Black Horse Pike Schools Praise Remote Learning Experience

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — The academic school year is coming to an end, and administrators in the Black Horse Pike Regional School District are expressing pride in how their teachers and students handled three months of remote learning amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“Through online meetings with teachers, various digital platforms, and instructional videos, students have been working diligently, persevering with assignments, and using their tech-savvy skills to adapt to virtual instruction,” the district said in a statement on Monday. “Focusing on progress in their feedback and offering opportunities for reflection on performance, teachers continue to encourage a growth mindset as we are all learning new strategies.”

The district also recognizes that there are some concerns among parents about their child’s progress and what the next school year will look like.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

“Just as we have relied on essential workers during this pandemic, teachers have prioritized essential skills and content to ensure that students have the prerequisites to move forward next year,” the district said.

The district also addressed questions of school looking different and how teachers will adjust.

“The uncertainty of the learning environment students will be faced with in the fall is an interest to all of us,” the district said. “In the future, additional time and planning will be provided for all courses as we are aware of objectives that students may not have fully met. Content and skills will be retaught or reviewed in order to make the transition to the next course as smooth as possible for all of our students.

“Meeting the needs of our students is always our top priority. The first days of school are also a time for teachers to establish relationships that help them best serve their students. Our teachers will also assess knowledge and skills in September to identify gaps and plan lessons that address identified needs. As supervisors, we conduct meetings and host ongoing conversations with teachers to help them negotiate the best path for students, which includes differentiation of assignments, individualized academic plans, and adjustments to curriculums.”

The district also advised students to take a break during the summer to do whatever they can to help their physical and mental well-being. When they are ready to begin preparing for next school year, students can participate in these brain exercises:

• Complete summer reading and any summer projects teachers assigned;
• Research something you’ve always wanted to know more about; and
• Challenge yourself with puzzles and games that require strategy and logic.

“Most important, stay safe and well,” the district said. “We miss the energy that students bring to our environment and look forward to a fresh start in the fall.”

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know