Teachers, students and parents find lessons in remote learning

Pandemic forces adjustments as schools adopt remote learning

BONNERS FERRY — Middle school is hard enough without the incredibly difficult challenges that have happened as a result of the stay at home orders due to concerns surrounding COVID-19.

As of March 18, the Boundary County School District (BCSD) decided to close the doors and initiate a remote learning protocol a few days later for students of all BCSD schools.

Kelly Hinthorn, mother of three students and eighth grade Language Arts and Leadership teacher, knows a lot about both sides of the remote learning issue and the big changes that had to happen.

“One of the biggest changes for me is right now I feel more like a motivator than a teacher,” said Hinthorn. “I am checking in with several students each day to make sure they have what they need and try to encourage them to work from home.”

Hinthorn’s students are engaged with classwork through Google Classroom. The Google service is free to schools and nonprofits. Google Classroom helps teachers to streamline assignments, boost collaboration between everyone involved and improves communication.

With the free Google Classroom, teachers are able to create classes, distribute student assignments and provide students with feedback, with organization that places it all in one place.

“Luckily for me, my students were familiar with Google Classroom, so that transition wasn’t too difficult,” said Hinthorn.

Even with the ease and convenience of online remote learning, there is something missing.

“Probably the biggest change for me is missing the social interactions,” said Hinthorn. “Our school had so many exciting projects and experiences planned for the spring, and my heart breaks for the students who don’t get to experience those.”

A very involved teacher and mentor within the student population, Hinthorn misses the personal interactions with students and community.

“Being a coach, working with the Distinguished Young Women program, and being extremely active in our community, it has been difficult to not see and interact with students and community members on a regular basis,” explained Hinthorn.

Parents, too, have had to become more involved and creative with the changes that came with the need for students to complete their school year at home.

“When we first found out that we were going to have to go to remote learning I wasn’t sure what to expect,” said Jennifer Wright. “I have four children; two in elementary and two in high school, and this process is different for each of them, but the teachers have all made going through the process as easy as possible.”

“I personally have children at three different schools, so I’m also experiencing it from the parent perspective having an elementary, middle school, and high school student,” said Hinthorn. “This whole process has been memorable to watch through their young eyes, as they try to tackle schoolwork, missing their friends, missing their sports, and just the normality of everyday life.”

Grading students proves to be another challenge with the remote learning process.

“Trying to keep students mentally engaged while not completely overwhelming them is a huge challenge,” explained Hinthorn. “What one student can do in 20 minutes, takes another student, without a teacher, several hours.”

Even with the stress of grades, students and parents have found support and guidance throughout the process.

“Parents, students, and staff have been creative and dedicated to try to make this educational experience positive for our students,” said Hinthorn. “While we are all sad that we are missing certain parts of normal life, there are aspects that we can take and apply to our systems once life goes back to “normal.”

Hinthorn has worked with helping students and parents throughout the process by checking in on a regular basis.

“I’m thankful to teach middle school where for the most part they can work independently and not have to rely on parents looking over their shoulders,” said Hinthorn. “It’s been helpful listening to the parents and trying to support them the best way we can.”

Wright agrees with realizing the support and guidance she has received for her students from BCSD teachers for her four students.

“I have received calls from all teachers for each child, as well as emails, offering help and guidance through this time,” said Wright. “The teachers are struggling and adapting through this just like we are, but with their help, we are able to help our children get their work done and continue to learn. I have such immense respect and awe for how awesome our teachers have been.”

Even though the past few weeks of remote learning have caused many challenges for students, teachers, and parents/caregivers, it has shown how resilient the community is at positively tackling those challenges.

“There have definitely been challenges, but I think our district has done a great job with meeting each of those challenges as they face us,” said Hinthorn. “Whether it be making sure our students have food, technology devices, Internet access, or just needing to hear a friendly voice, we are all doing our best and we’re in this together.”

Jan Bayer, superintendent of Boundary County School District, summed up the issue with encouragement.

“Our students and families are graciously supporting our efforts and doing their best,” said Bayer. “We miss our students and want them all to know we are sending happy and healthy thoughts their way!”