St. Michael's School, Mahnomen, MN
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s executive order to close schools on March 18, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic thrust St. Michael’s School faculty and students into distance learning. St. Michael’s School took an aggressive approach, not wanting students to lose precious learning opportunity. During the 8-day initial planning closure, we sent students home with learning packets. The faculty believed it was important to keep students engaged in learning and that 8 days with no learning would not be beneficial.
When Minnesota’s official distance learning started on March 30, 2020, St. Michael’s School students were already prepared for what distance learning would look like. Our plan included weekly learning packets paired with ZOOM meetings, posted videos of lessons, interaction through the SEESAW app, and phone calls with parents and students throughout each week. Though not an ideal way to conclude the school year, St. Michael’s School students and families stepped up to the challenge and won. Under the guidance of their parents, students maintained their grades, participated in activities, and completed their work. Teachers were available to students and parents throughout the school day and often into the evening to answer questions and provide further explanation of lessons. St. Michael’s School had 100% participation in distance learning.
The dedication of our students and families and commitment to their education is a direct reflection of the students’ belief in our school mission statement: “In the presence of God, St. Michael’s School provides a nurturing environment, academic excellence, and spiritual growth in order to prepare children to live wisely and serve faithfully.” They demonstrated that they didn’t need to be in the physical school building to be a part of the St. Michael’s School family and live out our mission.
To celebrate our students, the St. Michael’s School faculty placed yard signs in each family’s yard to show them how very proud we were of all they accomplished.
