Nantahala News

Like school districts nationwide, the Swain County school system ended face-to-face classroom learning and implemented distance learning measures.

With classes in North Carolina suspended until at least May 15, the district continues to make sure its students can learn from home. Educators handed out technological devices once learning about planned closings.

High school students adapted more quickly to the shift, who are allowed to bring their laptops home with them. It was a different story for students in grades three through eight.

“When the news came that we were going to be continuing with remote learning until May 15, Swain County Schools Technology Department personnel were swift to devise the best way to get Chromebooks to our children in grades 3-8,” Katrina Turbyfill, director of the office of school improvement, told the Smoky Mountain Times. “Charging towers were disassembled and the Chromebook and charger were placed in a plastic bag. Parents were then notified of pick up times and dates.”

To address the issue of some students not having an internet connection, the district works with SkyWave to add more access points for connectivity. Locations are accessed at sites.google.com/swainmail.org/remote-learning-resources/getting-connected.

Turbyfill said teachers are using a variety of technology tools to teach students, including but not limited to SeeSaw, Edgenuity and MobyMax. Teachers also hold office hours during the day to assist families.

We still want the kids to grow academically but we are also concerned about how they are [faring] through this crisis, both physically and mentally,” Turbyfill said. “So, we want them to complete their work and continue to learn but we also want them to check in with their teachers and to let them know if there are other needs that we might meet.”