Schools Transition To Remote Learning

Students, school staff and parents started a new reality this week as schools within the county have now shifted to remote learning in absence of in-person classroom instruction. Utilizing modern technology such as Google Classroom, online meeting rooms and email, in addition to the typical pencil and paper method with packets, teachers of all grades started online instruction on March 30.

Due to a directive issued by Governor Bullock on March 15, all Montana schools were closed for two weeks to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Though it might have been a nice surprise break for students, teachers, staff and administrators worked behind the scenes during those two weeks to plan and figure out how remote learning will work for their classrooms, giving students the opportunity to finish out the school year. The planning, meetings and discussions were worth it as on March 24, Governor Bullock extended the closure of public schools in the state through April 10.

The Glasgow School Board met virtually on March 27 to discuss the District’s COVID-19 Plan of Action in order to submit to the Governor’s Office to ensure continued state funding during this time. Per the Governor’s instructions, the plan had to include how the school will be ran, how students will get their meals, how services will be provided to students with disabilities and how other necessary services will be provided to students. During the meeting, Superintendent Wade Sundby stressed the “document is ever-changing and the document is only the beginning stages on educating children in the school district.” In a conference call with county leaders on March 30, Superintendent Sundby stated the plan was approved by the School Board and sent off to the Governor. “The Governor should sign off on it sometime today,” he stated in the call.

To assist students with their online learning, all students should have Chromebooks, according to Superintendent Sundby during the March 27 school board meeting and Nemont has been working with students and families who might not have already have internet, to get them access. According to Glasgow Middle School Mike Zoanni, there are approximately 50 families between Irle Elementary, Glasgow Middle School and Glasgow High School that need internet hook-up. “Nemont is working very diligently to try and get students/families who do not have internet to get them up and running,” stated Sundby during the School Board meeting on March 27. The board approved the motion to use transportation funds during periods of school closure, using these funds to help offset some of the potential costs associated with getting internet set-up to these students.

While Nemont works on getting internet hooked-up, Nemont is providing free public Wifi to help with distance education. The Wifi is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week outside of the Glasgow Nemont garage, located east of Hi-Line Ford. Students who need paper instruction and their curriculum in the traditional method, the school administration is looking at how students/families will be provided the necessary information. “We are looking at our classified staffing, who is wanting to work. I know we have some bus drivers who want to work so my thoughts would be to get those paper packets with a paraprofessional, put those on the bus and go to those kids’ house or to a spot in the community to deliver that information. It might be a situation where we can deliver those door-to-door,” said Superintendent Sundby.

During the duration of the school closure, grab and go meals for children age zero to 18 will continue to be served at Hoyt Park from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A second station will also be set up in front of the Northern Heights Community Center for Northern Heights residents only. “We will continue to serve meals until we are told we can’t anymore,” stated Sundby in the March 30 conference call with county leaders. To ensure the safety of those handing out the meals and the community members grabbing the meals, there will be sanitizing stations with the possibility of a hand-washing station in the future. Superintendent Sundby is also asking parents/caregivers that only one adult come to pick-up the meals to minimize congregation of students and parents.

During this time of uncertainty, Superintendent Sundby praises teachers, students and the community for being flexible and shifting to this new reality. “This is all new to everybody and everybody has taken this and they are running with it. It’s great to see. The remarkable job that has been done in two weeks from everybody is just outstanding. Has there been frustration, absolutely, but I don’t think we could go through this without frustration. But we are all professionals, and we are all here for the good of the kids, the good of the community and it’s been wonderful to see this.”

The Opheim School Board also met to discuss and approve the Opheim School Educational Plan of Auction on March 25 that was submitted to Governor. The plan states remote learning will be continued according to the school’s regular calendar. Teachers reached out to families explaining their plan and how each individual class is going to move forward. Handbook guidelines will also be followed during the time of remote learning and attendance will be mandatory. “I am thankful we live in a community that is so generous and giving. Communities like Opheim should be promoted daily on social media to show just how awesome people really are,” stated Opheim School Superintendent Jennifer McAllister in a letter to students and parents.