What the educators say
Access to the internet and up-to-date technology are big issues for many Rappahannock students. The county’s lack of broadband and reliable cell service have created inequalities among the student population.
Rappahannock County Public School system has provided 400 laptop computers and iPads to students. For those who have limited internet access 30 mobile “hotspots” have been provided for in-home use to connect through the Sprint network. More are on the way. Twenty additional locations around the county are offering free “driveup” Wi-Fi.
All are offering online teaching.
ROBIN BOLT, Executive Director of Administration, Rappahannock County Public Schools
“We have really worked hard to address the needs of our students. We do not want to leave anybody behind. For those with limited or no internet, teachers have pre-loaded lessons and assignments on flash drives that can be used with the computers. We are being creative looks at the current pandemic crisis “as a time for personal growth.”
and doing lots of work-arounds to ensure that our students have the necessary resources.”
JESSICA LINDSTROM,
Head of School, Wakefield Country Day School
“Although there was a learning curve at the beginning, I have been pleased with how successful the distance learning has been and how responsive the parents and students have been to the innovative ways their teachers are giving instruction.”
JOHN GLASS, Head of School at Belle Meade Montessori, said the school is continuing online with regularly scheduled core classes.
“There’s no substitute for in-person learning, but given the circumstances, our students are adapting well.”
RACHEL BYNUM,
Rappahannock County School Board
“In Virginia students are guided to be ‘life ready’ when they graduate, and that can mean participating as a family team member to take on responsibilities around the house or farm. These can be really valuable lessons, and I hope as many people as possible can see this as a time for personal growth.”
LYNNIE GENHO, Executive Director, Headwaters Foundation
“Take a deep breath. There is nothing that kids are missing out on right now that cannot be made up. What they’re experiencing now is an incredible education.”