Rowan-Salisbury Schools Maintain Learning and Nutrition During Storms

Rowan-Salisbury Schools (RSS) successfully resumed classes on January 26, 2024, following a two-hour delay, marking the first return to in-person learning since January 23. This interruption was caused by two severe winter storms that rendered roads hazardous. Despite the challenges, RSS implemented various strategies to ensure students remained engaged and continued their education during the closure.

Michelle Shue, RSS’s Director of Marketing and Communications, highlighted the importance of minimizing the impact of missed classroom time. She acknowledged that while in-person learning is irreplaceable, the school system took significant steps to ensure that instruction continued, thereby preventing students from falling behind. “There is no scenario where extended school closures don’t result in some loss of instructional time,” Shue stated.

To facilitate remote learning, students were equipped with iPads and MacBooks before the severe weather struck. They maintained access to educational platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Canvas, and Seesaw. To address potential technical issues, RSS established a help desk for families and provided direct support from Instructional Technology Facilitators. Shue emphasized that while nothing can replace in-person interaction, these resources helped sustain learning momentum.

The school system prioritized preventing learning deficits during the winter break. Extended absences can disrupt students’ routines and exacerbate learning gaps, particularly for those who rely on school for academic structure and support. “Remote learning allows learning to continue so students can have instruction and practice with grade-level standards, as well as reteaching opportunities,” Shue explained.

Not all instructional activities were conducted electronically. Recognizing that some students may not thrive in a digital environment, schools also offered printed materials and offline options to cater to diverse learning needs. This multifaceted approach aimed to keep students engaged, regardless of their home circumstances.

In addition to educational support, RSS addressed the nutritional needs of its students. Many students depend on the school system for meals, and ensuring their basic needs are met is integral to RSS’s mission. “While short-term weather closures don’t always allow for the same structured meal distribution as summer programs, schools and district staff worked to ensure students were supported before conditions worsened,” Shue noted.

Earlier this week, School Food Services received authorization to provide meals on remote learning days, adhering to federal guidelines. However, meals are only available to students enrolled in the traditional model and not to those in the Summit Virtual Academy. Designated pickup locations were established at one school in each community, allowing any student or guardian to collect meals from any location.

On January 24, nutrition staff successfully served 543 lunches and 543 breakfasts at various sites, with over 600 students benefiting from the service the following day. Clear communication with families was also emphasized, with RSS utilizing ParentSquare to relay timely updates, expectations, and resources during this period of disruption.

Overall, Rowan-Salisbury Schools demonstrated a commitment to maintaining educational continuity and supporting students’ nutritional needs during challenging winter weather conditions.