Alva Review-Courier -

Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) reared its head as ugly as the hideous bats that helped originate it in China, causing a pandemic worldwide, everyone has been affected in some way. Schools across the United States are closed in an effort to stop the virus from spreading and infecting more people.

Like many schools, South Barber USD255 in Kiowa has set up a continuous learning plan for students who are distance learning from home with guidance from their teachers. SB started this arrangement one week ago Monday.

SB Grade 7-12 Principal Brent Shaffer said, “Our teachers had one week to plan for this. They put their stress away and figured out how to do it. They are doing well communicating with kids. Our teachers are doing an awesome job.”

High school and junior high teachers are using a variety of online avenues to help students learn. Shaffer said in some cases teachers record their lesson and students can watch anytime that day. Sometimes they teach live by using Zoom meetings with students able to see and hear instruction. He said many use Google Classroom, Google Hangouts (which is similar to Zoom) for teacher/student interaction that can be recorded.

Shaffer said a maximum of three hours total per day are recommended for online classes. This causes teachers to reevaluate and ask themselves, “What was I going to cover in this nine weeks? Now what do I teach in this short time?” Shaffer explained. “We can't cover everything we do in the classroom,” the principal said. “We're learning a new system and narrowing down the content.”

Shaffer said he spent Friday through Sunday calling students' parents and reached 90 percent of them. “I had overwhelming good reviews,” he said. School was scheduled to dismiss for the summer on May 13. The principal said the instruction for long distance learning will continue through that date.

Referring to the entire situation with COVID-19 that shut down the schools, Shaffer said, “I'm disappointed – especially for our seniors. I'd still like to have a prom for the kids. We're looking and listening to updates regarding having some type of graduation. I'm hoping by the middle of April to know more.”

“We never would have thought of something like this happening three or four weeks ago,” Shaffer said. “This group of kids have never had anything `big' like this happen in their lifetime – 911 happened before they were born.”

“We're all learning and trying to do what's best for students. Something like this gives you a new appreciation for what we all have to do together. We're going to do the best we can,” Shaffer said.

Assistant Principal Scheck Updates Elementary Progress

Assistant Elementary Principal and 4th grade teacher Kaynette Scheck said, “The South Barber Elementary Continuous Learning Plan is off to an unbelievable start. This is to the credit of our amazing teachers, staff, Luke MacKinney, our parents and students and the support of SCTelcom and KanOkla.”

Scheck said, “It has been a total team effort to get our plan off the ground and to reach all of our students to keep them learning and growing their brains every day. We could not do this without every single one of these people doing everything they can and working together.”

While it's going well, Scheck said it's not perfect. “This is new and very different. It is sometimes frustrating and then it is completely gratifying! I am so proud of everyone!”

Scheck they are still working to get the internet to a few families. Dr. Miller said they are taking health precautions (due to COVID-19) and are making some home visits to a few families to insure everyone has what they need.

“For the most part our first week has been a success,” Scheck said.