When the COVID-19 virus reached area hometowns, it didn’t come by itself — several uncertainties rode sidecar, stopping and visiting many doorsteps. One of the biggest uncertainties the Wilton and Durant communities are facing is in regard to school closures and the continuation of education at home.
When Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds temporarily shut down Iowa schools through April 13, then extended it to April 30, and enforced social distancing measures, many teachers were met with shock.
“It was heartbreaking and a little scary. I have such a wonderful, kind and motivated group of kids. I knew many of them would be disappointed and a little nervous about not being able to come to school. I thought about how much we would all miss each other. I am thankful for the technology that is available so that we can at least see each other’s faces. I do miss their hugs,” said Kelly Kirkman a Wilton Elementary Second Grade Teacher.
“When Gov. Reynolds originally said school is temporarily closed, it was late on a Sunday evening. I was full of emotions and recall not being able to sleep that night with all the unknowns ahead. However, I thought it was a smart decision as safety and health is important for everyone. I knew that we as a community and teachers would help get the kids and families what they needed during this time. I never would have thought we would be out through all of April, but I am grateful to live in a community where our school district is amazing as well as the people in the community,” explained Rachel Bohnsack, a Wilton Elementary Kindergarten teacher.
Because of the pandemic, the Wilton district decided to make contact with each of their students shortly after deciding to temporarily close the schools. For the initial contact with students, teachers thought an in-person visit with each student would be more personable.
“Where it was possible and parents agreed, student homes were visited and teachers and families seemed to all appreciate this opportunity! We are trying to put our children first and this seemed to be very beneficial to them — seeing their teachers was a positive for all, and I appreciate all of the effort teachers made to get this done,” explained Wilton Elementary Principal Denise Austin.
Parents were asked at the initial contact from their child’s teacher if they wanted to receive voluntary learning opportunities for their child or not during the school’s temporarily closure. For those parents who answered yes, some have decided to receive electronic copies and some have chosen hard copies of the learning opportunities.
“We are sending resources and being very specific about what students should be doing; hopefully this takes decision making off the parents’ plate,” said Austin.
Administrators asked teachers to provide two reading learning opportunities, two math learning opportunities, one science and one social studies learning opportunity per week, allowing teachers to fill in learning opportunities when requested or needed.
Teachers have also been asked to connect with their students a minimum of once per week via some sort of online resource such as Google Meet.
“Teachers were also asked to look at their remaining standards and bundle them and focus on priority standards so they can choose learning opportunities from these standards to make sure we are continuing to move students forward and they are as ready as they can be for the next grade level,” said Austin.
“Our administration has been wonderful with guiding the teachers. From encouraging individual home visits (outside, socially distanced), recommending appropriate suggestions for our e-learning, to providing technology access for the students without, the administration has been great! They are always very supportive,” said Kirkman.
Families in the community may be concerned with learning gaps between children once school resumes. When asked how the district envisions closing that gap, Austin responded, “Teachers are excellent at assessing where students are and moving them to where they should be with small group instructionally matched to student need. We will take them where we are and move them to where they need to be. We are also very pleased with the number of children who are currently able to participate in our voluntary learning opportunities!”
Tammy Place, Wilton Elementary’s Instructional Coach, gave some tips for parents during these uncertain times with continuing educational learning with their children.
“This is not ‘home schooling,’ rather it’s ‘crisis schooling.’ No parent would come to us for a haircut, and in turn we don’t expect parents to be teachers. Here are three tips: Be patient, not demanding with yourself and your kids. Make a goal of having your child read something daily, a book, magazine, comic, directions on making mac and cheese, anything you have at home. Reach out, call/email your child’s teacher or call the instructional coach. We are here to help you!” said Place.
“For children in pre-K through fourth grade: keep the same routine. When you are home — talk, talk, talk to your kids. So much development comes from talking. Continue to have them read for a set amount of time, whatever your nightly routine has been. For children in fifth through 12th grade: continue your nightly reading routine. Talk, talk, talk! This is an isolating time and we all just need to communicate, even if it’s yelling or crying. Together, set a goal of having your child do some online learning every week,” explained Place.
“This is new for all of us. Many of the activities can be done by the students independently. The Google Meets with the teachers will be helpful and students can use this time for some guidance if needed. Some families have found it handy to have a schedule with school times and break times. You know your children and you know how much they can handle. Don’t overload the kids, or yourselves. Some days, you may just want to read a book with your child, and that is great!” explained Kirkman.