Superintendent lauds efforts of East Providence teachers, students

EAST PROVIDENCE — Superintendent of Schools Kathryn Crowley lauded the efforts students, staff and families as East Providence and the rest of the state conducted the first week of distance learning classes from March 23-27.

“It surpassed my expectations,” the superintendent said at the close of classes March 27. “Attendance was better then when we are in session. Our teachers and principals rose to the occasion. I’m very proud of them.”

In a follow-up letter to the district, Superintendent Crowley reiterated her appreciation for the performance during the initial implementation of the distance learning program, noting Rhode Island remains the only state in the country attempting to keep schools in session in this manner.

The superintendent also updated and clarified some aspects of the program:

• Students are to be marked present for the day if they answer the question of the day. The question should be answered by 3 p.m.
• Some students have completed assignments but have been marked absent. Please check Google Classroom/Go Guardian at day’s end to confirm students were not online during a day in which they were marked absent. If they submitted work but did not check in, they should be marked present and should be reminded to answer the attendance question each day.
• Some students are completing work but not hitting “submit.” Please check Google Classroom/Go Guardian to check on work completion. Again, remind students they must click on “submit” in order for their work to be forwarded to you.

Looking ahead, the superintendent said week two of distance learning will be a review of content and previously taught standards using new material. Grade level meetings and department meetings will be held to discuss the “must do” content and standards needing to be covered as on-line learning continues. The meetings will assure consistency in content across grades and schools.

Of note as well, the superintendent urged teachers to show flexibility with students, not expecting them to remain in front of their computers for six hours in a row. She also encouraged instructors to interact with their peers, ask questions and learn from each other as they enter this new way of teaching.