By ASHLEY BUNKER
Moapa Valley Progress
Local elementary schools began their distance education activities last week. Teachers at the two primary schools began initiating regular contact with their students throughout the valley.
In an interview last week, Ute V. Perkins Assistant Principal Kelby Robison talked about how his teachers have kept lines of communication open with the 132 students at the Moapa school.
“There are weekly phone calls, texting, and emailing between the teachers and the families,” Robison said. “We have made many resources available online such as Accelerated Reading, and the CCSD’s learning links.”
Robison pointed out that Perkins has a 1:1 ratio of students equipped with computers at the school. Thus students are already familiar with online learning and the various software and programs that make it work.
“We are like a little family,” Robison said of the Perkins school community. “Our priority right now is making sure everyone stays healthy and safe; that goes for our families too.”
The teachers and staff at Grant M. Bowler Elementary kicked off distance learning in style last week. On Friday, March 20, Bowler Principal Shawna Jessen and held the very first online morning muster via the Buccaneers social media page. Jessen led the virtual student body in the Pledge of Allegiance, 30 seconds of silence, gave some announcements, and read off the names of students who achieved goal posts in Accelerated Reading, and 100 mile club miles.
“We are hoping to do this weekly until we return to school- hopefully in April,” said Bowler Assistant Principal Mitchell Ozaki in an interview last week. He also urged parents to check emails for updates from CCSD, and also their children’s email that can be found on the Infinite Campus app.
But the big distance learning kickoff event took place on Tuesday, March 24. That was the day when Bowler teachers and staff created a fun, social-distancing “parade.” They decorated their vehicles, and then set out through the neighborhoods of town to greet every student they could find. Children lined up on the streets outside their homes; keeping appropriate distance as much as possible; eagerly waiting for their teachers to pass.
Some teachers even took the opportunity to “teach” with signs and messages posted on their vehicles reminding the children to wash their hands and stay well.
“That parade was just what my heart needed,” said Bowler staff member and local mom Lara Kohntopp. “I work at the best school, with the best people, and the best kids!”
Tamara Harding, a fifth-grade teacher at Bowler said, “We spent two hours with teachers and staff in a parade, waving at smiling students and parents around our little valley. This community is such an amazing place to live and work! It was social distancing at its finest!”
Teachers have utilized social media to stay in contact with students, and their families. Some teachers have an online page where they post worksheets and activities for the kids to complete.
Ms. Viers, a kindergarten teacher, posts weekly videos of fun stories for children to watch.
Mr. Hudgell, the art teacher, created a YouTube channel to instruct students to try fun art projects at home.
Physical education teacher Ms. Hoy shared a fun game that encouraged students to get up, and get active! She also has made it possible for laps/miles to be tracked at home. These will count towards the 100 Mile Club goal for the school year.
