By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Thomas More Prep-Marian has set its launch day for virtual learning for Thursday, April 2.
Although the Catholic school is private, it was also closed by the governor's order on March 17.
TMP has been on spring break this week, and teachers and staff have been using the time to prepare the new learning model, said Principal Chad Meitner.
Students should be receiving instructions from teachers no later than Tuesday.
Students will be experiencing something a little bit different from each teacher, Meitner said.
The learning will be based in Google Classroom, which the students were already using before the coronavirus school closures. They will use the system to participate in live chats with teachers or discussion groups.
Melissa Pinkney, TMP Spanish teacher, said she will be relying on online tutorials, videos and programs for her students. She will also be connecting with the students online during her office hours.
She said across the board, students will not have many paper-and-pencil assignments to turn in.
However, Meitner noted students will be expected to complete assignments during this virtual learning period in order to earn course credit. The students will be graded at the end of the semester.
Hands-on classes will be more challenging, Meitner said. Woodshop students have half-finished projects at the school and no way to complete them, he said.
Meitner said he hoped the school would eventually be allowed to reopen to small groups of students so they could complete these projects or small groups could have music rehearsals or be allowed to do science experiments.
However, the school has not be cleared to do this yet, Meitner said.
"We are listening to the authorities and following the recommendations of the KDHE and the Kansas Department of Education," Meitner said.
Some courses will offer cross-curricular assignments. A student may complete one assignment that might have elements from multiple classes such as science, history or math.
Stress for students and teachers
"We want to make sure students are not being overwhelmed, but they are still meeting their learning goals," Meitner said.
Meitner acknowledged some older TMP students might have increased responsibilities while they are at home, including caring for or even teaching their younger siblings.
Meitner asked students and parents keep the school apprised of these added strains on their students.
Pinkney is doing double duty. Not only will she be teaching her TMP Spanish students, but she also has her own three children — who are in fifth, third and first grades at Holy Family — at home.
"I got their stuff yesterday, and they wanted to open books and do stuff. I told them to just wait, just wait," she said. "They do miss the stability and a schedule, but they are also enjoying the free time."
The children's teachers have tried to stay connected to the kids through email, videos and social media.
"I think this online learning is something to be excited about," Pinkney said. "Students and teachers learn things along the way, and it will only grow our skills when we get back into the classroom."
School structure
The students will check in at 9 a.m. for prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and announcements.
Meitner said he hoped this check-in will help create structure for the students and maintain a sense of school unity. The school also is planning virtual spirit activities during which students can share photos or videos on social media.
Students' class days will vary depending on what courses in which they are enrolled. Some students may end their school days earlier than others.
Special ed
The school is also working with the Hays West Central Kansas Special Education Co-op, which is under the umbrella of Hays USD 489, to provide for its special education students.
"We will find ways to provide services,"Meitner said. "We still need to follow IEPs. That is a legal document that needs to be followed. Those students who are supposed to get services will get them as they are promised."
Seniors
The school has not made a decision on its graduation ceremony yet. Prom and the annual Project Graduation Party will likely be canceled, Meitner said.
Internet
At the beginning of the school year, TMP only had 12 students wh0 did not have internet service. The school followed up with those families, and all have since connected with an internet service.
Keep connected
Meitner encouraged students and parents to keep connected to teachers and the school. The office phone at 785-625-6577 will always be forwarded to a staff person between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays. You can also email Meitner with concerns at [email protected].