BY KAREN BOSSICK
As students “return to school” in the Blaine County School District today, staff will be reaching out to students to assess how they’re doing and what device and internet capabilities still need to be accessed.
The school board will decide whether to extend distance learning beyond April 20, when Idaho’s stay-at-home order is set to expire, at its April 14 meeting.
“While an extension seems very likely right now, we recognize that students learn better in the classroom than at home, and we don’t want to limit our options too early,” said Trustee Lara Stone. “The primary focus for distance learning will be on supporting and connecting with students.”
Stone added that this poem that Superintendent GwenCarol Holmes sent to the Board from Dustin Pace, a teacher in Salmon, captures the situation well:
An Open Letter to my Students on the First Day of Distance Learning
Dear students:
I don’t have the answers.
Nor do your parents. The press. The President.
This is unprecedented.
This is your education.
It’s not what any of us wanted.
Life on hold. Plans cancelled. Disappointment.
But it’s not about us.
This is your education.
A computer is not a classroom.
I’m sure you see that. Something’s missing.
Virtual is not reality.
This is your education.
We’ll cover the curriculum. Some.
But let’s not be like Nero, fiddling while Rome burns.
Look outside. Observe.
This is your education.
Read.
The Internet. A little.
The news. A little more.
Books. As much as you want.
This is your education.
Write.
Keep a journal. Remember this.
What are your thoughts? How do you feel?
What are you learning?
This is your education.
Arithmatize.
Watch the numbers.
Learn exponential growth.
Learn economics.
This is your education.
History.
You’re living it.
Music. Drama. Art.
Imagine quarantine without them.
This is your education.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
With school. With food.
With mental health.
This is your education.
Connect.
Support each other. From afar.
We’re all isolated. Together.
This is your education.
Remember,
You are making sacrifices
For the benefit of others.
This is your education.
So, don’t sweat the small stuff.
We’ll get through this together
and figure it out as we go.
This is not a vacation.
This is your education.
Make it count.