Alva Review-Courier -

Last week Burlington Public School began their distance learning (Continuous Learning Plan). This is with students at home and teachers giving instruction online and/or through learning packets. Due to COVID-19, schools across America are closed – many are providing distance learning like Burlington is doing.

Burlington Superintendent Dr. Stacey Croft said of the first week of this uncharted territory, “It went well – smoothly. Each teacher planned their own platform for instruction.” She said that each teacher reached out to the parents of their students. The school reached out to all parents.

Croft said everyone has stepped up in this crisis. Volunteers helped get learning packets to the correct home if they weren't picked up at school. Everyone had what they needed the Friday night before the distance learning began the following Monday.

A variety of online programs are being used such as: Google Classroom, Zoom meetings; Ingenuity. When asked about Ingenuity, Croft said they've used that online curriculum for years. Students can use it alone. It's used in advanced placement.

For the preK–6th grade students, Croft said they are using mainly learning packets. Some teachers are giving the packets out weekly. With teachers using varied formats – what works for them and their students – the superintendent said, “We've got a really good start.”

“This wasn't something too difficult for our students or teachers,” Croft said. “Parents have been good sports.”

Students don't have class seven hours a day, she said of this online scenario. Grading is still the same as before distance learning. Pictures of students' work can be sent in online and they also drop off work on Mondays.

“People have been helpful,” Croft said. “It's been an eye opener – a real learning experience for us all.”

She listed the biggest challenge as those students who didn't have internet at their home. “We've had companies help. We've been blessed we haven't had any major challenges. Our community came together. Social media gets to parents before letters do, which caused some miscommunication.”

She said there is a new camaraderie between teachers and parents.

Burlington School is still serving carryout breakfast and lunch. Croft said more families are taking advantage of this service. “Our dietary staff is doing a great job,” she said.

Looking toward May and still the unknown, the superintendent said she and Principal Bart are looking for a way to accommodate graduation. “That's the saddest part of this, is for the seniors. They are missing all the big parts of their senior year. My heart breaks for them. We will do our best. Mr. Bart is reaching out to them. We hope we can make a meaningful graduation for them.

“We are so fortunate. Our teachers did not struggle with this. It's been an easy transition so far,” Dr. Croft said.