(Atlantic) The Atlantic Community School district starts classes two weeks from today, and the classroom setting and teaching techniques are going to be different this year when students arrive in the buildings on August 24.
Atlantic Schools Superintend Steve Barber says classrooms are set-up for social distancing. In some cases, teachers will be instructing students in person while at the same time teaching other students virtually at another school, and others will be learning at home. “I’m excited about the work our teachers have done with the technology platforms to make us more effective for students required to be separated,” said Barber. “Some of our health risk students will be taught remotely. So we have to be flexible and adaptable as educators to do this type of thing.”
The district is also working with families to provide computers and internet access. “We have a lot of work to do, but these priorities must be in place, to educate our kids, and accommodate the families.”
Barber admits the uncertainty of COVID-19 has created a lot of anxiety and hardship for many people. “Moving forward, we have to be optimistic, and we recognize there’s going to be bumps along the road,” said Barber. “The health and safety of our staff and students are essential to us, and we’re optimistic that we can educate them at a high level and remain optimistic even if negative things happen within our environment.”
Barber encourages everyone to play a role in this, including parents, students, staff, and community. “If we can all come together, we can do some great things here in Atlantic.”
