By Bonnie Newman Davis
On March 23, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ordered the closing of all K-12 schools for the rest of the school year due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Northam’s orders were similar to most U.S. governors trying to protect Americans’ health and safety by reducing the spread of the pandemic, also known as the novel coronavirus. Since the virus was first detected in China last December, it has claimed more than 25,000 lives globally. Besides Virginia’s schools, other “non-essential” facilities and institutions were told to close and people repeatedly were urged to stay home.
In his school-closing notice, Northam said the Virginia Department of Education will “help divisions execute plans to continue instruction, while ensuring students are served equitably, regardless of income level, access to technology, English learner status, or special needs.”
Websites for Richmond, Chesterfield County and Henrico County public schools all contain guides or list instructional and learning tools, plus other resources to assist students during this crisis.
Northam also said Virginia is seeking a waiver of state-mandated Standards of Learning (SOL) testing, which usually is in May for many school systems.
Hearing Northam’s news, educators and parents quickly found ways to adjust. I spoke with three Richmond-area parents, Cassandra Boyd, Ph.D., Kristin Boyd and Monica Brinkley Davis, who shared some home-based strategies for educating their school-age children during this crisis.
Ian and Kristin Boyd with their children, Ethan (back, far right) and (front, left to right) Kristopher and Kamari.
Kristin Boyd, a wife and mother of three children, ages 10, 7, and 5, who attend Chesterfield County Public Schools.
What are you telling your children about the COVID-19 crisis?
Because we have young children, we have spoken with them in very literal terms about the pandemic. We’ve told them that schools are closed for now so that we can make sure everyone stays healthy and these “bad” germs do not spread so all of our family and friends can stay safe. We discuss the importance of washing hands and sneeze guarding. Additionally, we discuss how we get to spend this time to learn together and be creative with our activities and projects. For example, this weekend we will create our own “movie theater” with concessions and an animated movie.
What steps are being taken to educate your children during the COVID-19 crisis?
We are maintaining the structure and consistency that children thrive on. They know that school is still in session and we maintain a very modified school schedule for a sense of normalcy. They have scheduled time for school work with a break for lunch, rest and recess. In the evening after work, as both my husband and myself are working from home, the kids have an hour of homework which consists of reading to us, writing/drawing and their online learning modules, Google classroom activities, etc.
Are you satisfied with what school systems are doing to continue the learning process for our youth?
Recently, my fifth grader finished his first video conference with his teacher and classmates and that was such a great experience for him! It’s a great example of innovation and technology used for distance learning! I believe that school systems were unprepared for an event like this and there was no real protocol that fit the mold, so they have done what they can thus far. This is uncharted territory for both parents and educators so I know that it was difficult to prepare for sudden closing of schools. What is needed now is an effective action plan around educating children for the remainder of the academic year. Administrators need to quickly determine what the next steps look like. In the meantime, parents and guardians are trying our best to keep children engaged and focused.
Once things return to normal, what differences do you anticipate or envision in learning, whether it involves traditional learning models, innovative learning, testing, policy, funding, etc.
I truly hope to see better contingency plans for learning disruption and a fully outlined course of action plan for distance learning to be executed in the event that children are unable to attend school regularly. Also, we need to see an increase in funding for innovation for alternative learning platforms or e-learning for all school districts so that there’s never a fear of having a gap in learning and the quality of e-learning is just as strong as the classroom education.
Larry and Cassandra Willis with their children, Caleb and Layla.
Cassandra Boyd Willis, Ph.D., wife and mother of two children, ages 10 and 12, who attend Henrico County Public Schools.
What are you telling your children about the COVID-19 crisis?
I have communicated to them that school is closed but learning continues. I told them we would get additional information and, for now, follow the schedule I have provided.
What steps are being taken to educate your children during the COVID-19 crisis?
In all fairness, I am a career educator. I have my “co-workers,” which is what I call them, on a schedule. While we don’t strictly stick to the schedule, I make certain that they read every day. We are also taking time to do things like write letters and build their businesses…they make gifts and are working on Mother’s Day items. They are also cleaning. I would say they spend about two-three hours daily actually learning.
Are you satisfied with what school systems are doing to continue the learning process for our youth?
I think the schools are doing the best they can. Could there be more, sure, but I am also privy to a lot of the logistics and plans that are in place. I applaud schools for what they are doing. We are operating in ways we have not before. I think now that we know there is a long-term closure, we will get more definitive plans. I encourage parents to let schools serve students with high needs and those trying to graduate first. My kids can wait.
Are there additional measures parents can take to ensure that their children are healthy, safe and happy during this crisis?
I have read a lot on social media about parents not making their children learn and just letting them “relax.” I do not agree with that ideology, but every parent is entitled to raise their child how they see fit. I would encourage every parent to ensure their child is reading daily and stimulating their brain. There are so many resources available for free now. But reading daily keeps minds sharp…young and old! I would not overwhelm them with the pandemic information at certain ages, but give them information to assist them in understanding why all of this is happening. I would also make certain they get outside every single day! We all need our daily dose of sunshine!
Once things return to normal, what differences do you anticipate or envision in learning, whether it involves traditional learning models, innovative learning, testing, policy, funding, etc.
I think school divisions across the country will put more time and thought into access and equity. There is a portion of our society academically that will come out of this fine. Sure, bits of information will be missing, but they will graduate and go on to be college and career ready. But we have a lot of students for whom that is not their reality. Across the country we have students who are struggling, have special needs, are behind or are nonreaders. I believe schools will be looking a little closer at how to increase academic outcomes and access for these populations.
Damon and Monica Davis with their daughter, Brinkley.
Monica Brinkley Davis, wife and mother of one 14-year-old daughter who attends the Governor’s School in Richmond.
What are you telling your daughter about the crisis?
I haven’t shared much, but we have watched national updates together and discussed topics that need additional explanation. I have continued to stress the importance of staying at home, washing hands often and trying hard not to touch our faces.
What steps are being taken to educate your children during the COVID-19 crisis?
The teachers at her school have been amazing. They are posting assignments for the students in Schoology, the communication portal for teachers and students. My husband and I have also received emails directly from the teachers. The administration began updating us almost as soon as decisions were announced by Governor Northam on the plan moving forward. We have seen nothing but proactivity, which I appreciate as I believe it’s keeping anxiety at bay.
Are there additional measures parents can take to ensure that their children are healthy, safe and happy during this crisis?
I think reminding young people why we are home is paramount. We are not on spring break or summer vacation – we are flattening the curve, saving lives. It’s hard to keep children and teens apart, but if we remind them that it’s for the greater good, we’re instilling acts of selflessness early.
Bonnie Newman Davis
Journalist, Journalism Educator, Media Consultant
Executive Director, BND Institute of Media and Culture Inc.
bndimc.org
804 683-7203
