On March 13, 2020, students were sent home from area schools for two weeks, in an effort to help flatten the curve of coronavirus cases.
It has been over 300 days since then, and a lot has changed as far as in-person protocols and periods of remote education. This means students have had a lot to get used to in a little less than a year’s time.
Despite the challenge, students locally have adapted as necessary. School officials agree that, while the students have risen to the challenge, the administration will definitely breathe easier when restrictions can ease.
The Era newsroom reached out to various school districts to see how students have adapted and what the biggest concerns have been.
For Port Allegany students, the stark reality is that face-to-face interaction between student and teacher remains the most effective approach.
“Although the school district has made the necessary transition to remote learning through the course of the pandemic, instructional and related educational services are best delivered in an in-person setting,” said Gary Buchsen, Superintendent of Port Allegany School District.
In the Otto-Eldred School District, adapting has been a success at all ages.
“Initially, we were more concerned about older students making adjustments (masks, distancing, etc). All students have done well,” said Matthew Splain, Superintendent of Otto-Eldred School District. “The kids want to be in school and the parents want them to be in school. We are seeing many step up to keep us notified and to make decisions with the safety of all in mind. Everyone understands the sacrifices that are needed to keep kids in our buildings.”
Meanwhile, officials are taking a closer look at mental health during the winter months, when it tends to be a concern in a non-pandemic year.
“With the limited social interactions, especially in these winter months, we anticipate more mental health concerns for students. Our counselors and faculty have kept tabs on kids while they are in our buildings or while they are at home. It does help to have some normal activities occurring in our buildings and area,” Splain added.
The vaccine rollout seems to be a littler slower than expected, which is a disappointment to Splain. However, the district is ready whenever the announcement is made for the next phase of vaccine distribution.
“We continue to be flexible, with our students’ safety and education as a focus. We were hopeful to hear specific planning from the state regarding vaccine rollout to the phase 1B by this point. That will be a major step in helping our staff stay safe. Schools are ready to assist when the opportunity is available,” Splain said in conclusion.
Bradford Area School District officials say the necessary transition to online learning was tougher for certain students — and it was no picnic for teachers as well. However, both groups rose to the occasion and found a way to succeed.
“Although adjusting to the conditions set by the pandemic have been difficult for everyone, our students and staff have had little difficulty in following all of the safety measures that we have put in place. Transitioning from in-person to an online platform proved more difficult for some of our students (and teachers) than it had been for them to adjust to the safety measures in schools,” said Katharine Pude, Superintendent of Bradford Area School District.
As adults are facing the struggle to find ways to connect in a world set on limiting physical and in-person interactions, students realized that life was more fun before a pandemic. A return to in-person instruction in the new year has been welcome.
“Socialization is so important to children and if I have heard of any difficulties experienced behaviorally, it was that some of our students were feeling depressed while we were online as they missed their peers, their activities, and their teachers,” Pude said. “Our students were so excited to be back in our buildings following the holiday break and that has helped to create some normalcy for them and their families.”
