King Said Students Need To Push Through Next 2 Weeks

Putnam County Schools Director Corby King said students can reduce the learning impact of the COVID-19 shutdown by finishing the school semester strong.

“It’s typical that students begin kind of slacking off, it’s spring, the weather’s warming up, they’re ready to end and go on for the summer,” King said. “But I’m asking that students and parents please remain engaged and working with us for two more weeks.”

State officials are working on plans to help students recover learning lost during these eight weeks. King said every bit of instruction that can be packed in before the semester ends can help. The goal, King said, is to limit learning loss, which already occurs during summer break.

“Being out for an extended period this spring, it increases our concern that students are going to experience greater learning losses,” King said. “This is why we’re asking you to please remain engaged in learning activities.”

King said parents continue to worry about grades. Teachers are entering grades on work, but King said many times that’s a reflection of students not doing the work. King said this can be a surprise to parents.

“There are cases where students are telling mom and dad ‘yea, I’m doing the work’ and it’s just not happening,” King said. “This helps them stay on track.”

King said grades will not be lower than they were on March 13, but parents and teachers want to understand the progress being made.

“It’s more about continuous learning and preparing for next year,” King said.