by Emily Reding, Migrant Education Program Coordinator
With the end of July came the end of our Summer School program. It was an interesting summer filled with firsts- first time providing health screenings for students and staff entering the building, first time wearing masks while working for students and staff, and first time working in person with students since March. So the question everyone wants answered…. HOW DID IT GO?
As the trail for how this fall will run, we can say, it went well- with room for growth! Yes, we had to call and verify with parents when young students answered yes to the screener question, “Do you have a new cough?”. Yes, we had to spend the first two days of school talking about new procedures and practiced proper hand-washing techniques. Yes, we sent students home when they had potential symptoms. Yes, it was a good trial run for in-person instruction this fall.
The students were quick to adapt to the new ‘normal’ and needed some reminders—but then again- even without all of this chaos, teachers and parents can agree- children always need reminders!
We could not have completed this feat without several people working together. Our dedicated custodial staff who went above and beyond with extra cleaning and rearranging to keep everyone safe. Our kitchen staff who quickly transformed how they prepared and served meals. Our business office who helped order and secure thermometers, gloves, and sanitizers. Our technology staff who adapted to students learning distantly and quickly got new log-in information for newly enrolled migrant students.
Our local bus company, Sleepy Eye Bus Service for transporting migrant students from Springfield, Clements, GFW, Windom, Mountain Lake, and St. James so they could learn in person. Our teachers and paraprofessionals who overcame a variety of challenges and found creative solutions to continue to educate our students. Our community members who donated cloth face masks for students to use during the day.
Our parents who pre-screened students and kept students home when they were sick and informed school staff of pre-existing conditions. Our students who came to school with an excitement to learn and a desire to face the new challenges with flexibility and determination.
Our community will continue to learn and problem solve as Covid-19 exposes new challenges, as we navigate the new school year.