Saturday, April 18, 2020
Locally owned since 1867
Congress continues aid talks By JENNIFER SHUTT CQ-Roll Call (TNS)
WASHINGTON — Top Capitol Hill Democrats and Trump administration officials likely won’t wrap up talks over a new round of COVID-19 relief measures until early next week, according to one of the principal negotiators. “We’ve had constructive talks, they are going to continue through the weekend. I don’t see any reason why we can’t come to an agreement soon,” Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, DN.Y., said Friday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” Aides to Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, DCalif., discussed the evolving package with Treasury SecreSee TALKS | Page A4
iolaregister.com
With their visit to Iola extended indefinitely because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Englanders Martin Sullivan and Lynsey Brown decided to go shopping — for a house.
There’s no place like home By TREVOR HOAG The Iola Register
When Martin “Sully” Sullivan and Lynsey “Tilly” Brown crossed the Atlantic Ocean to attend the wedding of Lynsey’s son, Cameron Simpson, they never dreamed they’d become permanent residents, but thanks to COVID-19 and the charm of rural Kansas, they’ve decided to make Iola home. It all began last year when Simpson was recruited to play soccer for Allen Community College. He’d only talked with coaches and seen pictures on the internet, he said, but decided to take the leap and accept ACC’s offer. Simpson journeyed to the U.S. from Ledbury, Herefordshire, and since then has not only excelled on the soccer See HOME | Page A4
From left, Martin Sullivan, Lynsey Brown, Cameron Simpson and Patricia Outlan pose in front of their new home on South Washington Avenue. REGISTER/TREVOR HOAG
Teaching in the digital trenches By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register
my students but I understand the need for social distancing.
Teachers in USD 257 had to quickly adapt to an entirely new style of teaching when Gov. Laura Kelly announced March 17 that schools would be closed for the remainder of the school year. The district had about a week to design a new learning plan, with students doing their work at home and online. Five teachers representing a variety of schools, grades and subjects shared their experience three weeks into the Continuous Learning Plan. Regina Chriestenson is a speech and drama teacher at Iola High School. Linda Heffern is a sixth grade math teacher at Iola Middle School. Dianne Kauth is a math teacher at Iola High School. Heather Luedke is a second grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School. Gina Storrer is a third grade teacher at Lincoln El- Lincoln Elementary School third grade teacher Gina Storrer reads aloud to record a post on Class ementary School. Dojo, a virtual classroom. Reading aloud to students allows a teacher to model reading fluency and
People in the field of education are chameleons. We adapt and differentiGina ate materials for Storrer our students’ needs on a daily basis in the classroom. This is very similar to what we always do, our classrooms just look different. I’ve been collaborating with local colleagues and other teachers across the country through technology to find engaging learning opportunities for our students.
How are you coping with this situation?
My honest answer would be simply, OK. To make such a sudden change can be very jarring Regina Chriestenson and the transition was not easy. I have had to deal with the canceling or postponement of many big events that happen in the spring. Many people are grieving the end of the school year and I am included in that. I think USD 257 has come together and created great continuous learning for all of our students. I am the parVol. 122, No. 121 Iola, KS 75 Cents
provide better lessons on comprehension. COURTESY PHOTO ent of a kindergartner and preschooler and their teachers are working so hard for them. I know all the teachers and staff in our district are working hard and doing what is best for our students and families. I am very proud of everyone! Students still need structure and consistency. As an adult, I believe we all seek structure Linda and consistency. Heffern I know I need a schedule in my life to fulfill accomplishments, whether
2019 NATIONAL AWARD
it be completing household chores or my job. As a seasoned teacher, I can usually see what the students need to help them with future math problems. Everyone needs a good base of how to solve problems. I am sad that this has happened in our society, but on the positive side, am happy to have gotten to make that connection with our students already. When they email/call with questions, I have a good idea what they are asking since I know their individual learning accomplishments/ styles/struggles. If it had to happen, I’m glad that it was
at the end of the school year. My heart breaks for the seniors as they have lost almost an entire quarter. This means Dianne no prom, no Kauth spring play, no spring sports, no music performances and no graduation ceremony.
Heather Luedke
I am coping as well as I can. It isn’t ideal and I would much rather be in a classroom with
How are you keeping in touch with students/administrators/fellow teachers?
I have been texting, calling and emailing parents and students. I try to Chriestenson answer emails as quickly as possible. To be honest, it is pretty overwhelming because you have so many different forms of communication you are using, however, I want anyone with a question or concern to be able to contact me, so I just try to go with the flow. I have also scheduled Zoom meetings to check in with students and answer questions. It is also nice to just see them for a short period of time. This week, theater and forensics students will have a big Zoom meeting to play some games together. My hope is it will allow them to still feel connected to the activities they enjoy and to each other. See TEACHERS | Page A5
The Employees of Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center Awarded
Top 100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare By Modern Healthcare magazine for the 12th consecutive year multiple national award for award-earning care