It's a new beginning for school districts across North Dakota as schools remain closed until further notice by Governor Doug Burgum due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools are starting "distance learning," which puts not only students, but teachers and staff, in uncharted territory.

The new plan contains 34 pages, which you can read on the district website. Superintendent Dr. Jeffery Thake promises the plan goes "above and beyond" to provide a sufficient education for everyone, including those with special needs. The superintendent credits his team for coming up with the plan, which was approved by Governor Burgum and State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler Monday. The district is aware that students learn in different ways, so they have in store a "blended approach" to learning. The district also states they have a 1:1 program for grades K-12 utilizing their learning management system, district approved supplemental learning applications, and the power of Google Chromebooks.

As students begin their new way of life, the teachers in charge of providing an education also prepare to overcome the challenges of not being physically present.

"I've been busier than I would have been if I was actually teaching," says Chris Mack, a Government and US History teacher at Williston High School. He credits some of the younger teachers who are more "in touch" with technology for helping him set up his courses. While this won't replace traditional learning, he says this is the best way to learn "given the situation." Mack adds that he uses a variety of programs to teach, including AP Central, for his AP US History and AP Government courses.

Some classes are also working on unique ways to teach. Eric Rooke, Band Director for WHS, tells NEWS RADIO he's not used to using a computer to teach, but plans to keep the music going with technology. A program he will be using is called "SmartMusic," which provides exercises for musicians to practice and record their progress.

"We want to make sure each kid is growing as a musician from this point to the end of the year," Rooke says. He is also experimenting with production in his Jazz Ensemble, hoping to compile those individual recordings into a full song.

As the district prepares for their new education plan, board president Joanna Baltes says flexibility is key, understanding that no student can possibly sit next to a computer for an entire school day.

"Thats not what distance learning looks like, and that's not what we are doing in District 1," she says.

Baltes tells NEWS RADIO she's excited to see the year resume. She knows kids need structure during the day and continuing the school year will prevent "brain drain," which usually occurs during the summer.

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