Due to the spread of COVID-19 through Alaska, many people and organizations have had to suddenly alter their schedules and day-to-day operations. The Wrangell School District, for example, is looking at an extended closure right at the tail end of the school year. All schools in Alaska are to remain closed until May 1, according to an announcement by Governor Mike Dunleavy, to help mitigate the spread of the virus.
This is especially important in Wrangell, Superintendent Debbe Lancaster wrote in an email to DEED Commissioner Michael Johnson, which she shared with the Sentinel. Lancaster said that 21 percent of Wrangell's population is over 60-years-old. With such a high percentage of senior citizens on the island, they all need to be especially careful when it comes to COVID-19. The closure of the school district does not mean kids are forgoing their education, however. In Wrangell, the school district is taking steps to ensure their children are being educated and taken care of.
"We spent this week on an extended spring break for students so staff could continue public education as we prepare for student learning to resume on March 23," Lancaster wrote.
The district has been practicing social distancing during this closure, according to Lancaster, conducting meetings online and via phone or email. They have also tried to stay in regular contact with families to keep them informed about what is going on. Lancaster also highlighted their district website, http://www.wpsd.us, where people can find updated information regarding the virus and changes to the district's schedule. The district is also hard at work for the student body. While they will not be meeting in person until May, teachers are preparing to do their jobs from a distance.
"Schoolwork has been prepared by teachers," Lancaster wrote. "Packets via email, pick up, and delivery have been a means for getting work into students' hands. Teachers are also connecting through making YouTube or FlipGrid videos, and considering log in platforms to connect classes such as Zoom or Google Hangouts."
Art and home economics teacher Tawney Crowley said this change of pace for the district is causing both her and her students to be more creative. Switching to online classes is actually a benefit for home economics, she said, as students will get the opportunity to practice what they learn immediately in their own homes. Art classes are a little trickier, she said, but her students are rolling with the punches. The classes are now emphasizing things students can do at home, such as photography and creating artwork with materials they can find at home.
"We're using online classrooms for all three of the art classes," Crowley said. "You don't have to have all the stuff to be able to do art."
Matt Gore, technology director for the district, said that this is an opportunity for students to learn skills beyond what they typically learn in the classroom. The modern workforce relies heavily on technology and working remotely, he said. The next few weeks would be a good chance for students to learn how to utilize email, video conferencing, and other skills their future jobs might require.
"As a technologist I see this as an opportunity for growth," Gore said.
Gore added that teachers have been hard at work learning or expanding their knowledge of the tools at hand to teach remotely. The district relies heavily on Google platforms, Gore said, such as Google Classroom and Google Hangout. For families that may not have internet access at home, Gore also mentioned they would be setting up "Drive-through WiFi" in the Evergreen Elementary School parking lot. Families could pull into the parking lot and use this wifi to help their kids complete their homework. Gore also mentioned that businesses GCI and Alaska Power and Telephone are putting offers in place for new or upgraded internet service parents may want to consider.
Besides homework, the district is also working to make sure students' needs are met in other areas. Lunches for students can be ordered online, and will be made available for pickup from various businesses around town that regularly provide meals, such as City Market, J&W's, and Wrangell IGA. Lancaster is appreciative of members of the community for recently providing free meals to the student body last week, when the schools' food services were unavailable.
"WPSD and the community of Wrangell have worked well together to keep the calm, support all to stay safe, and have worked tirelessly in the best interest of all residents," Lancaster wrote. "The principals, teachers, support staff, tech department, and all employees of WPSD have been amazing and will continue to do whatever needs to be done to continue a level of instruction, skill development, and learning for all WPSD students."
As of Monday, March 23, there were no reported cases of COVID-19 in Wrangell.
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