For Gordon County Schools, meeting the challenges of transitioning to distance-learning as school buildings have been shuttered for the remainder of the year, is just what they do.

“Something we thought would last for a few weeks has become a test of endurance and perseverance,” said Kimberly Fraker, Superintendent of Gordon County Schools. “It is a challenge we are meeting.”

Governor Brian Kemp ordered schools to remain closed for the remainder of the school year on April 2. Included in that is all spring sporting events, including some recruiting events, according the Georgia High School Association.

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that can cause illness in animals and humans. Some coronaviruses commonly circulate in the United States and usually cause upper respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose, although some can cause more serious illness. The 2019 novel (new) coronavirus causes the illness coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease that was identified in Wuhan, China, and is now being spread throughout the world. People are encouraged to take common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

According to the Georgia Department of Health website, Gordon County currently has 21 cases, including two deaths. Georgia has 6,160 cases, 201 deaths, and 1,239 hospitalizations related to the virus.

Kimberly Fraker, Superintendent of Gordon County Schools says the system is meeting the challenges brought by COVID-19.

The schools began on-line learning on March 17, after the decision had been made to temporarily close schools to slow the spread of the coronvirus and COVID-19.

“We started this journey with an existing digital learning plan for inclement weather days mapped out and outlined on paper. Over one weekend, our teachers and each local school staff brought that plan to fruition not knowing how long we would need to sustain this model of learning,” said Fraker.

Now, with the order closing school buildings for the remainder of the year, Fraker said the staff is busy working on a plan and framework for instruction and grading, which will be shared after spring break. Spring break for Gordon County schools is April 3-April 10. Students will log in on April 13.

She said current data indicates 89-percent of middle and high school students and 55-percent of elementary students would complete work electronically . The number is based on an 87-percent response rate to surveys. The school system has 6,700 students.

“We are currently in the process of gathering new data on this topic to better reflect what is actually taking place now that we are two-and-half weeks into at-home learning and to inform our plans moving forward,” said Fraker.

Meeting the challenge: keeping spirits up

Seniors are decorating their doors to show school spirit while Gordon County schools are out for the pandemic.

With the sudden closure and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, schools are working to keep school spirit up, finding creative ways to stay connected to the students.

“Many of them have scheduled virtual spirit weeks, student spotlights- particularly for seniors, and fun challenges on social media.”

One of those initiatives is Gordon Central Bingo, a Bingo-like board, with different scenarios like “I’ve used Wyleys “Go Warriors” or “I’ve had a husband/wife combo of teachers.”

“Some schools, like Tolbert Elementary and Fairmount Elementary, organized student parades that have been very well-received by students and families,” said Fraker.

Meeting the challenge: hurdles to overcome

Fraker said the system’s biggest hurdle was  the inability for students to access at-home assignments on-line.

While the preference is for students to receive, complete and submit work on-line through Schoology, DoJo, Remind and text, they are providing a paper packet for students with no access to the internet.

She said they request that students submit paper work via text or email to teachers if possible.

“We have also had minor issues with connectivity, as many of the systems and programs we use are experiencing a tremendous increase in the amount of usage they are receiving nation-wide,” said Fraker. “Our technology team has done a tremendous job on our end keeping us up and going as much as possible.”

Sustainability is also a challenge, she said.

“We have to modify our operations in order to sustain the services we are providing while caring for our system staff,” said Fraker.

However, technology and maintenance personnel have “ramped up” support, keeping the schools going. The nutrition and transportation teams implemented a program to provide students breakfast and lunch five days a week.

So, while there has been bumps, her team is getting the job done.

“I am proud that everyone has worked together to fine-tune the plan to smooth out any wrinkles we experienced at first,” she said.

Meeting the challenge: distance learning and the future

“Many teachers have discovered unique ways to engage students,” said Fraker, adding that teachers are using video conferencing to make connections with students to provide both learning and emotional support. They are also adjusting lessons to offer students choices and online resources like virtual field trips, blogs, and demonstration videos.

“I am confident this experience will enhance and transform our traditional teaching methods once our normal operations resume. We continue to stretch and challenge ourselves as educators to redefine classroom instruction,” she said. “We will be a stronger school system as a result of this rapid, professional growth opportunity.”

Still, online learning has its drawbacks.

“It is no replacement for the teachers who care for our students and make adjustments daily in the classroom setting to meet the individual needs of each child.,” she said. “Distance learning models are certainly not for all types of learners.”

However, she believes using online learning, with traditional learning for a blended delivery model, is an effective way to engage students and meet a variety of needs.

“Blended learning is what we promote through our one-to-one technology initiative,” she said.

Suggestions for parents

Students and alumni can play virtual BINGO.

“Don’t worry,” Fraker said. “As a parent, if you don’t understand the methods of the teacher or struggle with understanding the content…it’s okay and it will be okay.”

Parents can help their students with time management, having a designated space for schoolwork and creating a schedule.

“This experience is a great time to develop student self-discipline by emphasizing daily goals and time management. Children need to balance school assignments with recreation and family time,” she said. For ideas to help with downtime, especially on spring break, visit Gordon County Schools Staycation.

“We just want everyone to do the best they can and to keep education – or really, learning – as a priority. During the school closure is a great time to emphasize reading – reading for pleasure,” she said. “We are not trying to duplicate school at home and realize that this may not be at the forefront for some, as health, safety, and security during this time take priority.”

She said she and her staff understand many parents are experiencing pressure and stress during this time due to the impact COVID-19 has had on employment and livelihoods and adding academic work to the load can be stressful. If parents feel overwhelmed, they can reach out to their child’s school counselor to assist with mental and emotion support needs.

“We thank parents, grandparents, and other friends and family members for truly becoming our partner in educating the children of Gordon County,” said Fraker. “Finally, the best thing parents can do for their children is to spend time with them. Every day is an opportunity for learning. Education takes on many forms. There are real-world, real-time lessons for each of us every day right now. The child learning about family traditions, starting a new family tradition, and learning about each parent’s or grandparent’s experiences growing up provide an education we cannot give them at school. You are building memories that will last a lifetime.”

She assures parents, and students, that once everyone returns to the classroom, Gordon County Schools will ensure that students are well-prepared to move onto the next level of content.

“We understand that there will be learning gaps that vary by student,” she said. “We are having conversations now to plan how to address and fill these gaps when we return.”

A final note of encouragement

While the stress is there and is evident, Fraker said it won’t get the best of the her or the system employees.

“As long as we maintain our focus and lift each other day-to-day, we will be stronger for the experience in the long run. Stronger individuals. Stronger families. Stronger schools. Stronger community,” she said. “I am so proud of our community. I appreciate the support we have from our families. I applaud the creative work of our teachers. I admire the passion and genuine concern shown through the work of our school nutrition and transportation staff in working tirelessly to meet the basic needs of our children. What I want people to remember when we return and look back on this experience is that the people who make up the Gordon County School System genuinely love and care about this community and have a passion for educating children, keeping a focus on the value of learning through it all.”

The hard work from the students, parents and staff have not gone unnoticed.

“We will complete the year with online, at-home learning and appreciate the support of our families in this process. We will also be working to find creative ways to recognize our students for their hard work this year,” said Fraker.