In the school district, winter weather often brings the anticipation of snow days, providing a welcomed break from schoolwork and the classroom. However, a new policy changes how students spend the snow days. If Eureka exceeds a certain number of snow days, instead of having the day off, students will be required to participate in online classes. Many challenges will arrive with Alternate Method of Instruction days (AMI), including no Wi-Fi at homes, students not attending classes, and problems with assignments. Teachers and students have mixed feelings about this new plan.
Allison Endicott, language arts teacher, is concerned about some of the complications that will come with online learning.
“It’s going to be hard for kids who don’t have access to Wi-Fi at home, and I think we’re gonna get a ton of emails because of this,” Endicott said. Many students struggle with Wi-Fi issues and no access to electronic devices in their homes, and this could be a big problem with online learning.
Rachel Steward, science teacher, anticipates struggles with younger children trying to complete their assignments.
“I think it will be hard for the younger students, because high school kids can be given direct instructions and then they’ll finish it on their own time,” Steward said. Mrs. Steward suggests that the kids in elementary school may require more guidance and direct supervision. On the other hand, stu
dents in high school or late middle school are typically more independent and can handle assignments by themselves.
Students and teachers alike have worries for AMI days.
“I think that during online classes to keep students focused, teachers should make assignments fun and add extra points to your grade for completing work,” Kane Wegener, 12.
He agrees that in order to keep kids focused, there needs to be a benefit to class because many students are only thinking about sledding, or having snowball fights outside in the snow.
Teachers have agreed on AMI days being very beneficial towards students by providing them with work for the day, instead of just falling behind in classes and being off track.
“It does keep kids engaged for the day rather than them just being disconnected and just playing video games or watching TV,” Endicott says.
She believes that AMI days will be good for students and helps them keep on track with assignments.
Because of the Covid pandemic in 2020, students will be used to joining zoom meetings and dealing with the online stresses.
“I do think It helps kids not fall behind in classes. I think this generation will be fine with it because of the whole covid thing.” Unlike the younger generation, Kids currently in high school or middle school have experienced online school because of the Coronavirus epidemic. Kids newer to elementary school may have never learned how to join a zoom, or do things online.
