Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
On Tuesday, July 14, Governor Burgum presented new guidelines for opening K-12 schools throughout the state.
“The pandemic has changed what education looks like,” said Burgum. “We need to be nimble and responsive to the students… We have the responsibility we serve every student in using all the tools available.”
He also explained that opening schools up on a statewide level will be a much more involved process than closing them in the spring. Each district could be faced with dozens of difficult decisions every day.
“When schools reopen, school boards will have a much larger role. Local leadership and decision making will take place in consultation with local public health units.” Burgum stated.
Prior to opening, the school board will work with the local health unit to draft two plans. The first is a health and safety plan. The second, a distance learning plan. Both of these plans will require state approval and will be published on the school’s website.
Health and Safety
Schools, as congregate settings, pose a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission. However, they also serve a vital role in the education of the future generation. The goal, according to Burgum, is to educate our students and to safeguard our community.
At a planning meeting held on Thursday, July 9, NR-S Superintendent Jill Louters encouraged staff to utilize their ‘growth mindset’ to envision a vibrant functioning school even amid a pandemic. The resulting feedback was primarily focused on the most manageable factor- ensuring students practice good hygiene.
One teacher commented, “We can easily make hand-washing fun,” and went on to add that soaps that are foamy or scented are often popular with students. Handwashing is indeed a habit that can be practiced regularly, and considering that most of the elementary classrooms are furnished with a sink, it seems that NR-S is well equipped. In the high school wing, where sinks are sparser, portable handwashing stations could be utilized.
NR-S will be expected to further safeguard the community, as strategies are outlined in the guidelines. One such strategy includes the development of a COVID-19 response team who will develop a plan for public safety, individual isolation, and direct communication should a student or staff member fall ill during the school day.
Distance Learning
Following the close of the 2019-2020 academic year, NR-S students, parents and teachers submitted their feedback on distance learning via an electronic survey.
Several parents conveyed the amount of stress they juggled in trying to facilitate learning for their children. One parent said, “It was exhausting keeping track of what kid had to be on at what time. I think the kids felt overwhelmed looking at a task list every day.”
Another parent summed up his thoughts simply as “nothing replaces face-to-face learning,” while another made the point that online learning may be necessary to serve high-risk students.
Governor Burgum likely received some of the same feedback, as he was quick to note that last year’s distance learning was done out of necessity. “We were navigating through the rapidly evolving situation. Never before have we seen 120,000 students transition to distance learning in a matter of weeks. For all the challenges, we were all learning and growing.”
State Superintendent Kristen Baesler admitted that she hopes to never have a statewide school closure again. However, the reality is that individual schools will likely be closed for some time in the school year ahead. Burgum conveyed how important it is for every student to have access to a full year of learning, irrespective of the spread of COVID-19 in a community.
Distance learning plans will be developed in collaboration with school leaders and public health. The “Transcript” will keep stakeholders up to date throughout the process, and the approved plans will be posted to the school’s website.
The school board will meet July 20 at 7 p.m. See page A8 for full agenda.
