Last summer, 
we held the SOCSD STEAM (VIRTUAL) Camp remotely for more than 250 students. We delivered materials and supplies to their homes to engage them in hands-on learning, and began to think about what school might look like if we reopened in the fall. We also held a six-day professional development workshop/course for more than 35 teachers and administrators across the district to help plan for teaching in a hybrid model. Teachers focused on developing lessons and activities designed to meet students whether they were learning in school or at home. Since this hybrid model had never been attempted before, teachers and staff knew that thoughtful planning would go a long way once students began in-person and at-home learning. The SOCSD Hybrid Model was designed around a few major themes:
- Consistent scheduling for assignments and classroom work
- Live, daily instruction for all students, whether participating in person or virtually
- Trauma-based approach to instruction with an emphasis on social-emotional learning
- Hands-On materials and supplies for students to work on activities at home and in school aimed at minimizing screen time and enhancing student engagement.
Since the re-opening, some teachers shared their thinking about what this new hybrid learning environment means for their practice now and going forward. Social Studies teacher Martin Patmos said, “Distance learning and hybrid learning, while not ideal, have led me to try new things in the classroom. I’ve had to rethink lessons and build new ones, to try and engage both the distance and live student. In talking with other teachers and bouncing ideas off each other, I know they are doing the same. Someday when we’re back to normal, we will bring these new tools with us and be stronger teachers for it.” Chemistry teacher Janeen Sucharski said, “While I consider myself to be a “veteran teacher” at this point, the changes we are facing with Covid19 have made me rethink how teaching and learning needed to happen this year. The summer workshop helped me prepare for hybrid learning this fall. Innovative Designs In Education (IDE) always talks about the driving force in learning as being the “Felt Need,” and we certainly felt that this past summer while planning. The workshop helped connect me and my coworkers so that we were able to have in depth discussions about how we were going to meet the needs of our students this year, while we learned new technologies in the process.” Teacher Deena Kamarczyk commented, “On Friday, I gave my first group of 7th graders their very own pocket microscopes and it was terrific! I showed them how to use the scopes, let them explore their belongings, took them outside, and let them explore some more. 🙂 At recess, some kids took them out again!”
Teachers were introduced to examples of how the structure of a Learning Management System (Schoology or Google Classroom) could be leveraged in a hybrid learning environment. They created rubrics to help students improve their executive functioning skills and be successful both academically and socially. Ms. Sucharski also shared, “Zooming during the summer workshop showed me how it felt for students to be working at their screens for the day, and the challenges that you face in terms of needing breaks for your eyes, stretches for your body, and considering both the social-emotional and the physical needs the students and staff. So far, my students have adapted to the changes and are excellent at utilizing the various technologies in the hybrid model of our classroom. I have found they feel “muted” behind the masks and shields and remain quieter in class or at home than in a typical setting. However, the new technologies we are using helps them be an active digital participant in class discussions.” Some of the technologies include the breakout rooms feature in Zoom for small group discussions and problem solving, Nearpod for interactive lessons that give formative assessments, and Jamboard for opportunities for students to work on activities together digitally where each student has an opportunity to contribute to the class. The district is excited that our hybrid model is working, and that students are able to keep pace with the curriculum and educational program from any location.
A special thank you to all of our teachers, instructional coaches, school leaders, administrators, and staff for all of the thoughtful planning and work to make reopening a successful reality for our kids and families!
(Picture of Scott Silver, TZHS Social Studies Teacher)
