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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (April 21, 2021)
14 Wednesday, April 21, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon ONLINE: Students have moved back to in-person school Continued from page 3 Hudson Beckwith said, <I think one of the more higher points of online learning was that you had more time to do schoolwork on your own at your own pace.= He also said that <it was a very unforget- table experience to learn from home.= Beckwith also said that the low point for him was that,<it made it much harder, not being able to talk to teachers. It is also very sad because a lot of people have been put back in their learning due to school from home.= He hopes that the teachers will do a review with what kids learned through online school. <I am going to miss online school,= said Andrew Islas, <just because it was so fun getting to have an experience like we had, but it is nice returning to school (four days a week) just because it feels like we are back to normal now.= Eighth-grade math teacher Jonathon Kelly, noted that, <Before COVID-19, my experience with online-learn- ing education was limited to online platforms and learn- ing tools that were either designed to be full replace- ments for traditional instruc- tion, skills practice only, or supplementary or tutorial in nature without a lot of cohe- sion or structure. PHOTO BY KALE GARDNER Hudson Beckwith. <When we first moved to comprehensive distance learning in April 2020, it was definitely a challenge to quickly find tools, resources, and platforms that could come close to replicating the in-person experience with all of its nonverbal cues and immediate feedback. However, some students really excelled with the more self-paced and mastery or proficiency-based learning format during comprehen- sive distance learning. They noticed that they were not as distracted and could follow a more flexible schedule that more closely met their needs. <It was definitely a chal- lenge to see students struggle with attendance, with social- emotional well-being and connection, and just not feel as motivated or excited about <coming= to school. I think every teacher was really feel- ing for and worried about our most vulnerable students and families who perhaps did not have the best home environ- ment for learning, the most accommodating internet connection, or perhaps there were other stresses in their family and home life with all of the other ripple effects of a global pandemic.= The Nugget asked Kelly how the past year has affected him personally. <Personally, I found it challenging to teach math in a way that made sense for students,= he said. <While there are plenty of tutorial videos or guided examples out there, nothing beats being in person and having a teacher look for engage- ment and understanding in the moment. Even if students were interacting with me through a Zoom class live, as the teacher it9s hard to ensure participation, engage- ment, and active learning in the same way we can in the classroom. However, I have definitely gotten better at making videos and using other technology resources to better meet students9 needs, and those skills will translate well into the future, too.= Asked about the future, he responded: <It9s very hard to make any predictions about what the future may look like, but I am optimistic that we will continue on a path to return to normalcy as it is safe to do so. At the middle school, having students back in the building two days a week starting the last week of January and first week of February made a huge difference, and I think that returning to four days a week of school for all stu- dents on April 12 will make another huge positive impact as well.= The Nugget spoke with Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan, She got per- sonal, noting, <My son has had a hard time learning from home, but we just try to have grace in our family.= She said that, <I am work- ing very hard with Governor Brown to get kids back in the classroom.= Kale Gardner is a student at Sisters Middle School and is working as an intern with The Nugget Newspaper. Serving Sisters Since 1976 ng on i o g t e g o Need t e’ve W ? s t c e j o spring pr ing you need! th FREE got every Local Delivery Lumber • Hardware • Paint Fencing & Decking • Doors & Windows ows PHOTO BY KALE GARDNER Andrew Islas. Now Accepting Commitment Forms for Hours: M-F 8 to 5, Sat. 8 to 4, Closed Sundays 440 N. Pine St. • 541-549-8141 • www.hoyts.net CITY OF SISTERS NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET HEARING FALL PRESCHOOL For more details and to register: www.SistersRecreation.com PHOTO BY KALE GARDNER Holly Davis. Ayurvedic Reflexology Energy & Vitality Bodywork Wellness Memberships: Multiple monthly treatment specials! For details and to book go to our website legendaryawakening.com or vagaro.com/legendary strategies 541-577-1617 270 S. Spruce St., Sisters 541-549-2091 1750 W. McKinney Butte Rd., Sisters Always Active, Always Engaged, CELEBRATING EVERY SINGLE DAY! Sisters Dental WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! Trevor Frideres, D . M . D . Greg Everson, D . M . D . 541-549-2011 491 E. Main Ave. • Sisters www.sistersdental.com Hours: Mon., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 411 E. Carpenter Ln. • Th eLodgeInSisters.com 541-549-5634
