a device for remote learning, though the district is reaching their limit. Chromebooks, a Google-based operating system running Chrome OS, is the service of choice for students across America for safety, security, ease of use, and price. And the Chromebook is now on back-order. As the district expected, there are more students choosing the remote learning option than in-person learning. The New Lebanon school district awaits Chromebook’s replenishment, like every other school district across the country.
Even though Chromebooks are one of the safest, easiest devices for student use, with controls, filters, and learning suites readily available for teachers, administrators, and parents, there are still some kinks to work out. An updated Firewall protection has been added to each school computer for filtering inappropriate content, like violence and words unfit for young ears and eyes. But what about protecting and filtering personal student devices-mobile ones, and devices that stay at home? This dilemma requires timely, proactive parents, teachers, and administrators to ensure the safety of all students, which presents a problem in and of itself: time, money, and the learning-curve (more time) needed to do so.
Another snafu has presented itself to Walter B Howard’s principal Andrew Kourt. Some devices started filtering words that were not usual, perhaps like the word snafu, which could hinder the very purpose of learning. Administration is looking into this as well.
More Distance Learning Learning
It was brought to Principal Kourt’s attention that some students are challenged with getting assignments in on time so that teachers have adequate time to grade them. One dilemma is that parent schedules are not in alignment with student assignment due date times during the day. This issue prevents students from being graded, and prevents progress with further instruction on the subject for the rest of the class. Principal Kourt recognized that a period of trial and error is to be expected in such a new climate of instruction, and due date times for assignments may be extended. Superintendent Leslie Whitcomb emphasized the importance of everyone working together to meet the needs of the students. Whitcomb says, “family obligations can be met on both sides-from the families of our students, as well as the family of our teachers.”
We’ll Weather the Weather Whatever the Weather
Superintendent Whitcomb brings to our attention that the Department of Education (DOE) will start a pilot program for remote learning on designated snow days. Whitcomb applauds the DOE on this really common-sense decision, and speaks to the weight of making the call for whether the weather conditions are safe enough for all students to attend school on foul-weather days.
Walter B Howard Elementary Update
Principal Kourt reports that students have been really great with adjusting to being back in school given the world events. Kourt has heard over and over again from teachers and staff what a good time students are having, with smiles seen throughout the day. Teachers and students of Walter B Howard continue to adjust to both in-person and distance learning simultaneously. Efficiency is being worked on, and the administration, teachers, and staff will continue to make improvements based on the observed needs of both teachers and students.
NL Junior/Senior High School Update
Principal Matthew Klafehn reports that students have been really cooperative and great about social distancing, washing their hands, and wearing masks. Principal Klafehn has expressed how proud he is of faculty for submersing themselves in technology.
Stephanie Luce, the new Assistant Principal/Athletic Director reports on the state of the Junior/Senior high school’s athletic program, which is being postponed until March 2021. Governor Cuomo has left the decision up to each school district, and the Wasaren League has postponed all Fall sports for the 2020 season. As of now, March 1 will begin the Fall II season of sports. (New Lebanon teams that have been combined with the Berlin School District compete in the Wasaren League). Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Luce had the opportunity, and knowledge to lead the Google training for remote learning during their professional development days. Though a short time here, Luce recognizes the value of her new position. “I can already see what a special place New Lebanon is” says AP/AD Luce and has been very busy meeting as many people, including teachers and staff as time permits. A big welcome to Stephanie Luce!
As the Season Turns
WBH’s Principal Andrew Kourt will take over Superintendent Leslie Whitcomb’s leadership position as the new Superintendent starting October 1. Kourt shared his gratitude and appreciation for Whitcomb’s unending assistance, and for teaching him everything about the in’s and out’s of becoming a Superintendent of schools. This sentiment was returned by Whitcomb, thanking Kourt for “thinking long and hard, and making a true commitment to this district,” and congratulated him on his next endeavor.
In the Superintendent’s report, Whitcomb expressed “a real heartfelt thanks to this district” for the opportunity to “work with some of the finest people” during more than half her career as principal to both the elementary and the Jr/Senior high school, and then 5 years as Superintendent. “It’s just the best place I can imagine to work.” Whitcomb thanked everyone for their honesty, and remembered times when faculty and staff would privy her to challenging topics, with starts like, “Leslie, you’re not going to like this, but…” The Superintndent conceded that “it’s that type of honesty that makes a place run well.” Ms. Whitcomb concluded with recognizing the faculty and staff for their unending support for the well-being of the district and the students. “What a brave faculty we have here” referring to how courageous they are, working with one another for many years during numerous shifts, changes, and discomfort. Whitcomb acknowledged that as a professional adult how challenging it is to abandon something you’ve been successful at for many years to try something entirely different, for the sake of the kids. “That’s real bravery, because you’re putting yourself out there.” Superintendent Leslie Whitcomb is clear that she leaves the district in good hands.