Merced area high school teachers aim to help students during coronavirus disruption

These are difficult, yet hopeful times. We all are dealing with the difficulties associated with sheltering at home, while remaining hopeful that the collective efforts of everyone in the community will prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The superintendents of our school districts have worked together diligently and acted responsibly in closing the schools. Before the closure began, teachers in the Merced Union High School District began planning how to continue the vital task of education for students at home.

Many issues confront teachers in accomplishing the task: What should we teach, how can it be presented remotely, how can students engage in what we present, how can we reach all of our students? The initial guidance from Superintendent Peterson addressed the issue of equity for all students: assignments cannot be mandatory and grades should not be given for work unless all students have equal access.

In our classrooms, children living in poverty and the distressingly large number who are homeless have the same access to education that more privileged students do. This is a strength schools offer to our diverse community, but how can we reach students without internet access where they live? School district administration is working to solve this problem and we ask the community to assist in the solution.

Teachers have begun reaching out to students by a range of means. We ask that parents check with their children to get involved and participate. This can be a powerful assistance for parents dealing with children suddenly at home during the day.

Patience will be required as teachers wrestle with what to teach and how to teach remotely. Teachers are working collaboratively to pool resources and ideas across our district, from Livingston to Atwater to Merced. Each discipline presents unique challenges.

Our pledge to the community is to do our best to continue our task of educating our students, regardless of the limitations. Working together, we will get through this, and our community will be stronger on the other side.