For The Times & Free Press

The transition to distance learning has been rather smooth in Hennessey, reported one school official.

And it’s not just students who are having to be taught.

“Sometimes it’s easier to walk a first grader, rather than the parent, through a (computer) problem, because the student is used to the language of that program,” said Todd Cameron, Hennessey Public Schools computer technician/network administrator at Monday night’s school board meeting.

Since the coronavirus has caused distance learning, the school offers a tech link for help with Chrome-book and iPad support on its website, said Cameron, who may also be contacted at twcameron@hps.k12.ok.us.

He told the board that sixth-eighth graders have Chromebooks and last week they’d also handed out 100 computer devices to pre-K-fifth grade students.

“It seems to be going pretty well,” he said. “I thought there would be more problems early with things such as passwords, but some just needed help finding their assignments.”

Three of his high school students are willing to also work as (paid) tech support by phone, he said, but he’s working on that.

Cameron was in-person at the board meeting and orchestrated the on-line Zoom meeting between three principals, the athletic director and two board members while three other board members, staff and visitors were on-site in the auditorium’s seminar room.

Mid-High School Principal Report

“The first week (of online schooling) was very trying,” Mid-High School Principal Angela Avila told school board members via Zoom at their meeting. “But our Empower the Eagles program is working better than I ever thought it would.”

There are two one-hour classes daily, she said.

Teachers have come up with “innovative lessons,” she said, and 75-80 percent of mid-school students are turning in their work, and 60-70 percent of high school students are participating.

“But the teachers miss the kids and the kids miss the teachers.”

Elementary

Elementary Principal Barry Crosswhite said teachers and parents “are up for the challenge” and some classes have their own Facebook pages. The elementary school also has a Facebook page “where we can get out information.”

First-fourth grades are mainly using paper and pencil lessons, and fifth graders are using Google, he said after joining the virtual meeting late. He couldn’t get reception at his house so he had to drive to what board members joked as a “Green Acres high spot” so he made his virtual report from his vehicle.

Crosswhite said teachers are making weekly contact with parents. “There are lots of emails and Facebook connections. We have 350 students and I’ve only had five phone calls,” he said. “All parents have my cell phone number.”

First and second graders have 70-minute classes each day and third-fifth grade classes are 80 minutes.

“That’s the recommendation from the state,” added Crosswhite.

He said 70 parents picked up Chromebooks last week.

Pre-K-Kindergarten

“Teachers are being creative,” said Early Childhood Center Principal Stacey Schovanec. “We have (virtual) meetings one or two hours a week. Fridays are for planning,” she said, with regular office hours for her and the secretary.

“Feedback from parents has been great,” she said.

“They are taking pictures and putting them on our Facebook page… Making slide shows. A student, Wade Worthan, has made a video about outdoor life.”

Schovanec said they are trying to figure out how to handle the pre-K registration for next year. It will probably include having a drive-through for handing out and returning applications.

HS Athletics

Most of the juniors and seniors have checked out weight equipment, said Paul Hix, athletic director and head football coach.

He said they are working on an eight-week program and a Minnesota company is expected to make a test run “in the next couple of days.”

His department’s athletic trainer is also working with the students.

“Hopefully everyone who wants to have a gym at home can be helped,” he said.

All members present

Board members Joe Garrison, vice president, and Cristopher Choate, clerk, attended the meeting from their homes via Zoom. On-site were President James Matthew Matousek, Patrick Griffin (outgoing president) and Luke Lough.

Also present on-site were Superintendent Dr. Mike Woods; Timberly Jech, business manager and board meeting recording clerk, and Jack Quirk, event center videographer.