All four campuses of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School
closed their facilities starting on Tuesday, March 17, in response to Governor
Ivey's order for public schools to shut down to slow down the spread of
COVID-19, the coronavirus that has affected nearly every country in the world.
The faculty had been preparing for such an event in the preceding weeks and
were ready to start distance learning measures as soon as the Archdiocese of
Mobile ordered all its schools to close their doors and start teaching remotely.
While it has been a challenging time for both educators and students, the
faculty and families at Montgomery Catholic quickly adjusted to life that moved
the classroom into their living rooms.
Students enrolled in grades 10 through 12 are given MacBooks
as tools for regular classroom instruction, so as long as they have reliable
internet connections, they can access most of the learning resources, such as
digital textbooks, that they use anyway. For all other grades, teachers had to
survey the families to verify that the students would have access to a digital device,
be it a home computer, tablet, or smartphone, that could connect to the
internet and be able to access course materials.
Using tools like Google Classroom, Zoom meetings, and even
simple cell phone photos, teachers have stayed in constant communication with
families and students to convey lessons and evaluate schoolwork. And since teachers
across the world are also having to teach remotely, libraries of free educational
tools and games have been made available online for the public to use. And of
course, old-fashioned books and paper have been essential throughout this time.
"Distance learning has been a unique challenge,"
said sixth grade teacher Mary Pears. "I am trying to supplement my lessons
with links to videos, games, and PowerPoints to enhance the at-home learning
experience for my students."
Even the youngest students are continuing their curriculum
through distance learning. K4 teacher Kathleen Reeves, whose class is comprised
of 4- and 5-year olds, has chosen assignments for her students that encourage
exploration and literacy in a way that also allows for some creativity.
"I'm trying to keep things as routine as possible with
their assignments," said Reeves. "My class will continue doing the
things we do regularly, like learning a new letter every week, tracing their
names, playing with play dough, and working on their letter journals. They also
have access to internet links for the movement songs we do."
The faculty and administration have also met regularly
through video conferences. The campus offices, which are diligently practicing
social distancing and heightened hygiene routines, have tried to keep business running
as close to usual as possible, albeit with doors that are closed to the general
public.
While this has been a challenging time for all of the staff
and families, they have kept a positive outlook on the school year and look
forward to returning to their classrooms.
"I sorely miss the daily interactions with my precious
sixth graders!" said Pears. "It is my fervent prayer that I'm back in
the classroom with them again soon."
