New La Conner school year virtually here

Back to School is always a time of new beginnings.

No more so than this year as La Conner campuses prepare for distance learning models at least through the fall term.

La Conner teachers and staff begin in-service training today (Wednesday) with much focus placed on mastering the on-line instructional platforms students and families will access starting Sept. 14 when structured remote learning classes are launched.

School principals last week shared with staff their respective daily schedules for the fall semester, a blend of live small and large group on-line instruction, educational videos and opportunities for independent study.

The intent, they told La Conner School Board members at their Aug. 24 meeting, is to make improvements upon the on-line format developed on the fly last spring when campuses across the state were abruptly closed to stem spread of the coronavirus.

Flexibility is a key element of the school district’s re-opening plan, which was developed over the summer by a community Back to School panel. The plan anticipates varied family situations and job responsibilities.

La Conner High, for instance, is offering students and parents a choice between two daily class schedules.

“We have a staggered schedule,” said principal Kathy Herrera, “to meet the needs of our families and students.”

At the secondary level, students will take fewer courses on-line but can delve deeper into each subject.

“There are increased minutes per class per week,” Herrera said.

Herrera said more time per week can also be devoted to social/emotional learning, which emerged last spring as a priority item cited by then-student school board representatives Dom Wilbur and Yareli Lopez.

La Conner Elementary Principal Heather Fakkema said time efficiency within the remote learning model is likewise the objective on her campus.

“We’re working on learning,” she said. “That’s the expectation. The teacher is engaged the whole time in either small or large group instruction. Learning is happening the entire hour.”

Board members gave two thumbs-up to the La Conner Schools re-opening plan.

“This plan looks great,” board member Lynette Cram said. “Our thanks go out to all who worked so hard and getting it out to the community.”