Spring Issue

and being able to see on my students’ faces
whether or not they understand the information.”
Other teachers have a harder time teaching
their classes online. Jefferson Township High
School boasts a number of art classes, which is a
difficult class to teach remotely.
“I’ve been using Google Classroom posting
directions, PPT’s [PowerPoints], tutorials,
examples, and rubrics [assigned projects that use a
list of criteria to explain the project],” said Karen
Correia, the visual arts teacher, about her current
teaching strategy, “This method is effective so far
as that it covers the curriculum; however, some
more complex projects are not possible due to
required materials, tools and facilities.”
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Owen Helfand takes distance learning to
new heights, working on his computer while
hanging out in a tree in his yard.
Interviewed art students expressed disdain for
their art classes being taught online, without
being able to do some of the hands-on art pieces.
“Now that we’re home, we don’t have the right
materials to do the kind of stuff that we’re supposed
to. [Correia] has to make accommodations for
us depending on what materials everyone has at
home,” Natalia Olko said.
Another major impact of the virus has been
the testing that schools require. SAT, ACT and
AP tests have been postponed or cancelled. For
some students, this is a minor inconvenience.
For others, this could be a massive blow to their
college application process.
Teachers are encouraging both students and
parents to reach out if they need help and to
keep their heads held high as everyone continues
through these unprecedented times.
“Given the situation that we are in, I am very
thankful that we have the ability to do this.
Given the alternative, staying in school, would
be a serious health issue. Or just cancelling the
days—that would leave a huge gap in learning. I
think this is what we need to do,” said FitzGerald.
“I see this as our social responsibility, and we will
just make the most of it, do what we can do.
The students of this generation are amazing and
adaptable, and they will figure it out, too!”
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