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Barkell Elementary principal discusses learning from home challenges

HANCOCK — Michigan has asked schools in the state to track and report on the effectiveness of the activities they are assigning, said Barkell Elementary School Principal Dan Vaara, in a Wednesday email.

“This allows us to remain in compliance,” he explained, “but more importantly, it allows us to analyze what is working and modify our instruction to better serve our community,”

This can be done in a number of different ways:

• Packets with completed work can be returned on Wednesday pickup or returned in the bins outside of our front door at any time.

• Activities can be scanned or emailed to teachers. Pictures can be taken and emailed to teachers.

• Students can complete assignments in online formats, like Google Classroom or See Saw. Phone calls can be made to teachers to discuss completion of an assignment.

• There are likely other ways that this can be accomplished. Staff members are very flexible with how this information gets back to them so, please use whatever format works best for parents, students, and individual family situations.

“Our staff has been working hard to provide academic and food packets,” said Vaara, “and we appreciate the patience and support we have received as we navigate these uncertain times.”

Vaara added that staff would like thank parents for everything they have done in helping with furthering their children’s education as learning continues from home.

“We recognize the huge role you are all playing in this, and we cannot overemphasize how much we appreciate that,” he said. “We also recognize the challenges and stress that come with this.”

Vaara said he has been asked by several parents whether all assignments need to be completed each week.

“We realize that this is not necessarily possible since, for example, not everyone is able to access online lessons due to lack of the Internet, lack of enough computers at home, etc.,” he said. “We also recognize that other factors may make this impossible such as time constraints. We are simply asking that families make their best effort to help our students to maintain their academic skills with learning activities designed by the teachers.”

It is not the intention of the schools to place any added pressure on students, parents, or families during these challenging times, Vaara added.

“If you are having any difficulties with anything happening right now,” he advised, “please do not hesitate to contact me (487-9030) so that we can come to a solution that will work for you and your family.”

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