On Tuesday, April 14, Governor Tate Reeves officially announced that the remainder of on campus teaching for this school year has been cancelled, however, that does not mean that education has stopped.
Reeves added that he would ask educators to submit distance learning plans and share best practices with others, while acknowledging that all students are not in the same situation, as some do not have access to high-speed internet or parents who can act as educators.
In addition, Reeves did hold open the possibility of summer classes and an early start to the next school year.
This situation especially affects high school seniors who look to graduation as a major milestone in their lives. Louisville School District Superintendent Randy Grierson said that for that reason seniors at Louisville High School, Noxapater Attendance Center and Nanih Waiya Attendance Center will definitely have a graduation. One of the ideas being considered is a drive-through where seniors, along with their families will drive-through and pick up their diplomas while the event is being live-streamed, and this will take place on the night originally scheduled for graduation.
As for students in other grades, Grierson stated that they have looked at three different models presented by the Mississippi Department of Education and will use a combination to find the best way to recognize and promote those students.
Also, there will be a remediation program during the summer to help get children back into a school setting.
Grierson added that the meal program has continued unabated since the shutdown began because it is some important to students, with Vowell’s Marketplace handling it the first week and the school taking over from there.
Winston Academy
Mike Reans, Winston Academy Headmaster, stated that online distance learning for their students has continued since the shutdown, and they have also sent home work packets.
Reans said it has not been the same as being at school but once everyone became accustomed to it there has been some great work done by teachers, parents and students.
He added that seniors can look forward to a graduation ceremony, but plans are still in process.
Grace Christian School
Grace Christian School Headmaster, Jason Morgan, stated that their board has been very proactive and this has been a very productive nine weeks. Once the initial announcement was made in March their staff put into place a distance learning program and things have moved along quite well.
The teachers have done an excellent job of making videos and posting lessons, of staying ,min touch with students and parents. Morgan stated that learning objectives are of utmost importance, because at the beginning of the new school year in August, they want to see students prepared to go into the next grade. For the seniors, Morgan said the plan is still to have a graduation, and plans are still being discussed.
