With the announcement of Pennsylvania schools closing for the rest of the academic year, Greene County’s school districts are making the best of a tough situation. Schools have introduced online learning alternatives, take-home packets, virtual spirit weeks and contests, and have held parades in an effort to keep morale high and students engaged.
The schools had to switch gears abruptly on March 20th, when the school closures were initially announced, shortly after schools let out for the day. Students went home that day anticipating the return to school on Monday, without books, notes and other materials needed to learn from home. The school districts rose to the occasion quickly, implementing flexible instructional days and internet-based learning for the initial closure. They’ve continued to improve and adapt to the constantly changing closure end dates but many teachers and students are missing the personal interactions that make the school day about so much more than just learning.
School Parades
On March 27, Central Greene School District staff and teachers led a parade through the school district with their cars. The parade offered them a chance to connect and see their students while maintaining proper social distancing and people sheltering place. Other school districts held similar events or plan to in the near future.
Virtual Spirit Week
Carmichaels Area School District held a Mikes Mindset Week from March 30th to April 3rd, 2020. Students were encouraged to share photos on the CASD Facebook page to show their Mikes Mindset to support the 7 Mindsets Program. Mindset Monday: Passion First asked students to share something that they have been working on or something new they have been trying; Mindset Tuesday: We Are Connected asked students to share a picture of them Facetiming with a friend; Mindset Wednesday: 100% Accountable asked students to wear blue and gold and show their Mikes Nation school spirit; on Mindset Thursday: Attitude of Gratitude, students shared what they were thankful for; and on Mindset Friday: Live to Give, students were asked to send a card to someone who is unable to receive visitors, order takeout, or support a small local business.
Virtual Challenge
Jefferson-Morgan’s Jeffersonian Yearbook staff introduced a Virtual Challenge Contest. One challenge will be held per week for all students (elementary, middle, and high school). The challenges last the full week and at the end of each week, a raffle is held for a chance to win different prizes. To enter the challenge, students must complete the challenge and submit a photo and share it with the staff.