With classrooms closed state-wide teachers and schools have worked hard to connect with their students – virtual classrooms, spirit week fun, meal deliveries and more. We here at Mountain Lake PBS wanted to highlight some of the creative and impactful ways they’ve been staying in touch and making school-from-home fun!
If you know of any teachers or schools who are doing this kind of work, let us know so we can add them to the list!
Spirit Week Fun
Schools around the region haven’t let being home stop them from celebrating together for Spirit Week! Beekmantown Central School District and Plattsburgh Central School District kept the fun going with daily themes, encouraging students to share photos of themselves on social media.
Check out Plattsburgh Central School District’s winners on their Facebook page.
Music Video Parody
Cumberland Head Elementary School teachers created this funny music video called “You Need to Stay Home”, a parody of Taylor Swift’s “You Need to Calm Down.” The song helps spread the message of how important it is to stay home and how teachers are using technology to stay connected to students, all while adding some much needed laughter to people’s day.
Delivering Schoolwork & Meals
Educators and volunteers across the North Country are delivering homework and meals to students in rural school districts, including Boquet Valley Central School District where 100% of the student body is eligible for free or reduced lunch. Watch the Mountain Lake Journal segment below to hear school staff talk about this crucial effort to deliver hundreds of meals to students who remain home from school.
Exploring the Outdoors
Petrova Elementary School in Saranac Lake has put out a video from its teachers talking to their students, and sending well wishes!
They are encouraging students and their families to spend time outdoors and to explore the mountains around Saranac Lake.
Saranac Lake Central School District has created a “Tri-Lakes Trifecta” challenging students to complete physical activities during their time at home. You can find information about the challenge here.
*Special Recognition*
Mountain Lake PBS received a viewer comment applauding Petrova Elementary School’s Principal, Bryan Munn, saying:
“He [Munn] and a small band of staff have been delivering the weekly “Work at Home” packets to each individual student door to door. That’s between 300 and 350 kids. I believe this is exceptional and above & beyond. He and his staff should be recognized for their work ethic and service to the community, thank you!”