McLeod makes the best of a bad situation

Editors Note: This interview is a few weeks old. We apologize for any discrepancies.

It has been a few weeks since COVID-19 caused the schools to close. Superintendent Cathy May and students “have, for the most part, moved past the learning curve of our new way of doing things. We are still learning things on a daily basis, and the kids keep us on our toes by finding new ways around their work!”

May knows that it would be a challenge for homeschooling on-the-fly, but she said most are doing well. “Students are adjusting, this is a big change for most of them. Many are involved in extracurricular activities and are very active. Suddenly having nothing to do besides schoolwork is very different. I worry about what goes on in their heads, and while we are giving them work and providing instruction the best we can, it is still difficult to judge how much they are actually learning. We need to be able to see them in person-interact with them!”

So far technology has been the biggest challenge. “While students are [not] exposed, we are suddenly 100% technology-based. Many don’t have WiFi in their homes. Plus, we all are so used to the human factor-that is why we teach. We love kids and the computer just does not get the job done as effectively.”

The good thing that has come out of this, says May, is that they have “learned that we could make adjustments very quickly! We will introduce technology into the classroom even more in the future to help if we ever encounter this situation again. And absence makes the heart grow fonder. Our kids are missing us and we are definitely missing our kids.”

“Students have also had to learn to be more responsible. There is not a teacher in the hallway reminding them every time they walk by to do their work,” says May.

Some school districts in Cass County have elected to drop off meals. However, it is not feasible for McLeod because of their proximity to Caddo Parrish. “We opted to stop our meal delivery. Packet pick up and drop for elementary has been a surprisingly smooth process,” explained May.

Currently, “each teacher tries to limit instruction and work to about 15 minutes a day. From there, students are responsible for budgeting their time and getting things done by due dates. The teachers are still busy,” says May. “They have had a big learning curve. They still plan lessons, prepare and send out information, gather work, and grade work. They have their resources at home and I believe they stay busy!”

In the future when the COVID-19 crisis is over May was asked about how this season will affect future learning, May predicts that “some may desire to go to a more distant learning base, but I believe more will appreciate the school setting. Of course, things such as sanitation schedules will be increased-but we were already pretty diligent about keeping things clean. We will just be even more transparent about letting people know what we do so they feel safe about the learning environment. “

As of a couple of weeks back May was still planning what to do next with some of the activities including graduation. “We are working now to make sure we honor our seniors appropriately. We will wait until our governor gives us our next set of ‘more loosened’ restrictions before we make our final plans.”

McLeod High School Principal Jennifer Lance laments this with her heartfelt comment on Facebook recently.

“The McLeod Class of 2020 is a very special group of students. Most of these students have walked together down the halls of McLeod ISD for thirteen years. Others have joined the class more recently but have easily been accepted as a part of the group. They are all family, and they are all very special to me. As a principal, my heart breaks for this group. The year that they have looked forward to for most of their educational career has been cut short...leaving many memories left to be made. They did not have their last walk down the hallway, their last chance to sit in their desks, their last Spring sports season, their last chance to take the stage in One Act Play, or their last academic UIL competition. They will not have the opportunity this Spring to receive their awards and other honors in front of the underclassmen who admire them and look to them for leadership. At this time, they will not be able to huddle in the middle of the gym with their arms linked together forming the circle that demonstrates their unity as the Class of 2020. Thankfully, this is a group that can accomplish anything they set their minds to, and there is no doubt in my mind that this setback will only make them stronger.

Though graduation plans have not been finalized, we are working on several different scenarios. We will release that information to everyone as soon as we can. One thing that we do know for sure is that we want this graduation to be very special. To assist us in this endeavor, we need the support of the McLeod ISD student body, teachers, and the community. If you feel led to help, we are asking for letters, cards, picture memories, and/or small gifts.’

“We will compile those items into special packages for each senior. Those items can be dropped off at the McLeod ISD Administration Office during office hours (which will be posted on Facebook soon) until May 20th.”

May explains even with the hardship and the pain, she is proud her community has stepped forward, “I am proud of the way our staff, students, parents, and community members have stepped up to support the learning process. While I know there will be some who do not do the work, I am surprised more by the number of students who are getting the work done.”

“Most importantly, I want our students to know how much our Longhorn staff members love and miss them. These students are our lives and we miss them terribly! The school buildings are empty and that makes me sad. There is nothing like the hustle and bustle of Spring in a school. It is exhaustive but fun. I deeply regret that our students are missing this time in school this year. I am missing sharing that time with our kids,” says May.