History was made Monday, April 6th, when Tonkawa Public Schools and all Oklahoma school districts shifted gears and implemented distance learning plans. This order was handed down from the Oklahoma State Board of Education upon the recommendation of Oklahoma State Superintendent, Joy Hofmeister.
Tonkawa teachers have worked tirelessly contacting families to collect data concerning student access to electronic devices and internet services. Of the families contacted, over 90% had access to both, Superintendent Lori Simpson said.
City Manager Kirk Henderson urged Tonkawa residents to keep crowds at 10 or less. “But if you have to be in a crowd of 10, be sure to observe a minimum of six foot social distancing. It appears social distancing, washing hands and not touching your face when sick seems to be working to mitigate this issue. We just all need to observe these rules.”
Simpson said the feeding program for those ages 0-18 is going “great” The school fed 180 students Monday. The meals are handed out Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30
The meals are handed out Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the high school cafeteria.
As instructional styles differ from one classroom to another so does digital instruction. Teachers are using various means to communicate with students. Facebook Live, Google Classroom, and Zoom meetings are helping to connect with interactive capabilities. Teachers teach lessons and read to students while students can ask questions and visit with friends they haven’t seen since before spring break. This has been a great tool to provide emotional nurturing for both teachers and students. Other tools to support academics are Study Island, KHAN Academy, Learning Farm, Lexia Power Up and more. Teachers have the ability to monitor student participation and track progress. “We did have a few snafus on Monday pertaining to all of the internet traffic on some websites that have been free of charge. I look for that to be resolved by the digital service providers,” stated Simpson.
For students lacking electronic devices and internet connectivity, Teachers are finding other ways to be creative. Among those is simply calling and talking to students and encouraging them over the phone. Some schools are sending paper packets of work home. Tonkawa Public Schools response to this is simple, “Mrs. Hofmeister said we are to be safe and limit contact, therefore paper packets are not a good option.” We are following her directive in this decision,” remarked Simpson.
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