Students, teachers, and administrators across the diocese are learning new skills as they navigate the reality of distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the late-night announcement of Governor Whitmer’s initial 3-week school closure on March 12, teachers and administrators at Sacred Heart School in L'Anse raced to send home materials and homework with their students the next day. Teachers readied take-home packets for the younger students, and those in grades 5 through 8 were instructed to take home all of their books as well as their Chromebooks. Their counterparts in grades 3 and 4 received Chromebooks a few weeks later when the closure was extended through the end of the school year.
“Because of a few generous benefactors who support our school year after year, we have a 1:1 ratio of Chromebooks in grades 3 through 8,” said school secretary Mrs. Carrie Rich. “So it was easy for us to ensure all students had access to the necessary technology during the closure.”
Mrs. Jenifer Brotherton, who teaches English, History, Latin, and Spanish to students in grades 5 through 8, was already familiar with Google Classroom and has been mentoring the other teachers as they learn to navigate this platform. Faculty meetings are held weekly in Google Meet as are the daily online classes for grades 5 through 8.
Mrs. Wendy Hiltunen, who teaches grades 3 and 4, is pleased with the experience so far, despite being completely unfamiliar with Google Classroom prior to the shutdown. “Sacred Heart School has been handling this pandemic situation the same way we handle all situations--with faith and grace, mixed with lots of patience! Families have had much to adapt to and have been frustrated and anxious. Our staff has been the calming influence with everyday little issues, along with the big issue of how to continue to give our students a quality education,” said Mrs. Hiltunen.
The school is working hard to stay connected with all families by providing a combination of online learning, video chats, story-reading videos, phone calls, emails, and take-home work packets. Mrs. Hiltunen commented, “We are infusing peace, joy, and inspiration into our online learning, and asking parents to do what they can and not stress over what they cannot. Parents are now resting more at ease, learning new ways to adapt, and enjoying down time with families. We are all learning together and working as a school-home team."
For more information about Sacred Heart Catholic School, which is currently accepting registrations for the 2020-21 school year, call 906-353-6021 or visit the school’s website,
www.sacredheartlanse.org.