LHISD Returns to Learn
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he review from the Superintendent’s office is that the first day of school in Liberty Hill was “Fantastic!” Superintendent Steve Snell says roughly two-thirds of the district’s students chose in-person school, and, thanks to a week of extra in-service and training for teachers and administrators, the only problems that occurred were minor technical difficulties for online access. Not content to simply ensure health protocols, all students and staff were encouraged to do a simultaneous connectivity test a week before to identify signal problems and potential ‘traffic’ jams. “Our teachers were heartbroken last spring when things went in one week to being done for the year. They begged to come back in person, and worked every day for that moment. It was a smoother-than-normal first day, with positive attitudes all around. Every student arrived with a mask, everything worked as planned.”
SILVER LININGS Like many organizations, schools also reflect a few positives from the pandemic. Steve was pleased that his technology department was able to provide technology for every student in a matter of days, which, under normal circumstances would have taken a year to plan. “Our curriculum department was able to start producing virtual lessons on the spot. It wasn’t what we would consider the same education you would get in person, but we did the best we could. That’s the norm in education; you have to win with the hand you’re dealt.” As well, while he acknowledges that not everyone loved converting to video meetings, the benefit to his staff and the entire community was quickly noted. “I got to have weekly meetings with the entire ISD staff. I would have never thought to interrupt the daily routines of 600 people to organize a staff meeting. But every single employee was able to hear from me in a crisis, and that is a tool we will continue to use moving forward. Even as things return to normal, it will make everyone’s lives a little easier to attend a staff or town hall meeting right where they are.” 4
S E P T E M B E R 2020 LIBER T Y HILL D IGES T
by Ann Marie Kennon Photos: Facebook/LHISD Used with Permission
He is also pleased that this abrupt and rather forced entry into the digital age will benefit students who must stay home from school for any illness or injury. “Kids are still going to get sick with allergies or strep throat, and now there is no more need to call the teacher to get the work; the kids can just tune in to class. This alteration of the in-seat attendance model will allow teachers to check on students personally, and kids can see their friends. This is the world our kids live in after all. There is no reason for healthy students in quarantine, due to exposure, to miss a beat in their studies.”
AFTER SCHOOL While Spring sports cannot recapture their lost season, the UIL has loosened a few rules regarding conditioning and practice. Steve reports that regular practice for football and volleyball has already begun, but all students are allowed to practice out of season. “In the past, students could work out on an empty court or a field for independent conditioning, as long as coaches were not present. This year, all sports are allowed to practice, with guidance, up to two hours daily.” The District also arrived at a compromise that will allow football games to be televised, live, on Friday nights. “We will be live-streaming Thursday, Friday, and Saturday games to help fans who do not wish to attend in person
