The last day for students in the Londonderry School District is June 10th, but as we all know, there is little fanfare or celebration for students to finish the 2020 school year. Proms, graduation parties, class celebrations and field trips have all been canceled or muted to match the public health needs of COVID-19. It has been a difficult time. Yet within the struggles of our day to day there have been many bright spots. Teachers seamlessly transitioned to an online teaching approach and students showed great resilience in changing their approach to learning.
In Londonderry, planning for Fall is well underway. It won’t feel like a typical summer break for the leadership of Londonderry School District and Superintendent Scott Laliberte. He and his group have to develop a plan that essentially predicts the future, something not easy to accomplish in this terribly uncertain time. Some parents are anxious to get their children back to class, others are worried about health impacts and will want a home-based online learning option. Teachers will need guidance on how to straddle the line between students in front of them and those still at home. Protocols have to be developed before staff and students can return to the same building and social distancing creates new challenges regarding classroom space.
Superintendent Laliberte leads an outstanding group of educators who are working with the school board and town leadership to develop the best possible blueprint for September, understanding that a shift in public health circumstances could require them to shred the plan and start over again. The Spradling Group is honored to be at the table with this outstanding team of teachers, parents, residents and educators to prepare for the next school year.
One thing is certain, if anyone can get this done, it’s our teachers… talk about a teachable moment and the value of taking what you’ve learned and applying it to the future! Here’s hoping we can all welcome back students in person in a few months. If that’s not possible, know that our educators will have a plan for the school year and we will figure it out together.